Carcassonne: A Medieval Break
Walking Holiday

A Walking Holiday in Carcassonne, France. From afar, Carcassonne looks like a fairytale medieval city. Bathed in the late afternoon sunshine "La Cite", as the old walled city is known, is certainly one of the most remarkable sights you'll ever behold.

While this 5th-century Cathar stronghold and UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth the visit in itself, the area around is surprisingly charming. Witness the majesty of the Alaric mountains and the local heritage sites; castles and ruins. The landscape also has a lot to offer with vineyards, forests and lakes. And for those with an interest in gastronomy, this area is home to one of the country's national dishes: Cassoulet!

Even a short break in Carcassonne makes for a truly unforgettable experience!

This is the perfect destination for people who want to enjoy a long weekend abroad. Whether shared with friends or family, this trip is suitable for everyone as the walks are under 4 hours per day.

At night we have chosen a traditional hotel for you in the medieval town of Carcassonne, close to restaurants and pubs. During the day, we have selected interesting walks that begin right outside your hotel. We also provide you with walking notes and a map to make finding your route easier.

Day 1 - To Carcassonne**
We have selected for you a hotel with character in the heart of the medieval city, close to restaurants, pub, and other facilities.
Carcassonne is an enchanting city. We recommend a stroll along the narrow cobbled streets to the "Place de l'Eglise" for an aperitif. Visit the "Chateau Comtal", Narbonnaise Gate and the Basilique St Nazaire.

Town: ATM, shops, internet. Accommodation: a charming 3* hotel in an 18th-century mansion, located in the centre of the town. En-suite.

Day 2 - Along the Canal du Midi - a UNESCO World Heritage Site (3h, 13km, -70m).

We exit from the "Porte de l'Aude", once the main entrance to the castle. Then we take the footbridge "Pont Vieux", with amazing views of "La Cite" looming 50m above us. After passing through the centre of the new city, we reach the "Canal du Midi", a manmade waterway, renowned for its design, that links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
We follow the canal along the "Chemin de Hallage", a path traditionally used by horses to pull the barges. It's a truly beautiful nature trail - gigantic oak, cypress and pine trees line the canal banks. En-route you will pass four busy locks. Coming to Trebes, you can visit the 16th-century church before taking the bus back to Carcassonne (not included, every hour, €2).

Town & Accommodation: Same as yesterday. Meal: Breakfast

Day 3 - Circular walk to Lac de Cavayere (2h, 9km, +/-213m).
This walk starts from the heart of the medieval city, from the Narbonnaise Gate and Drawbridge. We take the GR36 (a long-distance trail linking the Channel Sea to Andorra), through the hilly "Montagne d'Alaric" and its vineyards. We come to a forest soon after and continue down into the valley where we reach the "Lac de Cavayere". The lake has seen improvements over the last few years; there are now picnic areas available, a beach for swimming, boats and windsurfing equipment to rent. We then head back to Carcassonne on foot or by taking the local bus.

Town & Accommodation: Same as yesterday. Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4 – Carcassonne, end of the Trip
After breakfast, we bid you farewell!

Meal: Breakfast

Optional Walking Day - Circular walk to Cazilhac (2h, 9km, +/-133m).
Leaving once again from the Narbonnaise Gate and Drawbridge, we will take the "Sentier Pierre et Vigne"; a century-old trail once used by the pilgrims to reach the Abbey of St Hilaire. This is a nice stroll amongst green hills and vineyards, affording us magnificent views of the fortified city on the hilltop. We arrive at Cazilhac where you can visit the old castle and the ruins of the ramparts that once protected the village. We then head back to Carcassonne on foot or by taking the local bus.

Town & Accommodation: Same as yesterday. Meal: Breakfast