Picnic at: Chateau Pennautier owned by the Comte and Comtesse de Lorgeril, just 3km from the Citadel of Carcassonne. The 30 hectare park was designed by Andre Le Notre who also designed the gardens of Versailles. Treat yourself to a bottle of fabulous wine from the chateau shop, and if you’re not in the mood for a picnic, the restaurant here is fabulous.
Take a Selfie: Ask the locals of Carcassonne and 9 out of 10 will say Porte d’Aude, the famous 12th century gate that leads into the citadel.
Stay at: La Maison Vielle, 8 rue Trivalle at the foot of the citadel, it’s a charming B&B at the bottom of the ramparts. There’s a lovely terraced garden, common room and a great kitchen where you’ll enjoy a stylish breakfast which when I was there, included a mini crème Brulée. I gulped at the calories I’d be piling on “you’re on holiday and besides, you won’t be able to resist walking it off in la cité next door” I was told!
Or stay at: La Villa de Mazamet, a 45 minute drive away, it’s been voted No. 1 luxury B&B in France on TripAdvisor several years in a row.
Don’t miss: The other old city of Carcassonne, Bastide st Louis. Many visitors aren’t aware of its existence, spend a few hours within the ramparts and go merrily on their way without even being aware that just across the bridge at the base of the old city is another old city!
Above: the beautiful chateau Pennautier; far left: rue Trivalle, home to La Maison Vielle B&B; left: Porte d'Aude, la citadel.
Photo: Paul Palau, Carcassonne TO