A short drive from Carcassonne, this fantastic family house is located in a bustling French village in the Aude department of southern France. Carcassonne Airport is a 10-minute drive away or arrive by train into Gare de Carcassonne (6.5km).
Located on the road that connects Carcassonne and Castres, there is a butcher shop opposite as well as a boulangerie just 200m away for fresh bread and croissants every morning. There is also a pharmacy, wine-shop and a small supermarket as well as a visiting food truck twice a week in the summer.
Although a car is strongly recommended to be able to fully explore the surrounding region, there is a half-hourly bus to Carcassonne so guests without a car should not feel too isolated. Carcassonne’s train station has departures to so many places for lovely day trips including Narbonne, Béziers, Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Limoux and even the Languedoc coastline.
There are two main parts of Carcassonne – start off in historic Bastide Saint-Louis with its narrow lanes filled with restaurants, shops and wine-bars alongside Place Carnot with its café terraces, plane trees, fountain and vibrant market three mornings a week.
La Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most visited destinations. One of Europe’s largest fortified castles, head there early to explore the medieval lanes with shops and restaurants, visit the castle and museums or walk along the historic ramparts. If staying in July, look out for the Festival de Carcassonne as well as the 14th July fireworks!
Cycle or walk along the Canal du Midi’s towpath in Carcassonne or hire a boat for a wonderful day out. Other lovely villages and towns along the canal include Trèbes, Homps and Castelnaudary whilst there are also many gorgeous places by the Aude River including summer swimming spots and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.
Wine-lovers can visit local vineyards around Carcassonne or venture a little further to Minervois wine villages to sample the excellent wines of the Languedoc region or the sparkling wine of Limoux (35km). Gastronomes will adore the picturesque market town of Mirepoix (53km) or head to the coast to sample oysters in charming Leucate (94km), also loved for its windsurfing.
Meanwhile, history enthusiasts are well located for spending the day visiting the famous Cathar castles, the nearest being Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours (12km) just a short drive away.
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.
