Villa Barbacane enjoys an incredible location, in a private setting surrounded by rural fields yet just a 5-minute walk from La Cité de Carcassonne.
At the end of your driveway, stroll down the country road (no pavement) passing a vineyard and within five minutes you will be by the ramparts of La Cité Médiévale, the largest medieval citadel in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most visited tourist destinations.
Via the grand Porte Narbonnaise (500m), wander into the citadel and discover a maze of medieval lanes, little squares, cafés, inviting shops, restaurants and museums. Tour the ramparts, visit the castle and look out for historic re-enactments taking place, especially in the French school holidays and summertime. It really is a special place to explore and it’s wonderful to be able to experience the citadel in the early morning and at night time, either side of the many day-trippers.
Crossing the Aude River via the Pont Vieux bridge (1.3km), continue to be charmed by Carcassonne as you potter around the Bastide de Saint Louis with its large square, Place Carnot, home to terrace cafes, a grand fountain and a market that takes place on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. You will soon reach Port de Carcassonne (2.5km) and the Canal du Midi, perfect for cycling or walking along the tow paths and boat trips along France’s famous canal.
The train station (2.5km) can also be found by the Canal du Midi – if travelling without a car then consider hopping on a train to visit Castelnaudary for lunch to try its cassoulet by the town’s Grand Bassin, or continue on towards rose-hued Toulouse, a handsome historic city and a fine day out. In the other direction by train is beautiful Narbonne and its famous gothic cathedral, as well as Port La Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast.
If driving, then there is so much more of this glorious region to discover. Spend the day visiting Languedoc vineyards, gorgeous villages such as Limoux (27km), Lagrasse (35km) and Minerve (50km) or the imposing Cathar castles of Lastours (20km) and even Montségur (77km).
The Mediterranean also awaits - Gruissan Plage is under an hour by car, as is the charming resort of Leucate, loved for its kite-surfing, sand-yachting, paddle-boarding and long sandy beaches.
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.
