Carcassonne 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Medieval City of Carcassonne

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café du Marché (Place Saint-Nazaire, 11100 Carcassonne). It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
  • Head to the Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the fortified walls for stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the Château Comtal (Castle) within the Cité, which offers a glimpse into the history of the city.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Le Jardin des Vestiges (2 Rue de la Cité, 11000 Carcassonne), located just outside the Cité. Their menu features a variety of French dishes.
  • After lunch, explore the Bastide Saint-Louis, the lower part of Carcassonne, which contrasts sharply with the medieval Cité. Visit the St. Louis Cathedral and the Canal du Midi.
  • If you’re interested in art, don’t miss the Museum of Modern Art (MAMCO) located in Bastide Saint-Louis.

Evening:

  • For dinner, head to Le Cloch’Art (3 Rue des Cordeliers, 11000 Carcassonne), a restaurant known for its regional cuisine.
  • Take a leisurely evening stroll along the banks of the Aude River or watch the sunset from one of the city’s many viewpoints.

Day 2: Surrounding Areas and Wine Tasting

Morning:

  • After breakfast, visit Château de la Mothe de Gascogne, a 14th-century castle located just outside Carcassonne. It offers beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits.
  • Head to the nearby village of Narbonne and explore its Roman ruins, including the Narbonne Cathedral and the Horreum Arcades.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Le Bistrot de la Place (Place de la République, 11100 Narbonne), a charming restaurant in Narbonne.
  • In the afternoon, visit a nearby wine region. The Minervois and Corbières are two popular wine regions near Carcassonne. Many vineyards offer tastings and tours.
  • One notable winery is Château de Pennautier (4 Rue du Château, 11300 Pennautier), which offers guided tours in English.

Evening:

  • Return to Carcassonne for dinner at Le Cep d’Or (5 Place Carnot, 11000 Carcassonne). This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a fine dining experience.
  • End your day with a relaxing walk along the Aude River or a visit to one of Carcassonne’s many bars for a local drink.

Transportation:

  • Carcassonne has an airport (CCF) with flights from several European cities. The TGV train station is in nearby Narbonne, offering connections to major French cities.
  • Within Carcassonne, walking is the best way to explore the city. Bike rentals are also available.

Things to Know:

  • The Cité de Carcassonne can be quite crowded during peak tourist season (July and August), so it’s best to visit early in the day or late in the evening.
  • Many businesses close for lunch between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, so plan your day accordingly.
  • English is not widely spoken outside of the main tourist areas, so learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful.