This fairytale hilltop city is one of France's magical places
France is positively brimming with beautiful destinations. From Paris to Provence, it's home to some of the best holiday spots in Europe and, thanks to the pleasure and precision of the Eurostar departing from London, it's possible (and indeed tempting) to take a no-fly trip to this enduringly appealing land.
But if you've journeyed across the Channel more than once in your lifetime, you might be on the look out for a new spot to explore – and we've discovered just the place. Carcassonne is a hilltop city in southwestern France's Occitanie region, the right bank of the Aude river, and it is quite simply magical. Its crowning glory is a fairytale castle, which is part of a magnificent fortified medieval city and is said to have inspired the romantic turrets in Disney's Sleeping Beauty after Walt visited in 1957.
More recently, author Kate Mosse was inspired by this picture-perfect scene, setting her bestselling book Labyrinth in and around Carcassonne, having fallen in love with the medieval city as soon as she laid eyes on it. If that's reason enough to tempt you to visit this enchanting place, Prima Holidays offers a six-day escorted tour exploring the historic monuments of Carcassonne, as well as Avignon and Provence.
The first place most people head to in Carcassonne is its fortified medieval city, high up on a hill on a site that has been inhabited by various fortifications since pre-Roman times. From the huge defences to the labyrinthine streets and fine Gothic cathedral, there's much to explore in this intriguing place – and one of the best parts is that all districts of Carcassonne are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.
More than a historic relic, Carcassonne's medieval city is a living monument, bustling with shops, restaurants, hotels and even 50 or so living residents. To fully immerse yourself in this timeless sight – as well as the world-class culture and arts scene – don't miss our eight-day escorted tour, which also explores the Dordogne region.
Aside from the old city, another must-visit on any trip to Carcassonne is Bastide Saint-Louis, which is just a 10-minute walk from the famous medieval ramparts. Built in 1260, Bastide Saint-Louis is hardly a 'new' area, but it has a buzz and vibrancy that makes it great to explore – plus the views of Carcassonne's castle are unbeatable from here. An open-air market fills the pretty streets and squares with sound and scent a few days a week, while Saint Michel Cathedral provides some historical value for culture buffs.
Another highlight of a holiday to Carcassonne will come courtesy of the heavenly food and drinks on offer here. Set in a region renowned for its wine and rich, hearty French dishes, this enchanting city was always going to be a hit with gourmands. They'll be desperate to try an authentically made cassoulet, one of Carcassonne's signatures, in the host of friendly neighbourhood restaurants that line the charming streets, or buy locally foraged truffles in the many markets and shops.
As for more elevated options, Carcassonne has no shortage of exceptionally elegant restaurants. Notably, there's the two Michelin-starred La Table de Franck Putelat, where the eponymous chef creates refined twists on tradition using produce from his vegetable garden. Famous dishes include parmentier with sea fig, cassoulet with pigeon supreme and pigeon leg sausage, and bouillabaisse with duck foie gras, so it's safe to say you're in for an unforgettably indulgent meal if you bag a table here.
Another Carcassonne culinary highlight mentioned in the Michelin guide is La Barbacane. Set within the city's historic heart, the sought-after restaurant is located in Hôtel de la Cité, a gem of neo-Gothic architecture built in 1909. Everything cooked up here champions the region's abundant terroir, from game and mushrooms in the autumn to Mediterranean fish and seafood in the warmer months.
Foodies looking to dine at La Barbacane and soak up the best of the region should look to Prima Holidays' eight-day escorted tour, which includes stops in Carcassonne, Albi and Beynac.
Those looking to spend longer in Carcassonne exploring the fascinating medieval architecture, taking a cruise down the Canal du Midi and perhaps taking part in a wine tasting too (who says you can't have it all?) should look to our six-day tour of Carcassonne, Avignon and Provence.
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