We (group of 6) are arriving in Carcassone by train and will spend 1 night and then go on to Homps for a canal cruise. My question is whether it would be better to reserve accommodations close to the rail station in order to drop off our luggage right away and do our walking to/from the old city or take a taxi and reserve accommodations close in to the old city so we spend less time walking to/from our hotel? Any recommendations for hotels? Thanks.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
The answer probably depends on you and your luggage. But if you are going to Carcasonne, I think it really makes sense to stay in or at least near the Cite if you can. That's what you are there for, right?
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Take a taxi if the walk is daunting.
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
We stayed at a B&B called L'Echappee Belle: http://www.lechappeebelle.co.uk/index.html. If you timed it right, all of you might be able to stay there. Staying inside the walled city, and walking around after the day-trippers are gone is a great experience. It's beautiful, day or night. There are several places to eat, many in one area under umbrellas. We chose Cafe Le Trouvere and the cassoulet was fantastic. My husband swears that the Top Gear guys were at the table next to us, but I don't think so!
You can get a taxi up to the entrance to the walled city, but you will have to walk from there. Pack light, but then, you should be doing that anyway, right? We thought it was an easy walk downhill back to the train station.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, Washington, United States
13 posts
Thanks for the info and your help. Appreciate it.
Posted by
2540 posts
Suggest you stay within the fortress as it is beautiful. When we were there, taxis were prohibited from entering during prime time but allowed early morning for pick-up from the hotel.
Posted by
2081 posts
Joy,
when i make it there, i plan on staying inside. to me, its the only way to go.
happy trails.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Hi Joy...We stayed in the Hotel Du Chateau which is right across the street from the castle...literally 2 minutes from the entry...the view from the hotel is incredible and you cannot see the hoards of tourists...it is pricey, but well worth the cost. My husband is a photographer and it was nice to come and go to photograph the ramparts at night. also it was nice to have breakfast in the morning looking at the fortress and you can have a drink outdoors also looking at the whole castle.