I watched a travel show, not RS, that covered this part of southern France and Spain. It looked and sounded like a very unique area to visit, to be honest I'd never heard of Carcassonne until I watched this program. My question is has anyone visited here and the Pyrennes and what were your impressions? BTW, the show was Smart Travels w/ Rudy Maxa, I enjoy his show but he seems to take the more expensive route, as far as accomodations and the like, not the RS philosophy we here try to imulate.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
I was in Carcassonne in September of 2004 on a Saturday. I was packed like Disneyland, the parking situation outside the walled old town reminded of of Disneyland, the prices of food, beverages and souvenirs inside also seemd to be copied from Disney... as nice as it was I just didn't feel any authentic. Rothenburg in Southern Germany is an medival walled old town like Carcassonne but is much, much more real. Other than that I liked the area, especially the Languedoc part of it. But September is probably still too hot to being able to fully enjoy.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
It is a lovely, somewhat off-the-beaten-path part of France, with many interesting things to see and do. Plenty of "back doors" to be found there.
Carcassone itself is a bit of a challenge at high season. Great sights attract crowds and crowds, alas, attract ticky-tacky souvenir shops and worthless attractions (like the Museum of Punishment). Pay extra for room in the old city and go exploring in the evening and morning; clear out before the tour buses arrive, and skip the schlock.
I try to learn from many travel guides and books, as long as I understand the personality of Lets Go or Rudi Maxa or Michelin I can put their advice into context and let that inform my planning. Have fun!
Posted by
Fort Pain, Alabama, USA
41 posts
Ditto the "Lots of back-door" places in this area of southern France. I would suggest a rental car. Travel by train in this area, which i have done, LIMITS what you can see drastically. I liked Carcassone Castle. It is "touristy" and an overnight inside,,, pricey (i stayed in Lourdes).However its a real castle and quite Big,,,worth seeing.