I panicked when I arrived in France, only to find out that I left my Rick Steves guide book at home. We'll be in Carcassonne for a week - the Tour de France stops there this year. Any advice on nearby places to visit while we're there? Thanks
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I was there in June. I visited Foix (my personal favorite), Alet les Bains, Peurepertuse and Queribus to the south.
I didn't go east but Narbonne would be my choice in that direction.
To the north I visited Albi (nice church, didn't really like anything else) and Najac (another personal favorite) and Cordes sur Ciel (another favorite but might be crowded now).
I assume Carcassonne still has the yellow tape on it? It only makes sense from the viewpoint below the back entrance. It was supposed to stay for 100 days, maybe through the Tour de France or all summer?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
Collouire is a charming town on the Mediterranean. Minerve (not sure of spelling) is an interesting village with a Cathar history. There is a road that skirts along the Canal du Midi that is scenic and interesting. Actually, just getting into the car and driving along the back roads makes for a pleasant day. I have spent 5 weeks in two different trips in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and there is a wealth of stuff to see and do. Google it - there is a ton of information online about the region.