Trying to figure out if there is a night train we can take from Paris to Carcasonne in June. I do not have the TGV site figured out. I tried the bahn.de one but I have to many choices leaving out of Paris and don't know which one works. Thanks for any info on this!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
From bahn.de:
A direct night train leaves Paris Austerlitz at 21:56 and arrives in Carcassonne at 05:38.
Alternatively, you could take a later night train from Paris Austerlitz to Toulouse-Matabiau, make a connection there, and take another train to Carcassonne.
Posted by
OP
Dayton, OR, USA
57 posts
What website did you get your information? Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You missed the reference I gave in my post. I used bahn.de. New train timetables will go into effect around 12 June so enter an earlier dummy date to see all your current choices.
Posted by
oregon
131 posts
At the time we used the train (but not from Paris, and we arrived early afternoon)the area where the RS book describes you can catch a frequent electric trolley was torn to pieces- it is probably the parking garage by now- almost two years later! Nonetheless, it was not easy to find, on foot. We ended up walking from Carcasonne (I assume you are staying in the walled city)directly back to the station over a bridge and it was more direct and about 15- 20 minutes. We each had a backpack- but something to consider if you have luggage.
I did see taxis delivering folks to hotels but these were really nice hotels (we stayed at a B&B). During the day the streets were simply PACKED with people. Then as dusk approached it emptied of the day tourists and was truly magical- this was late July and there were times we felt like we had it all to ourselves.
So one possibility might be to consider arriving later. Your hotel might let you leave your bags in the lobby if you arrive in the morning...there was a bus we ended up taking, sort of like a shuttle, from near the construction site but it wasn't operating for over two hours on either side of lunch.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Sarah, Karen is absolutely right about Carcassonne in the evening. The crowds have thinned out and in June the weather should be ideal for a late alfresco dinner at one of the fine restaurants on the main plaza in the walled town. Great food and good local wines. The place is fascinating by day and magical after dark.
Tim is correct re the night train; there are lots of choices for day trains also and it only takes about 5 hours or so from Paris, depending on which one you catch.
If you plan to stay overnight, I recommend the Hotel Montmorency, just outside the walled city about 100 m from the east gate, a very nice room and much cheaper than staying within the walls. Have a great trip!