Castelnaudary is a town located in the heart of Cathar Country! Just 50 minutes from Toulouse and 30 minutes from Carcassonne, this small town in the Aude region is rich in history and heritage.
World capital of Cassoulet , Castelnaudary is a pleasant town to discover for those who love nature, French culture and team sports.
In Castelnaudary, life is good all year round and there are so many activities to discover in the rest of this article.

Summary
Top 5 things to do in Castelnaudary
1- Explore the city
This small town in the Aude region boasts several popular tourist attractions, both summer and winter. The Saint-Michel Cathedral , a jewel of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century, the Cugarel Mill , and Place Verdun ... A morning is enough to stroll through the town and enjoy the narrow streets rich in history!
In summer, guided tours of the mill are offered by the tourist office. Don't hesitate to ask for details!
Take the opportunity to discover the local shops and artisans
2- Discover the Canal du Midi
For outdoor enthusiasts, this town offers many opportunities for hiking and water sports along the Canal du Midi and in the surrounding area.
You can enjoy the richness of nature on foot, by bike or even by barge for a longer or shorter trip.
In Castelnaudary, the large basin is a place not to be missed.
In the surrounding area, don't hesitate to discover the Naurouze threshold or the Saint Ferriol lake!
A little history: The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Pierre-Paul Riquet and connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea.
Every year, thousands of tourists decide to travel it and stop in Castelnaudary and the surrounding area to enjoy the scenery.
3- Enjoy a good Cassoulet
Renowned for its local gastronomy, Castelnaudary is nicknamed the world capital of cassoulet , a traditional French dish made with white beans and meat. You can enjoy cassoulet in one of the town's many restaurants, or take part in the cassoulet festival, which takes place every August.
Cassoulet even comes in a dessert version! For those with a sweet tooth, succumb to the temptation of the irresistible frozen cassoulet, a frozen dessert coated in nougatine.
4- Visit the surrounding area
Languedoc-Roussillon is a region brimming with history and teeming with historic buildings! During your stay, be sure to explore the surrounding villages and their historic buildings.
We offer you:
- Saissac , 30 km from Castelnaudary with its medieval castle dating from the 11th century
- Saint Papoul with its Abbey, a jewel of Romanesque architecture in France, very well preserved.
- Fanjeaux : with its hikes through breathtaking landscapes and its Catholic history
- Tourist sites of the Cathar castles : Montségur Castle, Quéribus Castle, Peyrepertuse Castle, Puilaurens Castle and Termes Castle.
5- Escape and discover Carcassonne
35 km from Castelnaudary, the city of Carcassonne , renowned for its city and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city to discover for its unique architectural heritage, its fascinating history and its vibrant culture.
Visitors can participate in guided tours, cultural events, and musical performances! The city of Carcassonne is a must-see for history and culture lovers spending a weekend in Cathar Country!
Our recommendations
Here is a list of other events not to be missed in Castelnaudary
The farmers' market, Monday morning
- May: Plant Swap
- August: The 3-day cassoulet festival, festive atmosphere, DJ and gastronomy
- Meetings around rugby