France - Carcassone question

We visited Carcassone last May but started our trip in Barcelona. Spent one night in Carcassone and drove to our B&B near Sarlat for five nights in the Dordogne. We rented a car in Carcassone(trained up from Barc) and it was a long drive to Sarlat. We were advised to drive up through Toulouse and we made a wrong turn that cost lots of time. I did not find Carcassone to be a must see place but it was convenient for us to stay the one night. Due to losing time around Toulouse we missed out on seeing Albi which was high on our list. Sarlat is a cute town but we were glad we stayed at a B&B five miles away that was really charming and had a pool also. Market day is on Saturday in Sarlat which is a fun place to shop. We loved the Dordogne area--really a beautiful part of France.

Deanna:

On our honeymoon in 1993 my wife and I did virtually the same thing as you are planning. We pushed a little harder to get to Carcassonne. On the way home in the airplane we talked about what we would change about the trip if we could. The answer was "We should have skipped Carcassonne and stayed another night in the Dordogne."

Sarlat and the surrounding area are wonderful. We just love Beynac and Domme. There are some funs things to do there. The scenery is breathtaking and the food is out of this world.

Just my two cents. Have fun.

I agree with the first two posters. I found Carcassonne to be just a bit too hokey, but others are really thrilled with the place so it's difficult to advise you. Chaq'un a son gout.

I would not want to drive from Sarlat to Arles in one day, and I think that Carcassonne makes a good stop for an overnight visit. So I'd advise sticking with your original plan, even though (arguably) it's not in the same league as your other destinations.

If you leave Sarlat in the afternoon you will arrive well after the crowds have left. Stay in the old city, avoid the obvious tourist traps and just wander, have a nice meal, stroll the ramparts, and leave the next day. The guided tour of the keep is worthwhile, if you can fit it in. I think you will have a satisfying visit.

Just my opinion, obviously. Have fun!

I agree about using Carcasonne as a stopover between Sarlat and Arles - the old town is fun - go down to the bridge for a neat night-time or sunset view of the town. Even if it isn't quite as "authentic" as some others, you would have an enjoyable evening. The Dordogne area is wonderful - enjoy exploring.

Carcassonne is a great stopping point and the sunset hours on the ramparts are the best.

Thanks for the advice.

I checked the viamichelin routes and I don't want to drive all the way from Sarlat to Arles in the afternoon - too much for a vacation. Didn't realize it was that far.

We're going to use Carcassonne as an overnight stop, see the ramparts and walk through the old town and not worry about missing things there when we move on.