Carcassonne 5 Day Itinerary

Carcassonne 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

Arrival: Fly into Carcassonne (CPF) or Toulouse Blagnac (TLS) airport. Alternatively, travel by train to Carcassonne station.

Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel de la Cité (within the medieval city), Le Donjon (a budget-friendly option), or Château de Lauragais (for a more luxurious experience).

Activities: Visit the Carcassonne Fortress, wander through the Bastide Saint-Louis, and explore the Tower of the Counts for panoramic views.

Dinner: Dine at Café du Figuier, a charming restaurant with a terrace overlooking the city.

Day 2: Historical Sites & Wineries

Activities: Visit Château Comtal, the medieval castle within Carcassonne, and explore the underground passages and towers. Head to the nearby hilltop village of Labastide-de-Penne for a taste of rural life. Don’t miss the Roman Nimes Arena.

Wineries: Take a tour and tasting at Château Lacugne, Domaine de la Rivoire, or Château Calissanne.

Dinner: Have dinner at La Table du Château in Labastide-de-Penne, offering a menu featuring local products.

Day 3: Canals & Countryside

Activities: Explore the Canal du Midi, stroll along the towpath or rent a boat for a scenic trip. Visit the charming village of Port-la-Nouvelle and its beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the Lock of Trèbes.

Lunch: Have lunch at L’écluse, located by the canal in Trèbes.

Dinner: Dine at Le Bistrot des Peintres in Carcassonne, with a menu inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

Day 4: Cathar Country & Castles

Activities: Discover the Cathar Country, visiting medieval hilltop castles such as Château de Queribus and Château de Peyrepertuse. Learn about the region’s history at the Museum of the Cathar Country in Montolieu.

Dinner: Have dinner at Le Jardin des Bénédictines in Montolieu, offering a refined menu in a charming setting.

Day 5: Departure

Activities: Spend your last morning exploring the local markets in Carcassonne or nearby towns like Narbonne for fresh produce and souvenirs. Depart from Carcassonne airport or Toulouse Blagnac airport.

Tips: Carcassonne can get very crowded during peak seasons, so try to visit early in the day or consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets. Be prepared for hills and uneven terrain within the medieval city.

Transportation: The best way to navigate Carcassonne is on foot; consider renting a car to explore the surrounding areas. Trains connect Carcassonne with major cities in France.