What is there to do around Carcassone?
Find your answer HERE
How do you avoid the crowds in the cité de Carcassonne?
Visit in the morning. Lots of restaurants serve breakfast. The château comtal opens at 9:30am.
In the evening, a stroll after a meal in a restaurant is an intimate, special time.
The lices (or tiltyard, the space between the two walls) is a quiet place to stroll all year round, with excellent views
When are the market days?
Tuesday
Caunes-Minervois, Rieux-Minervois, Montlaur (at 4:00pm)
Wednesday
La Redorte, Villeneuve-Minervois, Laure-Minervois
Thursday
Alzonne, Caunes-Minervois, Rieux-Minervois
Friday
Azille
Saturday
Caunes-Minervois, Rieux-Minervois
Sunday
Trèbes (in the stadium), Conques-sur-Orbiel
What can we do this weekend?
Markets, concerts, trips out: you weekend calendar is HERE
Search the dates you want
What's good to do with the children?
Find your answer HERE
What can we do if it's raining?
Find your answer HERE
Which are the prettiest villages to visit?
Find your answer HERE
What's the best way to explore the Canal du Midi ?
Find your answer HERE
Is there shade on the Canal du Midi?
Sadly, the plane trees which border the Canal du Midi have been infected by canker stain. Some trees, along a certain section, have already been cut down and a massive replanting project is underway. Since 2006, 8,000 new trees have been planted and the project is still ongoing.
2,500 new trees are being planted during winter, 2018-2019.
But don’t worry, you’ll still enjoy your trip along the Canal du Midi!
Where can you hire an electric boat on the Canal du Midi ?
You can hire an electric boat for a trip on the Canal du Midi.
They are available from one of these boat hire companies: Le comptoir nature in Le Somail and Navi Canal in Port Lauragais.
Which is the best season to visit the region?
The weather and average temperatures, according to the seasons:
Spring: floral and gentle. Average temperatures between 7°C and 22°C.
Summer: beware of the heat. Average temperatures between 17°C and 30°C.
Automne: beautiful colours on the vines. Average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.
Winter: little snow. Average temperatures between 6°C and 10°C.
Don’t forget to take a look at our weather page during your stay.
Which Cathar châteaux are nearest?
Visit the Lastours and Saissac châteaux, which are only 15 kilometres north of Carcassonne.
Find out more information
What do you need to know when visiting the Cathar châteaux?
When visiting a Cathar château, you’re going to have a pretty athletic walk! Waking shoes are recommended, and it’s better to set off in the cool of the morning.
You’ve got to climb to reach the châteaux with their 360° views!
I'm looking for some hiking trails
Find them HERE!
Where can you swim?
Lakes and swimming pools… find them here
What are the opening hours of the Tourist Information Offices?
Bus service
Information about the bus service and the surrounding villages can be found HERE
Where can we do a wine tasting at the weekend?
Search by opening hours HERE
What are the regional specialities in food?
Find all the recipes HERE and the local producers
Where can you eat a good cassoulet?
Find your answer HERE
Are there any discounts on entries?
- The Passeport du Pays Cathare costs €4 from the welcome desk of each site. It’s valid for a year and gives you a €1 reduction on full adult rate and €1 reduction for an accompanying adult or child. It’s accepted at 21 Cathar Country sites: 11 châteaux, 7 abbeys, 3 medieval cites and 2 museums.
- The Quality Pass ‘My Holiday advantage’ is free and available from the Tourist Information Offices. It gives you benefits on different services: restaurants, leisure, tourist sites
- The PASS TPPO card is GIVEN FREE to each family on their first visit to one of the 36 partner sites. It gives you discounts throughout your visits.