Carcassonne 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Carcassonne: A Comprehensive Guide

Day 1 - Arrival and Exploring Carcassonne

  • Morning: Check-in at your accommodation (recommendations below). Freshen up and have breakfast.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Carcassonne Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a historical introduction to the city. Explore its fortified walls, towers, and beautiful inner courtyards.

  • Evening: Dine at La Clôture de l’Étang near the castle. It offers traditional French cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 2 - Discovering Old Carcassonne and Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, explore the narrow medieval streets, and admire the beautiful houses decorated with flowers.

  • Afternoon: Take a stroll around Bastide Saint-Louis, the lower town of Carcassonne, and visit its charming shops and cafes.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Jardin des Vestiges, offering a selection of local dishes in a picturesque setting.

Day 3 - Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Morning: Visit Minervois Wine Region. Join a wine tour or explore vineyards on your own. Taste some of the region’s renowned wines.

  • Afternoon: Head to Cathar Country and visit the stunning Château de Quéribus and Château de Peyrepertuse.

  • Evening: Dine at Auberge du Chateau Riquet, serving traditional French cuisine with a focus on regional dishes.

Day 4 - Leisure Day: Canal du Midi and Lake Salagou

  • Morning: Take a boat trip on the Canal du Midi. Alternatively, rent a bike or car and explore this amazing engineering feat at your own pace.

  • Afternoon: Visit Lake Salagou, enjoy its beautiful beaches, and take a dip if weather permits.

  • Evening: Return to Carcassonne and dine at Le Moulin de la Lune for a unique dining experience in an old watermill.

Day 5 - Day Trip to Montpellier

  • Morning: Travel to Montpellier. Visit the Place de la Comédie, Musée Fabre, and the Jardin des Plantes.

  • Afternoon: Explore Montpellier’s vibrant streets, shopping districts, and food markets.

  • Evening: Return to Carcassonne and dine at Le Jardin de la Vieille Cité, offering a mix of French and Mediterranean dishes.

Day 6 - Relaxation and Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the local market in Carcassonne (Saturdays) or Belcaire (Wednesdays). Enjoy fresh produce, local cheeses, and more.

  • Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of Carcassonne’s beautiful parks, such as Parc des Sept-Arcs or Parc de la Citadelle.

  • Evening: Dine at La Table du Marché, offering a menu based on fresh market ingredients.

Day 7 - Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy your last breakfast in Carcassonne before checking out and taking any final photos or souvenir shopping.

Accommodation Recommendations

  • Luxury: Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne, a 5-star hotel within the walls of the castle.
  • Mid-Range: Hôtel des Deux As, a charming hotel in the heart of Old Carcassonne.
  • Budget: Le Relais de l’Étang, offering comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

Transportation

Carcassonne has an airport (CCF) with connections to major cities, and a train station connecting it to other parts of France. Car rental is also available.

Tips

  • Carcassonne can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.
  • French is the primary language, but many locals understand English.
  • Tipping is customary at restaurants and hotels. Around 10% of the total bill is acceptable.
  • Always carry cash as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept cards.