Situated between the coast and the mountains, rich in "garrigue"(wild
herbs, salads and wild asparagus), forests, pastures and vines, the Aude offers
also a large choice in quality products.
The weekly markets(1) propose delicious local foods.
Try also the "halles" of Narbonne http://www.narbonne.halles.fr/ and Carcassonne where you can get
your fresh products every morning. Or like the locals do, by your fresh products
and have them prepared « à la plancha » in the little bars of the hals
in Narbonne.
Fresh fish(from the sea and the rivers),oysters, mussels and
sea food(2), wild boar, meet and chicken from local farmers, goat and sheep
cheese, honey, olive oil, farm products(5), almonds,
truffles and wild mushrooms, foie gras, sweet onions, rice , salt(3)
and ofcourse the famous cassoulet(4), popular dish of
the French.
There are also renomated restaurants , one has a stars
Michelin located in the Corbières.see: links
The local bars in general serve simple but good food at very interesting prices
certainly at noon time.
You can find all addresses and a "gastronomic" brochure on the website
http://www.audegourmande.asp
(1) list of daily markets, additional
in summer period you will find several flee markets and evening markets proposing
local food specialties, at the beaches ; food and clothes markets, the one
in St Pierre sur mer is famous
agenda local producers markets: http://www.audetourisme.com/en/gastronomy/local-products-markets.php
(2) lovers of sea food must visit "le village des pêcheurs" at the entrance
of Port Leucate where you can taste oysters and mussels directly at the producers
shedshttp://village des ostreiculteurs.php , and also in Gruissan direction plage des chalets.
And of course the famous vine regions of Corbières, Minervois
and Fitou , who offer good and even high quality vines,
the Muscat deRivesaltes and St Jean de Minervois,sweet
aperitif wine, and the pearl wine Blanquette de Limoux.
Besides the known Vins des Pays, you will also discover famous A.O.C. wines, major
red wines of high quality, significant lower priced than those from Bordeaux or
Burgondy.
Guides of the different vine regions:
les vins de l'aude and les vignobles audois
There are numerous individual cellars and co-operatives where you can taste and
buy wine directly. The vine growers actually face economical difficulties, taste
their wines and support them !
Some links :
detailed websites, all addresses of wine producers, wine taste tips etc http://www.vins-languedoc-roussillon.fr
In Portel des Corbières, you can visit the underground cellars of Terra
Vinea". The storage of wine in caves is recommended because of
the ideal temperature regulation. http://www.terra-vinea.com
And from June till September numerous wine tasting events, accompanied with food and music, on the wine estates, for dates and program, check your local agenda
