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First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards

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7 days From £2,099 £1,999 per person
4.2 stars(211 reviews)
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Discover captivating Carcassonne, Cathar castles and historic Narbonne on a luxurious five-star break including a private lunch and wine-tasting at a historic château

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Save £100pp on Europe & UK 2025 holidays, when you book by 25th August 2025.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: CAB25

About the tour

Explore enchanting Cathar castles, timeless vineyards and sun-drenched hills on an indulgent French holiday based in a five-star riverside hotel in charming Carcassonne.

Stroll amongst the city's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of its medieval delights and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside Châteaux de Lastours, before discovering the beautiful city of Narbonne. Soak up the atmosphere on a trip to Mirepoix's famed weekly market, and savour a delicious lunch and wine tasting at the wonderful Château de Pennautier.

*Please Note - This tour was formerly called Five Star Carcassonne, Castle and Vineyards.

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Unforgettable experiences

Stay in the Five-Star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell
Stay in the Five-Star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell
Set on the banks of the River Aude, perfectly situated to venture into the glorious citadel of Carcassonne, our luxurious hotel has excellent facilities, and beautiful views of the castle and its ramparts.
Explore the fascinating Châteaux de Lastours
Explore the fascinating Châteaux de Lastours
From the panoramic Belvedere viewpoint, experience a stunning panoramic view of four historic Cathar fortresses perched among rugged hills, with the option of walking up the hills to see the ruined castles.
Indulge in a delicious lunch and wine tasting at a château
Indulge in a delicious lunch and wine tasting at a château
The grand 17th-century Château de Pennautier is set within beautiful gardens, with trailing vines cultivated by generations of the Lorgeril family. A traditional lunch of several courses is accompanied by wines produced on the estate.
Discover historical Narbonne and Mirepoix’s weekly market
Discover historical Narbonne and Mirepoix’s weekly market
Explore the ancient city of Narbonne with a guided tour of Les Halles food market, before visiting Mirepoix’s celebrated weekly market of fresh produce, homemade crafts and wine.
Tour of the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne
Tour of the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne
Step back in time to medieval France on a guided walking tour of this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, including entrance to the castle within its fortress walls, Château Comtal and its intriguing museum.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - First Class journey to captivating Carcassonne

Gathering at London St Pancras, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers ready to board the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in Plus Class, we enjoy a light meal at our seats on the way to the French capital. We continue by high-speed rail in First Class, travelling south through the heart of the picturesque French countryside to Toulouse. The Occitan capital is known as 'La Ville Rose' due to the proliferation of pink-hued buildings in its historic centre.

On arrival at Toulouse Matabiau station this evening, we board a coach for an efficient transfer to our delightful destination, Carcassonne. Our hotel for the next six nights is the elegant five-star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell, on the banks of the River Aude. We stay in deluxe rooms with private terraces, offering outstanding views of the medieval walled city. Besides its stunning location, the hotel has excellent facilities including a peaceful spa and swimming pool. This evening is free to unwind in our new surroundings.

Includes
  • Eurostar light meal
Day 2 – Exploring the walled medieval city of Carcassonne

After breakfast at our elegant hotel, we explore the fabulous walled city of Carcassonne on a guided tour. Unsurprisingly - with its beautifully restored slate roofs, pointed towers and fortified walls - this medieval citadel is listed as a World Heritage site. Crossing the ancient bridge over the former moat feels like stepping back in time to romantic medieval France. Our tour includes entrance to Château Comtal, the hilltop castle within the walls, which houses a fascinating museum.

Our tour concludes at lunchtime, and the rest of your day is free. You could continue exploring the citadel, visit the Gothic Basilique Saint-Nazaire with its exquisite stained-glass windows or walk along the ramparts for views of the surrounding countryside. There are also restaurants set in a shady square within the citadel walls. Just across the Pont Vieux is the newer part of town where our hotel is based. There you'll find attractive squares, an arts museum, independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants. A stroll along the Canal du Midi is another lovely way to soak up the atmosphere of this spellbinding city.

Please Note - For departure 18th September Days 2 and 3 have swapped around.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Uncovering the sights of historic Narbonne

Once an important Roman port, we travel by coach to ancient Narbonne after breakfast. On a tour of this charming city, we discover a main square overlooked by a spectacular but unfinished Gothic cathedral before we enter Les Halles. This historic indoor food market is a feast for the senses as stalls abound with fine produce, including locally grown olives, tapenade, cured meats and cheeses.

We move on to view the Robine Canal, lined with pretty promenades, and an exposed section of the Via Domitia Roman Road, then see the grand courtyards of the Archbishop's Palace. After our tour you are free to explore independently - one option is to visit the fascinating cathedral or relax in its peaceful and shady cloister.

Back at our hotel in Carcassonne this evening, we sit down to enjoy a traditional cassoulet dinner, a hearty stew of pork and duck cooked with haricot beans.

Please Note - For departure 18th September dinner at the Hotel du Roi & Spa has been moved to Day 5.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Explore the Châteaux de Lastours area

The spectacular Châteaux de Lastours is our destination after breakfast. The Cathars were a religious sect who flourished in the areas around Carcassonne between the 12th and 14th centuries. Challenging the authority of the Catholic Church, their beliefs blended Christianity and eastern religions. Our first stop is Belvedere viewpoint where we admire stunning panoramas of four Cathar fortresses, set among an evocative landscape of rocky hills and valleys.

These historic castles were a place of refuge for the Cathars during the religious persecutions of the 13th century. From here we can either follow one of the marked routes up to the ruined castles or, as the terrain along the path is uneven, enjoy a slide show in English on the history of the Cathar castles. There is also a café, an ideal place to appreciate this special viewing spot of the castles.

After free time, we make our way to a traditional auberge in the scenic Minervois wine region and enjoy a delicious four-course lunch accompanied by local wine. The evening is free in Carcassonne for you to dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Market day in medieval Mirepoix

A journey into the Pyrenean foothills awaits after breakfast as a coach takes us to historic Mirepoix for the town's celebrated weekly market. With the impressive cathedral in its centre, the wonderfully preserved market square is lined by colourful half-timbered medieval houses. It is here we encounter the captivating aromas, the sound of lively trading and local performers evoking a sense of medieval times.

You're free to explore the market at your own pace and to sample fresh, regional produce or purchase homemade crafts and local wine. While you're exploring the town, you may like to visit the Gothic-style Cathedral of Saint Maurice, the former Bishop's Palace, and the Porte d'Aval - the only remaining part of Mirepoix's original 14th-century fortifications.

During our return journey to Carcassonne, we take the scenic route into picturesque French countryside, travelling through the charming villages of Chalabre, Puivert, Nébias, Quillan and Limoux, passing forested hills and ruined castles set in verdant woodland. Back in Carcassonne this evening, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – A private wine tasting and lunch at Château de Pennautier

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we are taken by coach to the noble Château de Pennautier, 15 minutes' drive away. Built in the 17th century, this golden-hued stately home is set within beautiful French-style gardens, and its trailing vines have been cultivated by ten generations of the Lorgeril family.

On arrival, we are given a guided tour of the castle, the King's chamber, and grounds, before we enjoy a highlight of our holiday. Stepping into the château's wine cellar, we are taken on a guided tour of the production room and savour a tasting of the château's wines. This is followed by a delicious four-course lunch served in a rustic restaurant converted from a former sheepfold. Our meal is accompanied by pairings produced in the château's vineyards.

We return to our hotel mid-afternoon and our afternoon and evening is at leisure to enjoy the sights of Carcassonne's walled city as dusk descends or perhaps to revisit a favourite restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Homeward bound

Leaving our five-star Carcassonne hotel after breakfast, we transfer to Toulouse by coach and continue by First Class train to Paris. As the changing scenery rolls past our windows, there's time to reflect on our time embracing the charms of medieval France. From our luxurious base close to the enchanting fortress of Carcassonne we have viewed breathtaking castles with histories shrouded in mystery, enjoyed tours of Narbonne and Mirepoix's celebrated market, savoured lunch and a wine tasting at a gorgeous château and visited some of this beautiful area's most attractive towns and villages.

In Paris, we join the Eurostar service to London, travelling in Plus Class with a light meal served at our seats. Arriving back at St Pancras, we say a fond farewell to our Tour Manager, fellow travellers and new friends, with whom we have shared these incredible memories.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostar light meal

Additional information

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

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.

Hotel

Hotel Du Roi & Spa by Sowell

Hotel Du Roi & Spa by Sowell, Carcassonne

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Trains

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 211 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (95)
  2. 4 stars
    (83)
  3. 3 stars
    (20)
  4. 2 stars
    (8)
  5. 1 star
    (5)

Ian McQueen

5 stars

Submitted 14/Jul

Fantastic trip and tour manager, especially the wine tasting.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Ian, Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your holiday, I bet the wine tasting was fabulous in that part of the world! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

C Jury

5 stars

Submitted 14/Jul

With temperatures of 36-40 degrees, thank goodness the hotel and coaches had air conditioning. Our Tour Manager Steve was unflagging in his kindness and care for all members of the group and made sure we all got the best out of the trip under the circumstances.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi there, Thank you for your review. It is brilliant to read that Steve really went the extra mile to look after everyone in the group despite some very hot temperatures in the South of France. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Knox

5 stars

Submitted 9/Jul

A fascinating trip to the south west of France with historic interest and views, in the company of a great group of fellow travellers and an excellent tour manager.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Mr Knox, Thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed experiencing the rich history and beautiful views of the South of France. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

customer

5 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

fabulous holiday, hotel, trips and guide all superb

Collected by Trustpilot

John

5 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

What an amazing tour, from the excellent journey by comfortable trains to a wonderful hotel where we were enveloped by the scent of summer jasmine on the balcony while taking in the fantastic vista of Carcassonne itself. Add to that the expertise of the various guides -and not forgetting our excellent helpmate, Sue Vickers - what would we have done without her flag waving in the crowded stations! Recommend it to anyone wanting a relax, but very interesting historical tour.

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Jennifer Zasikowska-French

5 stars

Submitted 18/Jun

Brilliant all round. Great manager.

Collected by Trustpilot

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