Southeastern France

I don't know specifics about this area, but I do have some tips. To get to the Carcassonne area from the US (particularly since you have limited time), you'd do better to fly to Toulouse and pick up your car there. To do this coming from the US, you'd connect in Paris, Amsterdam, or somewhere else to Toulouse (use airport code TLS on http://www.kayak.com/ to book this flight from the US to Toulouse all on one ticket). A train from Paris to Carcassonne takes a long time, and Carcassonne is a small town and wouldn't have the same selection of rental cars as Toulouse airport (particularly if you need an automatic). No reason you couldn't go to Spain, by train or car, if you have an interest. But with only 7-9 days, be careful of trying to see and do too much. You can look at train schedules by following the tips on this link: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/db_tips.htm and can look at driving times and costs on this link: http://www.viamichelin.com/

I am a little confused by your subject header, since SE France is Provence and the Cote d'Azure, near the Alps and Italy. A trip this short should be open jaw, into Paris and out of Toulouse or vice versa. The trip from Paris to Carcasonne is about 5 hours, but there is also a slower night train if you like. Rent your car after leaving Carcassonne and leave it at the airport in Toulouse. I think you do not have enough time for Spain. Don't shortchange Paris either. I love that part of France, but you should know that you there is great countryside, villages, food, and wine closer to Paris. That would mean less time in transit and more time sightseeing and eating. You might consider Provence or Burgundy, and save Languedoc for another trip when you can combine it with the Perigord (which unfortunately you really do not have time to include this trip). But if your heart is set on a taste of the SW, this is the way to do it. Also works the other direction, ending in Paris.

If you are interested in the Southwestern part of France near Carcassonne, there are many things to do in the area. Lots of Cathar castle ruins to climb, Rennes-les-Bains from the Kate Mosse book, the sea coast near Perpignan, the wonderful modern art museum in Ceret and le Petit Train Jaune. You can go north to Albi and see the huge cathedral and the Toulouse Lautrec museum. You can venture into Spain very easily. We went to Spain for lunch when we were staying near Perpignan. I love that area of France. I had always wanted to see Carcassonne but after reading the Mosse book and another book by Steve Berry about the area, I was even more convinced to go.

Hi Laura, If you know someone living in the area, then yes enjoy the entree that offers and follow their suggestions. I've visited this area over 10 years and always found something new to like/love/enjoy. Her first book was made into a mini-series and parts were filmed in the actual locations (she has a house in the area, lucky lady!) Whatever photos you've seen of Lagrasse don't do the place justice. As a somewhat counter suggestion, I'd suggest the train to Montpellier and get the car there. There is a hostel in the Cite in Carcassonne but I think it's a youth hostel and some of them have age limits. For things along the med (and inland): http://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/activities/index.php There's a blog that sends out a bi-weekly email newsletter www.audeflyer.com. They have listings of all the farmers markets, flea markets, etc. which is always good. There is Gites-de-France which oversees different types of accommodations. It is national, but each department has its own set up. Here's the link to the site for Aude department you can click on the Union Jack to get to English site: http://www.gites-de-france-aude.com/
There's a central reservation office in Carcassonne and they speak English and can handle almost everything online or on the phone. Some have to be arranged directly with the owner but each listing has that sort of info. Best part is they're usually less expensive. If you have questions, do let me know. When are you planning on travelling?

Look at flying into Marseilles and getting the car there. Visit Arles, the Camargue and Aigues Mortes on the way to Lagrasse. For an easy first day you could drive the short distance to Arles and spend the day and night there. Then go on to Lagrasse. There is so much to see and do in this region you really need to pore through some guide books to see what you want to do. I suggest Michelin Green Guide to LR to start. It's possible to fly out of Barcelona, however due to the high drop fee on the car if you return it in another country, you would need to return it in Perpignan and take the train to Barcelona. And of course you could do the trip in reverse, spending the first day exploring Barcelona. Then train to Perpignan to get a car.

If you decide to fly into Barcelona, then after your visit taking the train the France, getting the car in Perpignan is easy. One word of caution doing that though. Don't be tempted to pick up your car at another location in Perpignan to avoid paying a little more to get it at the train station. I chose their "downtown" location to do that and it backfired on me. The location was closer to the airport than downtown and the taxi fare exceeded what I saved. It's an easy train trip from Barcelona to Perpignan. We bought our train tickets in Barcelona. For the Spanish portion of the trip we were able to pay with a credit card. For the French portion we had to pay cash.