Carcassonne 4 Day Itinerary

Carcassonne 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City & Cité de Carcassonne

Morning:

  • Check-in at your accommodation (recommendations below)
  • Breakfast at a local café, e.g., Le Café du Figaro or La Cloche d’Or
  • Visit Carcassonne Bas-Ville (Lower Town): Stroll around the charming streets, visit the Saint-Nazaire Basilica, and enjoy the vibrant market on Saturdays.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Cité de Carcassonne (Upper Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore the fortified city, walk along the city walls, and visit the Museum of the Middle Ages to learn about the history of Carcassonne.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Chez Marie or Le Jardin du Rempart, both offering excellent traditional French cuisine with a view of the Cité.

Day 2: Wine Tasting & La Livinière

Morning:

  • Drive to La Livinière (approximately 30 minutes), a wine-growing village in the Minervois region.
  • Visit wineries like Château L’Hospitalet or Domaine de Cala for wine tastings and tours.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Auberge de La Romanie, a Michelin-starred restaurant in La Livinière, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Return to Carcassonne for some relaxation or explore more of the Lower Town.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Restaurant Le Château, which offers a range of dishes and has an excellent wine list.

Day 3: Canal du Midi & Narbonne

Morning:

  • Drive to Capestang (approximately 20 minutes) and embark on a boat tour along the Canal du Midi. Book your tour with Compagnie Fluvial de Méditerranée or Nav’Canal.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Narbonne (approximately 30 minutes), a picturesque town with a rich history. Explore the Narbonne Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the Roman Arena.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Le Bistrot de la Gare in Narbonne or return to Carcassonne for dinner at Le Prieuré or La Table d’Ambroise.

Day 4: Pic Saint Loup & Departure

Morning:

  • Drive to Pic Saint Loup (approximately 50 minutes), a beautiful hill in the Languedoc region known for its vineyards and castles.
  • Visit Château de Pennautier, Château de Clos d’Albères, or another winery for wine tastings and tours.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Carcassonne, have lunch at a favorite spot from the previous days, or try Le Tapas de Quinoa.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing before your departure.

Accommodations:

  • Budget: Kyriad Carcassone Centre
  • Mid-Range: Hotel de la Cité
  • Luxury: Château de Pennautier

Transportation:

  • Rent a car for easier exploration of the region, or use public transportation (buses and trains) for a more eco-friendly option.

Things to Know:

  • Carcassonne can be quite touristy during peak season, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for a less crowded experience.
  • French is the primary language spoken in Carcassonne, but English is widely understood by shopkeepers and restaurant staff.
  • The area is famous for its wines, especially Minervois, Corbières, Fitou, and Muscat de Frontignan.