The Aude (department 11), is a little known region of southern France that is an absolute gem for motorcycling, and motorcycle tourism.
Get away from the towns, off the beaten track, where the roads are beautifully surfaced and free of traffic, allowing you to enjoy the ride and the ever changing terrain.

The town of Montreal is dominated by the Collegiale St.Vincent, which has some bloody history from the time of the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century.
In 1209, Montréal was taken and razed by Simon de Montfort´s troops.
The Lord of Lavaur and Montréal, was hanged, his sister was thrown into a well, 80 of his knights were executed and up to 400 Cathars were burned to death.
In 1273 the erection of the new castle started - and probably the church seen here was built in a "Tolosan-Gothic" style at the same time. It was completed, using locally quarried pink marble, in 1318.
Recently the Collegiale has been subjected to many phases of restoration, inside and out.
The impressive Puget pipe organ has recently undergone a €1.2 million restoration & is due to give its first public performance in May 2024.

Leaving Montreal you will ride along the ridge overlooking vines of the Malapere & the valley with all of the main transport links, old and new.
There is the Canal du Midi, the main railway line and the Autoroute, which our route stays well away from.
As you near the airport on the outskirts of Carcassonne, you may spot the angled junction signed ‘Grezes’, which is where the route of the old racing circuit leaves the main road on its clockwise lap of the airport.
This is a ‘forgotten’ circuit from the 1930s, used mainly for motorcycle racing.
Our route passes the Aeroport de Sud and we are then forced to circumnavigate Carcassonne as there are so few bridges over the Aude river.

Once over the Aude, the route eventually crests a rise giving a nice view of the castle, or ‘La Cite’ as it is called locally.
Follow the route to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is ample, free, motorcycle parking in the triangle opposite the main entrance.
Entry to the La Cite is free, although there is an entrance fee for some sections.
It is well worth a visit as it steeped in history, but can be a bit touristy.
There has been a castle on this site since Roman times, they occupied it until the 5th century, it has since passed through the hands of the Visigoths, the Saracens and the Franks, becoming a stronghold in the 12th century.
The castle as you see it now is the result of a controversial restoration in the 19th century.

Once back on the road, you will head towards Trebes before joining the flowing tarmac through the Corbieres and gorge to Lagrasse, officially one of Frances most beautiful villages.
Take the time to stroll around the medieval streets and visit the Abbey.

Leaving Lagrasse gets you into the real riding part of the route as the road continues to twist and turn its way through the Corbieres.
Whilst this section is a great road to ride, it is also worth taking in the lovely scenery and views that this region has to offer.
As you approach Arques, the remains of the 13th century chateau come into view. All that now remains of the original structure is the restored keep, after an assault by the Protestants in the 16th century destroyed the outer walls.
Visits are possible for a small fee.
After a coffee in Couiza, the route turns north and follows the Aude river valley to Limoux.
Limoux is reputedly the home to the world oldest sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux was first created by Benedictine Monks in 1521 at nearby St Hilaire Abbey.
Allegedly Dom Perignon visited and worked with the monks & later took the ‘methode’ away with him to create Champagne in Epernay.

Leaving Limoux the route takes us back through the vineyards of the Malapere (bad stone) region to the start / finish point in Montreal.