visiting Languedoc

My wife and I enjoyed Carcassonne on our 2003 trip through France though we only stayed one night. I don't think I would stay there for eight nights though. I have heard some people say it's not very authentic in terms of the architecture, a reconstruction, but we thought it was fun. The guided tour of the wall was memorable. Although not technically in Languedoc Collioure has long been on my list for a return visit. Not central for day tripping but everything I have seen makes it seem very appealing. Also in the general area Albi might be worth a look--I have not been there but have done some research on this area myself and Albi was included in one of Rick's videos. I have been to Peyreptuse and Queribus, two of the Cathar castles in that area and they were both awesome and worth a visit. (But I am a castle nut). Not sure if those are technically in Languedoc either but they are in that area. Based upon a Google image search for Languedoc, the countryside seems very scenic so you might want to gravitate toward that. I always Google and look under images to help decide where to visit, it gives a sense of what places are like

I have a friend who has her vacation home near Narbonne and I find that to be convenient area for getting to the places that you mention during day trips. Have you looked at Pezenas?

We rented a villa near Pezenas on two different trips. Pezenas is a lovely small city with art galleries, a market, cafes, restaurants, etc. We used this as a base for day tripping from Nimes to Collioure, from Albi to Carcassonne, even to La Camargue and Arles. It is about 30 minutes from the Mediterranean and about 90 minutes to Carcassone, 2 hours to Collouire. There is so much to see and do in this region, you'll find that you barely scratch the surface in 8 days. IMO I would chose one base and stay there as you lose a lot of time moving.

We also LOVE Pezenas...we spent 5 weeks there a few summers back and really want to go back. From there you can easily reach the beach, Montpellier, Narbonne, Beziers, Perpignan, Coulioure, the Gorges of Herault, the Cevennes (caves and caverns you can tour), St. Guillaume le Desert, the Canal du Midi, endless wineries (Abbaye de Valmagne is our favorite), and all of the other "village circulade" in the area. Pezenas itself is wonderful with it's winding stone streets, gorgeous doors, is not super touristy, and has a great Saturday market. The town gives breaks on rent for commercial space for artists and craftspeople so the shopping is fantastic! In July you should be prepared for heat though! I highly recommend it as one of your home bases.

Several years ago we spent about a week in greater Languedoc. We stayed in Perpignan and from there visited Banyul sur Mer, Couillere, Rivesalte, Carcassone (by going through the backroads of Corbieres to also visit Queribus and Peyrepertuse). Perpignan is the home of the King of the Majoricans and while the castle is lovely, Peripignan isn't one of my favorite French cities. However it was a GREAT base for traveling as both the Cathar castles and the coastal cities were within easy driving distances (and Barcelona is just 2 1/2 hours away as well). To me, Carcassone is Disneyfied - all the soul has left while the other "still in ruins" castles were really evocative of the times. If you are afraid of heights however, climbing the ruins will be a challenge (I just managed Queribus and stayed below for Peyrepertuse!). Also loved the coastal cities of Banyul and Couillere. Great seafood eating and the Banyul desert wines were good.

If I was to do it again, I'd consider Bezier. OR what about Toulouse? We went to Toulouse on a separate trip and REALLY liked the city. Amazing food and a very different feel from most French cities (Catalan influence). Toulouse is about 1 hour away drive from Carcassone and 2 1/2 hours from Banyul sur Mer. Would be a great way to combine 2 very interesting parts of France.