Do you need to learn French before you visit the Aude?
If you haven't been to France you've probably heard stories about the French and their general impatience with tourists. Nothing could be further from my experience. Maybe it has to do with expectations. I'm going to experience things in another country. I expect them to be different.
If you do plan to learn French then one of the best audio teachers is French with Michel Thomas
My French is now fine for everyday use but in 1999 it was definitely menu and bathroom level. I got by with lots of smiles and hand gestures and a phrase book.
Certainly in Paris you can almost always find someone who speaks English. In the Aude, you almost always can't. Another difference, in Paris people are abrupt and can seem rude. Sort of like New York.
So ... the question. Do you have to learn French for a trip to the Aude.
Depends what you mean by learning French. You certainly don't need to be fluent but a few words and phrases go a long way. So does a big smile. People really appreciate the effort and they'll help with the right word.
Get a phrase book and learn a few phrases. Especially learn how to say:
"I'm sorry but I don't speak French."
"Could you speak more slowly, please"
"Two glasses of red wine, please"
"Where is the toilet?"
"How much is that?"
"Hello"
"Goodbye"
"Please"
"Thank you"
In 1999 I spent two weeks in Aude with my daughter who speaks wonderful French. I knew that I would be so intimidated that I wouldn't even try. Before we left she said "Okay Mum, you have to talk French when we're away so I won't say anything until after you get the information we need." And she didn't.
So I asked for directions, ordered lunch, and found the toilets. After I had the basic information she would start to talk. People were fascinated, if she was so fluent, why was I asking the questions? But they liked the answer. "Because" pointing at me, "she has to learn to speak French."
Her best tip for speaking French.
When you say something and the person says "Pardon?" don't panic and switch to English. Just make eye contact and repeat what you said, but clearly, without mumbling. Chances are they really didn't hear you, not that they didn't understand.
And remember, in a lot of cases, you can smile and point.
There are a number of online French lessons, some free, some not. Look around the web and find one that works for you.
If you're planning to live here you definitely need to speak French. You'll pick it up but it's a lot quicker if you have some kind of base to build on.
There is a very strong regional accent in the Aude which adds a challenge to understanding people here. When they say pain (bread) it sounds like pang. Une baguette sounds like una baguetta. Don't panic, you can always ask them to write the word. Bonne Chance!