Message Forums

I agree with Francais, the old Cite is at it's best in the evening, certainly in summer.  We were there in late June the first time we ever visited, and walked up a hill from the 'new' town, through a small wooden door, and found the whole place alive and buzzing.  It does (nowadays) tend a bit towards the Tourist Tat in some areas, but disregard that and marvel over the construction!

As to other must sees, what do you like? If you like natural things then you may love the dry river bed and the 'land-bridge' at Minerve - you can walk underneath and that too is a bit 'magical'.  The village of Minerve is worth a walk-around too, and the Tea Room and library does a great coffee!  La Grasse, east towards the Med, may also interest you - another lovely Abbey there, working, with the monks still in residence. 

A jaunt along the Canal du Midi, with lunch at Trebes or Capestang (great Wine Cave there - the Enserune wines are lovely, and very good value) alongside the Canal.

If you like markets, then find local markets in the area - the one at Capestang is good in summer, Limoux all year round, and we've never done a market in Carcassonne.

I think you will more than fill your four days!  Wish we were there - our friend has a house near to Carcassonne, and we have keys, but haven't visited since May 2012.

If you are into the Cathars, crusaders, all the holy grail stuff a la Da Vinci Code etc, there's Montsegur and Rennes La Chateau as well as other sites.

On an aside, Channel 4 are showing a production of Kate Mosse's novel 'Labyrinth' on Saturday and Sunday night.  It's centred on Carcassone and surrounding areas.

Quote: Originally posted by longcol on 24/3/2013

---

We have visited the area twice staying in a gite although as it was to the NE of Carcassonne that is the area I know.

A "must" is to see the four ruined Cathar castles at Lastours - a spectacular setting. The path up is pretty tough but well worth it. Thay can also be viewed from the "belvedere" across the valley on the D701.

Other things worth doing;

Drive up into the Black Mountain via Cabrespine and the D112 for some great views back over the plain to the Med.

The abbey at Caunes-Minervois is worth a visit - also a bit further out is the former Cathar stronghold of Minerve.

Castlenaudary about 20 miles west of Carcassonne is the home of the famous "Cassoulet" dish.

Local wines are very good value for money - you should be able to pick up a well gluggable bottle for less than 3 euro.

One last thing - in the old city of Carcassonne, "Le Bar a Vins" do a very good plate of charcuterie and a decent bottle of the local wine if you fancy lunch.

---

I do agree with Longcol about Lastours being a must

Veiw of the castles from the belvedere

At Carcassonne we have entered Le Cite from each of the 3 entrances currently open and the best approach for views etc is via the Porte d'Aude, the entrance to Carcassonne from the barbican

We were disappointed with the centre of town, Bastide St Louis, the medieval town centre of modern Carcassonne, much prefering Le Cite side of the river in the area of the barbican.  The market in the centre of town was but a few food stalls - very disappointing for France.  The two large churches in St Louis are both worth seeing as is the area around the station to the north where the Canal du Midi comes through town.  The walks and cycle trails on the Cite side of the river are excellent.  The best views of Le Cite are from the south west from the side of the D342 or the un-numbered parallel road north of it.

Our blog with more photos is http://wanderbirds.co.uk/france2012.html#carc if you are interested.

Carl

Quote: Originally posted by Dandyman Bob on 30/3/2013

---

Loved looking at your blog. Well done.
#Regards Bob.

---

Thanks very much Bob.  We do it for friends and family but are always pleased when others like it.

Regards,

Carl