This tour starts in the historical and gastronomic capital of the Lauragais, in Castelnaudary. Traversed by the Canal du Midi, the town was built around its castle. The Chaurienne countryside is dotted with windmills set among the hillsides which give it all its charm. To do:

• Stroll along the Canal du Midi between the port and the 4 St Roch locks, passing by the Grand Bassin which offers one of the prettiest views of the town.

• Escape to the fortified village of Saint Papoul, in the heart of the narrow streets and timber-framed houses, then visit the cathedral abbey 10km from Castelnaudary.

• Succumb to indulgence by tasting the essential Castelnaudary cassoulet, famous throughout France.

This tour continues in the Lauragais plain, at Villasavary. This former fortified village from the 12th century is surrounded by hills, vineyards and green meadows. The colourful facades of the houses reflect the warm atmosphere that reigns there. To do:

• Stroll through the streets of the village and take advantage of a ray of sunshine to enjoy a break on a terrace.

• Stop at the Maison de la Randonnée to find out about the hiking trails with the most beautiful panoramas!

• Pass through the Porte Saliège, dating from the 13th century, the last vestige of the fortifications of the market town of Laurac, the Cathar, a few minutes from Villasavary. Around the village, nature lovers can observe the splendid panoramas over the plain, the Natura 2000 zone and its 26 species of protected birds.

Go back in time by following the "les dédales du temps" hiking trail starting from Villasavary, guided by the metal silhouettes of Théodore Denille, his son Léopold and the archaeologist. A 10.2km loop for approximately 3h of hiking.

Located at the confluence of the Hérault and the Vis, here you are in Cazilhac, known for its rich hydraulic heritage and its industrial past!

• Set off to discover its "les meuses" waterwheels and its canals. They once supplied the wire factories, fountains and mills of its neighbour Ganges.

• Explore the commune through its many paths, some of which offer a beautiful panorama as a surprise at the end of the walk!

• Discover caving, canyoning and adventure courses such as the Via Ferrata

• Go and take a look at the exterior of the town's castle (private) and the aqueduct built after the Revolution

Located in the Corbières, at the foot of the Alaric mountain, Fabrezan is the next stop on this tour. Surrounded by vineyards, this picturesque village, once fortified, possesses an authentic charm. To do:

• Visit the Charles Cros museum, to discover this colourful character, a 19th-century poet and inventor originally from Fabrezan.

• Wander through the centre of Fabrezan, discovering its past and admiring the Tour Carré, 30 metres high and dating from the 12th century

• Set off for a discovery trip inside the walls of Carcassonne, the unmissable fortified medieval city of Aude.

Walk alongside a donkey for a half-day or full-day hike in the Hautes Corbières. This unusual companion will perfectly motivate young hikers as well as older ones, who will happily entrust it with their backpacks.

Ideally situated 30 km east of Carcassonne, 10 km from Lézignan-Corbières and 15 from Minerve, Homps is known for its port on the Canal du Midi and its pleasant leisure lake. This small village loves to share its zest for life, its leisure activities and its wine with visitors.

To do:

• Stroll along the port on foot or during a bike ride

• Discover the many AOP Minervois wines at the Maison des vins du Minervois, on the port quayside (take the opportunity to taste a few)

• Enjoy a sightseeing boat trip from April to November

• Go for a swim at the nearby Lac de Jouarres

• Taste seasonal fruits and local produce at the superb Olonzac market (a 5-minute drive away), every Tuesday morning

Here you are halfway through this excursion in Cathar Country, in Port-la-Nouvelle. Located on the Aude coastline, this small town with a strong Mediterranean identity is full of gentleness between scrubland, Corbières and the azure blue of the sea. Its fishing and commercial port is the effervescent heart of the town. This stop allows you to get your fill of nature! To do:

• Storm Sainte Lucie Island, a regional nature reserve on the outskirts of Port-la-Nouvelle, constituting one of the last elements of the Corbières chain towards the Mediterranean Sea. Song of the cicadas and discovery of the fauna and flora with the thematic tours offered by the conservatory guides.

• Head to the fishing port at 5pm to stock up on fresh fish at the auction, authentic atmosphere guaranteed!

• Grant yourself a relaxing break on the huge beach of Port-la-Nouvelle. Swimming in the azure blue sea or a stroll along the beach which stretches from the mouth of the port to the cliff of Leucate, with a lively seafront and wild beach as a backdrop.

Amateur or experienced hikers? For amateurs, the sentier du Golfe Antique, bordering lagoons and ponds. For experienced hikers, the Sentier Cathare, in the heart of the wild Mediterranean scrubland, an exceptional preserved natural environment.

For this new stage, as part of Cathar Country, you are once again in the heart of a former fortified village, La Palme. While the remains of its fortifications are very much present, it is a completely new setting that awaits you with the Mediterranean Sea and the salt marshes. The reflections on the water offer a splendid sight across the ponds that join the sea! To do:

• Capture the view of Le Salin, between sea and scrubland during a ride on a miniature train or in a horse-drawn carriage.

• Enjoy a relaxing break and contemplate the sea on the wild Rouet beach, which stretches for 2km.

• Discover the remains of the village's historical heritage, its fortified gates, its drawbridge and the clock tower.

Head now for the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, to gain some altitude in the Aude Pyrenees at Quillan. A starting point for numerous excursions, prepare to be amazed by the vast panoramas of the Pyrenean foothills, between the Pays de Sault forest, the gorges and narrows of the Aude and the southern Corbières. To do:

• Travel back through the village's history, discovering its built heritage and the ruins of the 14th-century Quillan Castle, perched on the heights of the right bank of the Aude. From the castle, there is a beautiful view of the town as well as the surrounding mountains.

• Take to the water at Lac du Saint-Bertrand. A body of water with two basins: one for peaceful swimming with sand and pebble beaches shaded by trees, the other for the more athletic who can try paddleboarding, kayaking or even fishing.

• Set off on an adventure and test a sporting activity for a thrill at the Forge municipal centre. Choices include: rafting, climbing, forest jumping, white-water swimming or caving. The less adventurous can turn to one of the many hikes suited to their level, offering beautiful views of the Quillan cirque.

Lose yourself in the Labyrinthe Vert, a 4km loop for a 1h30 walk through a boxwood forest in the middle of a maze of enchanted-looking rocks full of mystery. To be enjoyed alone or with the family.

A few festivities to close this journey? Welcome to Limoux, capital of Blanquette but also of carnival and celebration! Proof of this is that Limoux can boast of having the longest carnival in the world, from January to March. Besides its festive side, Limoux possesses a heritage rich with nearly a millennium of history, including the Saint-Martin church or the Notre-Dame de Marceille basilica. To do:

• Taste a blanquette! Not the stew in sauce, but the emblematic wine of Aude, Blanquette de Limoux, the very first sparkling wine! Many wine estates offer the chance to discover their vineyards and the secrets of making this wine.

• Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Limoux. Is the carnival over? Never mind! Every weekend, festive programmes follow one after another, featuring festivals and animations! Head to the tourist office to find out the schedule of festivities.

• Wander through a museum or three. The Petiet Museum of Fine Arts with its Belle Époque charm exhibiting the works of this late 19th-century artist, the Automata Museum to meet characters inspired by tales and myths, or the unusual Piano Museum housed in a former church with a hundred pianos from the 19th century to the present day.

Set off on a hike of approximately 2h30 covering 7km "Sur les hauteurs de Laux et Ninaute" to discover the cradle of great wines that is Limoux, its festive atmosphere and its rich heritage.