From timeless vineyards and sun-drenched hills to imposing
Cathar castles and historic abbeys, this holiday showcases the very
best of the Languedoc region. We explore the walled Cité of
Carcassonne, visit the historic city of Narbonne and immerse
ourselves in the French way of life.
Highlights
Discover beautiful Narbonne on a guided tour, seeing the ancient Roman Road and Les Halles food market.
Explore the fascinating Cathar Castles of Châteaux of Lastours and visit the weekly market at Mirepoix.
Enjoy a guided tour of Carcassonne followed by a traditional cassoulet dinner.
Enjoy dinner and a wine tasting at Château de Pennautier.
Stay in the 5-Star DoubleTree by Hilton and explore medieval Carcassonne on a guided walking tour.
6 nights' hotel accommodation at the 5-Star Double Tree by Hilton in Carcassonne
Luggage
Inclusive luggage transfers throughout 1x bag up to 25kg per hotel room (size and weight may vary)
To arrange for a second suitcase up to 25kg (size and weight may vary) - prices start from £65 per bag. Just let us know at time of booking.
Excursions & Entertainment
The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
Food & Drinks
10 meals including 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
What’s not included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Itinerary
Days 1-2 - London and Carcassonne
We meet at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar for Paris.
We continue to Toulouse where we board a coach to Carcassonne. Our
hotel here is the 5-Star DoubleTree by Hilton, where we stay in
deluxe rooms overlooking the medieval city.
On Day 2, we explore on a guided tour.
UNESCO-listed Carcassonne is renowned for its city walls, defensive
towers, and drawbridges - all original features. Accessed by an
ancient bridge which crosses the former moat, the Cité encapsulates
romantic medieval France and our tour includes entrance to Château
Comtal. The rest of your day is free.
Includes
Day 1 - Eurostar meal, Dinner
Day 2 - Breakfast
Day 3 - Narbonne
Today takes us to Narbonne, watched over by its wonderfully
dramatic Gothic cathedral. We set out on a guided walking tour of
the Robine Canal, lined with pretty promenades, and an exposed
section of the Via Domitia Roman Road, in the town square. Next, we
see the grand courtyards of the Archbishop's Palace before moving
on to Les Halles market. Built in 1091, this indoor food market is
a feast for the senses. Enjoy time to relax in one of the market's
fantastic wine bars and get a taste for the region's excellent
cheeses and meats with an authentic charcuterie board. Tonight, we
enjoy a traditional cassoulet dinner, made with pork and duck and
cooked with haricots beans.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Châteaux de Lastours
We explore the historic Châteaux de Lastours area today. Set in
the heart of the Cathar countryside, this is a region famous for
its sun-drenched vineyards, tranquil villages, and scattered Roman
ruins and medieval castles. Home to a collection of four former
Cathar fortresses - historic castles once a place of refuge for the
Cathars during the 13th century - we visit Belvedere Point, where
we have some free time to soak up the views over Châteaux des
Lastours before exploring the châteaux themselves. Walk amongst the
rugged landscape, admiring the magnificent castles perched atop,
and built into, the surrounding hills. We continue to a local
restaurant for lunch, accompanied by local wine, before
transferring back to Carcassonne.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch
Days 5-6 - Mirepoix and Château de Pennautier
This morning we travel by coach to Mirepoix for the town's
weekly market. Located in the medieval square, there's time to
sample fresh, local produce as well as home-made crafts and wine.
Returning to the hotel, we take a scenic drive through the French
countryside, travelling through charming villages, passing ruined
castles and verdant woodland.
On Day 6, enjoy a free day to relax in
Carcassonne ahead of a wine tasting and a farewell meal in the
grounds of Château de Pennautier this evening. Our delicious dinner
is accompanied by wines produced in the castle's own vineyards.
Includes
Day 5 - Breakfast
Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Homeward bound
Checking out after breakfast this morning, we take the
coach to Toulouse, continuing by rail to Paris for the Eurostar to
London St Pancras.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We write to all booked customers
approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise
the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.
The holiday was excellent, but although the time allowed for crossing Paris on the way back seemed adequate, it was rush hour and we missed the Eurostar we were booked on. For the sake of those who were not staying over night in London we accepted standard class on the next train, but of course this meant we had to pay for our (not too brilliant) food and drink. Also we were scattered all over the train, though at least some of us were able to sit with our partners, due to the kindness of strangers who were willing to swap. Gare du Nord was chaotic. They belatedly tried to give precedence to those on earlier trains, but by then it was too late. Our failure to cross Paris in good time was in spite of the authorities restricting traffic due to the immense heat. I know that one does not want to spend longer than necessary at Gare du Nord, but the stress caused by the shortage of time coupled with the fact that we missed the train was much worse.
Mr H Knowles
Submitted 12/07/2019
The tour manager was very good particularly when we encounted major problems at the Gare du Nord on the return journey. The trip down the Canal du Midi was boring but all the other organised trips were good. The hotel at Carcassonne was of a good standard
Anonymous
Submitted 25/10/2018
A thoroughly enjoyable holiday - well organised, beautiful location and a stunning hotel
Mr L Mead
Submitted 14/10/2018
Excellent itinerary, fantastic hotel, first rate tour manager and great weather!
Anonymous
Submitted 12/10/2018
Everything from the weather, hotel, location and travel was 5 star from start to finish.
