Carcassonne-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Medieval City

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive in Carcassonne and check-in at your accommodation. We recommend Hotel Le Jardin or Les Clos de Minervois, both located within the medieval city walls.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Carcassonne Medieval City (Basilique Notre-Dame de la Décollation, Place du Château). Wander through the narrow streets and alleys, taking in the stunning architecture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the view from the top of the city walls!
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Table de Cassoulet, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Languedoc dishes.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Carcassonne Visitor Centre ( Maison des Pèlerins) for an introduction to the city’s history and a map of the surrounding area.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Place du Château, the main square of the medieval city, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 2: Castle and Vineyards

  • 9:30 AM: Visit Carcassonne Castle (Château de Carcassonne), a stunning medieval fortress that dominates the landscape. Explore the castle’s walls, towers, and ramparts.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to La Cité Wine Cellar, located within the castle walls, for a wine tasting and tour of their vineyards.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Le Relais des Vieux, a charming restaurant with a focus on local produce and wine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the nearby Montségur Vineyard (Domaine de Montségur) for a tour of their vineyards and a tasting of their wines.

Day 3: City Walls, Markets, and Parks

  • 9:30 AM: Walk along the Carcassonne City Walls, exploring the various gates and towers.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Carcassonne Market (Marché Couvert), a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. Don’t miss the St. Peter’s Church nearby.
  • 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at Les Cols de Minervois, which offers a range of Mediterranean dishes.
  • 3:00 PM: Relax in the beautiful Montmorency Park (Parc des Montmorencys), a tranquil oasis within the city walls.

Day 4: Canal du Midi and Abbeville

  • 9:30 AM: Take a stroll along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rent a bike or take a guided tour to explore this picturesque waterway.
  • 12:00 PM: Visit La Table de Cassoulet, where you can enjoy lunch and admire the canal views.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the charming village of Abbeville, known for its historic church, medieval buildings, and vibrant market.

Day 5: Minervois Countryside

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Le Mas de la Couleuvre, a wine estate offering wine tastings and tours of their vineyards.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the nearby village of Aillet, where you can explore its quaint streets, visit the church, and enjoy lunch at Le Relais des Vieux.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the stunning Fontfroide Abbey (Abbaye de Fontfroide), a medieval monastery with beautiful gardens.

Day 6: Medieval City and Departure

  • 9:30 AM: Spend your last morning exploring the Carcassonne Medieval City, visiting any sites you missed earlier.
  • 11:00 AM: Grab breakfast at Les Cols de Minervois, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your accommodation.
  • 12:30 PM: Depart for the airport, or head home with memories of your time in Carcassonne.

Tips and Essentials

  • Transportation: The medieval city is easily walkable. However, you may want to rent a car for exploring the surrounding area.
  • Getting Around: Use public parking lots or park near the entrance of the medieval city. Be prepared for narrow streets and alleys within the city walls.
  • Food: Enjoy local specialties like cassoulet, confit de canard, and fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try some of the region’s famous wines!
  • Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Weather: Carcassonne has a Mediterranean climate. Pack for warm weather (June-September) or cooler temperatures (April-May, September-October).

Other Recommendations

  • Hiking and Cycling: Explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike.
  • Day Trips: Visit nearby towns like Toulouse, Albi, or Narbonne.
  • Nightlife: Enjoy dinner at one of Carcassonne’s many restaurants, followed by a relaxing evening stroll through the medieval city.