I am considering visiting the area around Carcassonne in a couple of weeks time (not in the caravan, but in a gite) and would like to hear from anyone who has stayed in the area. Apart from the Medieval City, what other things are on your 'must do and see' list? We will have 4 days there. Thanks in advance.
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We have visited the area twice staying in a gite although as it was to the NE of Carcassonne that is the area I know.
A "must" is to see the four ruined Cathar castles at Lastours - a spectacular setting. The path up is pretty tough but well worth it. Thay can also be viewed from the "belvedere" across the valley on the D701.
Other things worth doing;
Drive up into the Black Mountain via Cabrespine and the D112 for some great views back over the plain to the Med.
The abbey at Caunes-Minervois is worth a visit - also a bit further out is the former Cathar stronghold of Minerve.
Castlenaudary about 20 miles west of Carcassonne is the home of the famous "Cassoulet" dish.
Local wines are very good value for money - you should be able to pick up a well gluggable bottle for less than 3 euro.
One last thing - in the old city of Carcassonne, "Le Bar a Vins" do a very good plate of charcuterie and a decent bottle of the local wine if you fancy lunch.
It was a good few years back, but we did an overnight at Carcassonne on the way down to a Static at Argeles Sur Mer.
We found a Logis almost in the centre within a short walk to the castle, the car-park was like a tunnel set into the walls of the street, beneath the Logis.
It was an amazing stop over, and being mid July the castle was alive at night, with all manner of stuff taking place.
One of the most memorable stop overs we have ever done, maybe only second to Chamonix another amazing place of an evening.
I agree with Francais, the old Cite is at it's best in the evening, certainly in summer. We were there in late June the first time we ever visited, and walked up a hill from the 'new' town, through a small wooden door, and found the whole place alive and buzzing. It does (nowadays) tend a bit towards the Tourist Tat in some areas, but disregard that and marvel over the construction!
As to other must sees, what do you like? If you like natural things then you may love the dry river bed and the 'land-bridge' at Minerve - you can walk underneath and that too is a bit 'magical'. The village of Minerve is worth a walk-around too, and the Tea Room and library does a great coffee! La Grasse, east towards the Med, may also interest you - another lovely Abbey there, working, with the monks still in residence.
A jaunt along the Canal du Midi, with lunch at Trebes or Capestang (great Wine Cave there - the Enserune wines are lovely, and very good value) alongside the Canal.
If you like markets, then find local markets in the area - the one at Capestang is good in summer, Limoux all year round, and we've never done a market in Carcassonne.
I think you will more than fill your four days! Wish we were there - our friend has a house near to Carcassonne, and we have keys, but haven't visited since May 2012.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks for all the tips on where to go. I have been busy with end-of-term stuff so haven't had the chance to look back on here. Our new passports have arrived this morning so I can start planning our holiday. There certainly seems lots to do in this part of France.
If you are into the Cathars, crusaders, all the holy grail stuff a la Da Vinci Code etc, there's Montsegur and Rennes La Chateau as well as other sites.
On an aside, Channel 4 are showing a production of Kate Mosse's novel 'Labyrinth' on Saturday and Sunday night. It's centred on Carcassone and surrounding areas.
We have visited the area twice staying in a gite although as it was to the NE of Carcassonne that is the area I know.
A "must" is to see the four ruined Cathar castles at Lastours - a spectacular setting. The path up is pretty tough but well worth it. Thay can also be viewed from the "belvedere" across the valley on the D701.
Other things worth doing;
Drive up into the Black Mountain via Cabrespine and the D112 for some great views back over the plain to the Med.
The abbey at Caunes-Minervois is worth a visit - also a bit further out is the former Cathar stronghold of Minerve.
Castlenaudary about 20 miles west of Carcassonne is the home of the famous "Cassoulet" dish.
Local wines are very good value for money - you should be able to pick up a well gluggable bottle for less than 3 euro.
One last thing - in the old city of Carcassonne, "Le Bar a Vins" do a very good plate of charcuterie and a decent bottle of the local wine if you fancy lunch.
I do agree with Longcol about Lastours being a must
Veiw of the castles from the belvedere
At Carcassonne we have entered Le Cite from each of the 3 entrances currently open and the best approach for views etc is via the Porte d'Aude, the entrance to Carcassonne from the barbican
We were disappointed with the centre of town, Bastide St Louis, the medieval town centre of modern Carcassonne, much prefering Le Cite side of the river in the area of the barbican. The market in the centre of town was but a few food stalls - very disappointing for France. The two large churches in St Louis are both worth seeing as is the area around the station to the north where the Canal du Midi comes through town. The walks and cycle trails on the Cite side of the river are excellent. The best views of Le Cite are from the south west from the side of the D342 or the un-numbered parallel road north of it.
Or the Gorges de Galamus - much nearer (at 73 km), perhaps not as spectactular, but the walk to the Hermitage, and the atmosphere when you get inside, is magical!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Carcassonne
