And what if this interlude, during which our travels are limited, was an opportunity to (re)discover theAude and the Pays Cathare from a new angle, that of your tablet or smartphone! While you’re waiting for a visit in the open air, here are 5 apps to help you get away from it all virtually and discover our region’s rich heritage and natural riches.

The “Pays Cathare, le Guide” application

While you’re waiting for a visit in the open air, discover 20 major sites in the Cathar region and enjoy a unique experience combining games, cultural mediation and tourist content. Interactive frescoes invite visitors to immerse themselves in Occitan culture, art and architecture, immerse themselves in castle life, learn to decipher the symbols decorating castles, churches and abbeys, and understand the ecosystems of the Aude region. Richly documented fact sheets offer keys to a better appreciation of the history, culture and nature of the Aude region from the comfort of your sofa.

Download the free application on Google store and App Store .

The “Fontfroide Insolite” application Learn about the history of the Cistercian abbey of Fontfroide, discover winegrowing and pastoralism in the Corbières, the wild flora and fauna of the massif, the forest glassworks, the Clauses honey factory and the Ollieux Romanis estate. On the program: interactive stops, videos, audio and photo commentaries, 360° overviews of Fontfroide Abbey, digital orientation table, Gpx trails to prepare your next hikes and other new content…

Available free of charge on Google store and App Store .

Castrum, the Game” application

From the comfort of your own home, take part in a great quest in “story” mode, playable remotely, to experience the great epic of the Cathars at the time of the Crusades. Combining culture, games, discovery and challenges, this immersive and educational application lets you take on the role of an Occitan lord in the 13th century. Face the Crusaders, build and defend your castle, outwit your opponents, collect as many artifacts as possible and save Occitan culture from annihilation. Are you up to the challenge?

Start the adventure now by downloading the (free) application from Google Store and App Store .

The “Au coeur des Collines Cathares” application

Take a virtual journey “Into the heart of the Cathar Hills” through a wealth of immersive content (videos, audio recordings, quizzes…). Discover the small hilltop villages of the Cathar hills between Toulouse and Carcassonne, the medieval town of Fanjeaux, Lacassaigne, Laurac-le-Grand or the Malepère massif at Montréal d’Aude. Escape guaranteed!

Free application on Google Store and App Store .

The “Birdwatching Nabonnaise” application

The Parc naturel de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée is offering a digital application for observing the birds, cinereous finches, white stilts, herons and other strange birds that populate the Mediterranean coastline, garrigues, lagoons, salt marshes and vineyards of the Aude. A rich database of over 80 illustrated sheets on the most frequently observed species is available. A fun and educational way to learn how to recognize them and find out more about their lifestyle, natural habitat, songs and calls.

Free download on Google Store and App Store .