Aude takes its name from the river that flows through it, its capital, Carcassonne, one of the most instantly recognisable towns in France, its walled medieval Cité restored in the nineteenth century. Carcassonne's own airport keeps the department connected to the UK and beyond. Rich in medieval and Roman history, Aude holds two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Cité of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, which passes directly through the town. Away from the main historic attractions, buyers will find Narbonne, a lively Roman town with its own canal and cathedral, and the Corbières and Minervois hills, dotted with Cathar castles and vineyards producing well-regarded wine. Aude is also noted for remaining one of the least discovered departments in the south of France, with a population density around half the national average. A Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild winters. Property here ranges from a townhouse in Carcassonne or Narbonne, a vineyard property in the Corbières, or a coastal home near Gruissan or Leucate. With medieval heritage, wine and space, it remains one of the south's best-value departments. Houses in Aude currently average €1,600/m².