Day 1 in Carcassonne

Welcome to Carcassonne, France! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon in Place Carnot, the busy central square was built outside the walls in the 13th-century on the orders of Louis IX. This area offers several cafes and restaurants and a great starting point to visit the town. Enjoy some lunch and take in the ambience.

Afterward, we recommend you head over to The Medieval City, the main entrance is the Port Narbonnaise, straight ahead is the Cité main landmark, the 12th-century château. La Cité is listed as a World Heritage Site and it is one of the most-visited sites in Southern France.

There are 52 towers watching over the valley of Aude and 1.8 mile long double enclosures. It was built during the Gallo-Roman era and is believed to have been erected around 300 A.D. Stroll through the narrow streets and attractive squares such as the Place Marcou to soak up the atmosphere. Or, take a tour on a horse drawn carriage, a great way to enjoy the sights!

As you explore the Cité make sure to take a tour of the 12th-century Chateau Comtal, a huge restored medieval castle and ramparts positioned in the heart of the Cite. The chateau allows you to admire its towers and bastions, and explore the secret passages and the places from where the soldiers used to throw oil down the walls when enemies were approaching the castle. The towers are worth exploring since they are all different and provide deep insight into the Middle Ages.

As evening approaches, stay in the Cité for dinner and enjoy a delicious feast of Carcassonne`s signature dish, cassoulet, a hearty mix of sausage, pork and duck served with haricot beans. Make sure to enjoy some Corbieres wine, the region`s specialty.

Day 2 in Carcassonne

Wake up and head over to Place Carnot to grab a croissant. If you`re in town on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, this is where you`ll enjoy the colorful and lively market of Carcassonne. Even if the market is not taking place, this is a great place to start your day, where people congregate to grab a coffee as the city comes alive.

After relaxing at Place Carnot, head out on a boat trip on the Canaldu Midi, a UNESCO Heritage Site, the canal was originally built to link the Atlantic with the Mediterranean Sea. The canal runs through stunning countryside and is lined with regal plane trees. We recommended a guided boat tour to learn about the history of the canal. You can also rent a boat yourself, or walk/cycle it.

After enjoying the Canal du Midi make your way to the Hill of Pech Mary. This hill covers almost 250 acres of hillside with indigenous trees and beautiful wildlife. We recommend enjoying some lunch at one of the many picnic areas on the hill. You`ll also find La Cite des Oiseaux, an organization which provides a show of large birds in free flight, with falcons and storks.

As the evening approaches, head to the main shopping area, Rue Verdum, where there are plenty of intriguing quaint shops to browse in. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants of the area.

Day 3 in Carcassonne

Begin your day with a road trip of the glorious rolling landscapes of this part of France. Head towards the village of Lastours, 10 miles north of Carcassonne. Up here, in the Black Mountains you will spot four mythical-looking Cathar castles (the Cathars were a medieval Christian sect) which have clung to the hillside for over 10 centuries. Cabaret, Surdespine and la Tour Regine stand in line, while Quertinheux is built on a separate pinnacle close by. These four castles constitute a single entity, even though they are not a single structure. You can walk up the hill to examine their ancient stones or drive to the Belvedere viewing point.

Continue exploring the glorious wild country through the various Cathar trails. Much of the land here is untamed garrigue, fragrant with honeysuckle and broom, though vines are planted. Tucked away here and there are discreet chateaux, many of them wine estates which offer tastings and offer charming accommodations.

Additional Days in Carcassonne

Should you be able to spend additional days in Carcassonne make a day trip to an Narbonne nearby. Narbonne was once the capital of the largest Roman province in Gaul and a major port until the harbor silted up in the Middle Ages. Today it is prosperous again thanks to the surrounding wine region. Here you`ll find the monumental Archbishop`s Palace and fine art museum, the Cathedrale with its cloisters, 14th-century stained glass and exquisitely wrought tapestries, and the Horreum, a unique underground Roman warehouse.

Alternatively, enjoy the wine of the area! Carcassonne is ideally placed in between two of the region`s finist wine-growing areas - the Minervois to the north, and the rugged Corbieres to the south. Whether you decide to go on a Wine Tour (with a company) or just pop into different wineries for a bit of Wine Tasting, you`ll find plenty of excellent options to choose from.

Your Last Day In Carcassonne

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Carcassonne in the south of France.