Carcassonne-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive in Carcassonne and check-in to your accommodation. We recommend staying at a hotel within the city walls for easy access to attractions.
  • 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Carcassonne Cathedral (La Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne), a beautiful example of Gothic architecture in the heart of the old town.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break and grab lunch at La Loge des Rêves, a cozy bistro with delicious local cuisine. Try their famous Cassoulet, a traditional dish from the south of France!
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the medieval city, including the Place Saint-Nazaire and the Porte d’Aude, one of the original gates to the city.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the Carcassonne Visitor Centre to get an overview of the city’s history and plan your next day’s activities.

Places to Go:

  • Carcassonne Cathedral (La Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne)
  • Place Saint-Nazaire
  • Porte d’Aude
  • La Loge des Rêves

Activities:

  • Explore the medieval city
  • Visit the Carcassonne Visitor Centre

Where to Eat:

  • La Loge des Rêves

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel within the city walls (recommended)

Day 2: Castles and Vineyards

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Château de Peyrepertuse, a 12th-century castle ruin perched on a hilltop. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Domaine Gayda, a local vineyard that offers wine tastings and tours. Learn about the production process and sample some of their excellent wines!
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at the domaine’s restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • 3:30 PM: Visit the nearby village of Rouffiac, a charming example of a traditional Occitan village.

Places to Go:

  • Château de Peyrepertuse
  • Domaine Gayda
  • Rouffiac

Activities:

  • Wine tasting at Domaine Gayda
  • Castle visit at Château de Peyrepertuse

Where to Eat:

  • Domaine Gayda’s restaurant

Day 3: The City Walls and Canal du Midi

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day by walking along the top of the Carcassonne city walls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Take a boat tour or simply walk alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Le Jardin des Arènes, a restaurant with delicious local cuisine and a lovely outdoor seating area.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée de l’École (School Museum), which showcases the history of education in Carcassonne.

Places to Go:

  • Carcassonne city walls
  • Canal du Midi
  • Le Jardin des Arènes

Activities:

  • Walk along the city walls
  • Boat tour on the Canal du Midi

Where to Eat:

  • Le Jardin des Arènes

Day 4: Markets and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Carcassonne Saturday Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • 11:30 AM: Head back to your accommodation to pack up and check out.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell lunch at La Maison du Vigneron, a restaurant with delicious local cuisine and a lovely outdoor seating area.

Places to Go:

  • Carcassonne Saturday Market

Activities:

  • Explore the market

Where to Eat:

  • La Maison du Vigneron

Things to Know:

  • The city walls can be steep and uneven in some areas, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • Be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season (June-August).
  • Don’t miss trying some of the local specialties, such as Cassoulet or Tarte aux Pommes.

Transportation:

  • Carcassonne has a small airport with flights to major European cities.
  • The city is also connected by train and bus to other French cities.
  • Parking can be challenging in the old town, so consider using public transportation or parking outside the walls.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the city walls at sunset!
  • Visit the nearby village of Minervois, a charming example of a traditional Occitan village.
  • Take a cooking class to learn about local cuisine and recipes.