Such a privileged location in central Carcassonne, just a 20-minute stroll from the UNESCO World Heritage site, La Cité de Carcassonne, Maison de la Bastide is a beautiful house in Bastide de Saint Louis, a neighbourhood of bustling restaurants, wine-bars, shops and some of France’s most famous sights. If staying in July, look out for the Festival de Carcassonne and the Bastille Day fireworks which are some of the finest in France.
The train station is a 15-minute walk away with connections to Toulouse and Montpellier whilst Carcassonne Airport can be reached via taxi or airport shuttle in just 30 minutes. If you wish to bring or hire a car, there are various car parking options either underground (charges apply and check the opening times/days) or you could try and find a free space in various car parks across Carcassonne.
In the heart of Bastide de Saint Louis, within two minutes you can be at historic Place Carnot with its grand fountain, café terraces and bustling market on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Also close by is Les Halles showcasing the very best regional and gourmet produce, open five days a week, whilst there are delectable restaurants dotted across this part of the city. Carcassonne specialities include le cassoulet, pork charcuterie, truffles, chestnuts, regional cheeses as well as pastries and other sweet delights.
Wander towards the Aude river, cross the bridge and within a 20-minute walk you can be in the medieval city, La Cité de Carcassonne, with its 3km long ramparts, many towers and a warren of winding lanes. Explore to your hearts content, visit the citadel’s museums, book a guided tour along the city walls and look out for events taking place from treasure hunts to historic re-enactments. As Europe’s largest fortified city, no wonder it’s one of France’s most visited tourist destinations.
Heading back to the Aude, enjoy a picnic or stroll by the riverside at Parc de Camin del Garric or walk to the other side of Baside de Saint Louis to Port de Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi. Cruise boats offer tours of the canal through central Carcassonne and beyond or arrange bike hire to ride along the tow paths. The keenest of cyclists can challenge themselves to follow tougher Le Tour de France routes across the glorious landscapes of the Aude and Tarn countryside.
For a fantastic day out, other attractions within driving distance of Carcassonne include the Cathar castles of Lastours and Montségur, the vineyards of Languedoc, idyllic villages such as Minerve, Lagrasse and Limoux or the beaches including Gruissan Plage and Leucate, both around an hour away by car. You can also catch a train to the rose-tinted city of Toulouse, taking just 45 minutes, or eastwards to the beautiful city of Narbonne.
The Region
Whilst most visitors flock to Carcassonne for its fortified citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is so much to experience across the historic city and its beautiful surroundings.
It goes without saying that the great highlight of Carcassonne is Europe’s largest walled fortress with its warren of winding lanes with cafes and little shops alongside its impressive towers and ramparts – guided tours along the city walls can be arranged. It feels like a fairytale for young and old with knights in armour, horse-drawn carriage rides and fascinating museums.
Look out for festivities and events throughout the year, the most famous being July’s Festival de Carcassonne with cultural and musical events taking place across the city. What’s more, the Bastille Day fireworks are some of the most magnificent in France.
Beyond the citadel, cross the Aude River and soak up the vibrant ambience of Le Bastide de Saint-Louis, a bustling neighbourhood with its own rich heritage. Start at Place Carnot with its café terraces, impressive fountain and wonderful market three mornings or head straight to the gourmet stalls of Les Halles’ covered market. Dine out in atmospheric restaurants serving the best regional cuisine perhaps accompanied by a glass of Minervois, Corbières or other excellent wine from the vineyards surrounding the Cité de Carcassonne.
Then there’s the tranquility of the city's Le Canal du Midi just perfect to explore on foot, by bike or via boat. In one direction you can cycle along the canalside towpath to Castelnaudary, famed for its pretty marina and restaurants serving cassoulet. On another day head east towards Trèbes, Homps, Argens-Minervois and other picture-perfect wine villages across the Hérault’s Minerve region, the perfect trip out from your Carcassonne holiday home.
