Aude Gate

The Porte d'Aude

The Carcassonne audio-guided tour takes you out of the Medieval City through the Porte d'Aude, next to the count's castle. This picturesque setting, used for several film shoots, offers a magnificent viewpoint over the ramparts and the slope descending towards the river.

A gate facing the Aude

The gate takes its name from the Aude, the river that flows through Carcassonne and gave its own to the department. Rising in the Pyrenees, in the Carlit massif, it runs more than two hundred kilometres before reaching the Mediterranean. On the west side of the City, the gate was designed as a complex defensive system: climbing up, the attacker could not guess the path to follow, losing precious time under fire from troops posted in the towers and barbicans.

What there is to see

From the gate, the view of the western ramparts and the descent towards the Barbacane district is striking. Turning around, you can see the Tower of Justice, which belongs to the count's castle and was used, as its name suggests, to administer justice. The picturesque, highly photogenic route is one of the most appreciated in the City.

Practical information

The Porte d'Aude is crossed freely, on foot; it links the City to the Barbacane district and the church of Saint-Gimer, below. The slope is steep and the ground cobbled: good shoes are recommended. Access is open at all times, with no charge.

Where does the name Porte d'Aude come from ?

It faces the Aude, the river that flows through Carcassonne and gave its name to the department.

Has the Porte d'Aude been used in films ?

Yes, its distinctive setting has served as the backdrop for several shoots, which adds to its fame among visitors.