Carcassonne 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Carcassonne

Day 1: Arrival & City Discovery

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel de la Cite, a stunning medieval hotel within the fortified city. Book here

  • Activities: Visit the Château Comtal, walk along the city walls, and explore the Basilica of Santa-Marie. Don’t forget to take a stroll in the lower town (Basse Ville).

  • Food & Drink: Dine at Auberge du Cloitre for an authentic French cuisine experience. Menu

  • Things to Know: Carcassonne is divided into the Upper Town (Cité de Carcassonne) and the Lower Town (Basse Ville). The Upper Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Canal du Midi & Wine Tasting

  • Activities: Take a boat trip on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or rent bikes and explore at your own pace. Visit the Fonseranes vineyard for wine tasting. More info

  • Food & Drink: Lunch at Le Clos de la Cité, overlooking the canal. Menu

Day 3: Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Activities: Visit the medieval town of Minerve and the Cathar Castles, including Château de Quéribus and Château de Peyrepertuse. Guided tour

Day 4: Market Day & Cooking Class

  • Activities: Spend the morning at Carcassonne’s market (open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings). In the afternoon, join a cooking class to learn traditional French dishes. Cooking class

  • Food & Drink: Dinner at Le Jardin des Vignes, serving Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Menu

Day 5: Relaxation & Exploration

  • Activities: Spend the day relaxing at one of the nearby beaches (such as Gruissan Plage) or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne for art enthusiasts.

  • Food & Drink: Lunch at Le Créneau, a cozy restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lower town. Menu

Day 6: Departure

  • Transportation: Carcassonne has an airport (CCF), but it may be more convenient to travel by train to nearby cities such as Toulouse, Montpellier, or Perpignan. Check SNCF for train schedules and bookings.

Tips:

  • Carcassonne can get quite busy during the peak season (July & August), so it’s best to arrive early at popular sites to avoid long queues.
  • French is the primary language spoken in Carcassonne, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • The city has a rich history, so consider purchasing a guidebook or hiring a local guide to maximize your experience.
  • Enjoy your trip!