My family (Grandpa, Mom, Dad, 9 year old boy, baby) will be staying in Southern France (between Carcassonne and Tolouse) for about 10 days in early fall. Any favorite cities/ villages in that area? We'd also love any restaurant and activity recommendations. Thanks!
R., going west/southwest from Carcassone, I would recommend visiting Mirepoix and Foix. Mirepoix has a charming market square with wood houses from the 13th through 15th centuries. Foix has a nice castle to visit. Foix is just starting to get into the Pyrenees, so it could be a bit cool when you go. A bit out of Mirepoix is the town of Vals. The church in the the town is carved into the giant rocks outside the town.
If you're planning a day trip to Carcassonne I would recommend timing it to be outside the main entrance at Sunrise. The rising sun off of the walls is spectacular. Then you can walk the town before the crowds.