Orbieu

The Orbieu is a river in southern France, a left tributary of the Aude. It rises in the Corbières massif in the Occitanie region and flows generally northeast across the Aude department before joining the Aude river.

The landscape along the Orbieu includes vineyards, garrigue and limestone hills. Its drainage basin lies mainly within the Aude department and is tied to agriculture, particularly viticulture in the Corbières. The river’s flow is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with higher discharge in spring and lower flows in late summer.

The Orbieu is not navigable for commercial traffic and is used primarily for irrigation and local land management. Along its banks, the river supports typical southern French riparian habitats, hosting flora and fauna adapted to seasonal variations. The river has historically contributed to the development of nearby communities and continues to play a role in regional ecology and agriculture.