Carcassonne 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Historic Carcassonne

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at your accommodation. Recommended stays include Hotel de la Cité (inside the fortified city) or Hôtel le Donjon (a short walk away).
    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes like Le Petit Château or La Cloche d’Or.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through its medieval streets. Don’t miss the Château Comtal, the Tours Barbara, and the Maison des Consuls.
    • Take a stroll along the city walls for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
    • Have lunch at Le Jardin des Vestiges, offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist.

  • Evening:

    • Explore the lower town (Basse-Ville) and its vibrant marketplace. Visit the Eglise Saint-Nazaire, the Sainte-Marie basilica, and the Musée des Beaux Arts.
    • Dine at La Cité or Chez Marie for a taste of local dishes like cassoulet or poulet basquaise.

Day 2: Discover Surrounding Villages & Wineries

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, head to the nearby village of La Nadale and explore its picturesque cobblestone streets and Romanesque church.
    • Visit the Abbey of St. Hilaire, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Languedoc.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards like Château de Pennautier or Château Mas De Gourgue.
    • Have lunch at the vineyard or in the village of Pezens, known for its gastronomic restaurants such as Le Grand’Ristou.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Carcassonne and relax along the River Aude.
    • Dine at Le Prieuré, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

Day 3: Relax & Depart

  • Morning:

    • Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs in Basse-Ville or take a boat tour on the River Aude to see Carcassonne from a different perspective.
    • Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before checking out.

  • Transportation:

    • Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region. Alternatively, you can use public transportation with trains and buses connecting Carcassonne to nearby towns and villages.
    • Walking is the best way to explore Carcassonne itself as it’s quite compact.

  • Things to Know:

    • Carcassonne can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season (July and August). Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
    • The town is famous for its summer music festival, Les Son et Lumière de Carcassonne, which takes place every year from July to September.
    • French is the primary language spoken in Carcassonne, but many locals also speak English, especially those working in the tourism industry.