Full day guided tours from Carcassonne

Carcassonne is the ideal starting point to organise various excursions to the  Cathar country and around. Here are some examples :

- region  Minervois :

Departure to the 4 Cathar castles of Lastours. Explanations are given from a panoramic platform, then continue the route to Caunes Minervois and discover its benedictine abbey and romanesque apsis. After lunch , drive through the vineyards of Minervois and discover the old city of Minerve, linked to the cathar’s history  but also interesting thanks to its gorges and natural stone bridges. Wine tasting in one of the cellars producing AOC Wines Minervois.

- region of Narbonne :


Tour of the archbishop’s District of Narbonne (see description), its gothic cathedral, courtyards and cloister. Discover the gallo-roman necropolis, medieval streets and walk along the Roubine Canal. The afternoon will be devoted to visit the Cistercian abbey of Fontfroide and to discover the Clape Massif and its wines. 

- cathar castles : 
Several day trips are easily organisable from Carcassonne. Here are two examples :

• In the morning, departure along the Aude valley and défilé de la Pierre de Lys, to the Cathar castles of Queribus and Peyrepertuse, two of the most impressive fortifications between the Corbieres and the Pyreneees. Both castles are not easily reachable : sport shoes are needed.
• In the morning, departure to Mirepoix, a small bastide which has kept its old market square, then continue the route to montségur, center of Catharism. The afternoon will be devoted to medieval music when visiting the castle of Puivert and the museum of Quercorb.
  

- region Corbières :

Departure through the Corbières massiv to the medieval village of Lagrasse, classified as one of the most beautiful village in France. Discover its benedictine abbey and then continue the route to Villerouge Terménès, where the last cathar Guilhem Belibaste was condamned. Guided tour of the castle.
Lunch at the « rotisserie médiévale », located in the castle, where you will be astonished by medieval drinks and meals.

- Toulouse : the town worth at least one full day tour. See its description.

 - Albi : main town of the region Albigeois,guided tour of the city including  the Sainte Cécile cathedral, some private mansions courtyards and the museum Toulouse Lautrec, located in the former bischof's palast, worth a visit.

 - The canal du midi :
From Carcassonne, two directions are possible :

• to the East : Beziers (see description) and the locks of Fonseranes. Then continue to the small port of le Somail, one of the last kept in its 17th century state.
• to the west : drive to Revel and discover the main water basin created by Pierre Paul Riquet. Then continue the route to Naurouze and the watershed line, to end the tour in Castelnaudary and the four locks of St Roch.

BEZIERS

NARBONNE
PERPIGNAN