Campagne-Sur-Aude offers several ways to shape your stay: traces of a former fortification, the Bellevue fossil deposit, a landscape along the Aude, and seasonal offerings centered on markets and hikes. When planning, consider whether you would rather focus on local history, fossils, or outdoor activities.

A walk and Templar history

A circular promenade runs along the site of the former filled-in defensive ditch. The route follows the outline of an older settlement layout: where the ditch once lay, the promenade is now located. This connection between the former fortification and today’s layout of the village offers a tangible introduction to the history of Campagne-Sur-Aude.

The village is also home to a circular Templar fort dominated by a keep. The church dedicated to Saint Sébastien was the former place of worship for the Templar complex. The fort and church point to different aspects of this history: the fort as a Templar structure, and the church through its former religious function. Those interested in historic sites will find more than one point of interest here.

The Aude, vineyard-covered slopes, and fossils

Campagne-Sur-Aude lies between vine-covered slopes and along the Aude’s shady banks. The river borders the village and also formed its first historical boundaries. Landscape and history are connected here in a tangible way: the Aude is part of both the riverside landscape described here and the village’s early boundary lines.

The Bellevue excavation site offers a different focus. It is one of France’s richest fossil deposits. Remains found there include turtles and crocodiles, as well as other animals and plants. Bellevue thus complements the village’s medieval points of interest with a paleontological theme. For your trip planning, it offers a distinct option alongside the fort, church, and riverside landscape.

Market, cellar tour, and hikes

The gourmet producers’ market in the village center takes place on Tuesday evenings during the week of July 14 and on Tuesday evenings during the week of August 15. Offerings include poultry, veal and mutton, jams, and fruit. Since the market days fall during specific weeks, check the dates before your trip if you are planning to visit.

Maison Salasar offers guided cellar tours by reservation for €10 per person. The reservation and price are therefore specific details to keep in mind when planning this visit. The market, meanwhile, is tied to two seasonal weeks; the cellar tour follows a different schedule, as a reservation is required.

In 2026, Cathar Rando offers walks, as well as half-day and full-day hikes in Campagne-Sur-Aude. The listed hiking options differ in their intended duration, with walks providing an additional choice. Also in 2026, the offer includes support for bivouac stays and sections of the Sentier Cathare. Necessary equipment, such as tents and mattresses, is available for rent. Cathar Rando also offers luggage transport on the Sentier Cathare. The hiking options, bivouac equipment, and luggage transport can therefore be considered as distinct aspects of trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Quillan, Belvianes-Et-Cavirac, Villebazy, Coursan, Ribaute, Lairière, Lauraguel, Cailhau.

For the broader travel overview: Aude.