Carcassonne and Cathar Castles of France

We meet at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar for Paris.
We continue to Toulouse where we board a coach to Carcassonne. Our
hotel here is the 5-Star DoubleTree by Hilton, where we stay in
deluxe rooms overlooking the medieval city.

On Day 2, we explore on a guided tour.
UNESCO-listed Carcassonne is renowned for its city walls, defensive
towers, and drawbridges - all original features. Accessed by an
ancient bridge which crosses the former moat, the Cité encapsulates
romantic medieval France and our tour includes entrance to Château
Comtal. The rest of your day is free.

Today takes us to Narbonne, watched over by its wonderfully
dramatic Gothic cathedral. We set out on a guided walking tour of
the Robine Canal, lined with pretty promenades, and an exposed
section of the Via Domitia Roman Road, in the town square. Next, we
see the grand courtyards of the Archbishop's Palace before moving
on to Les Halles market. Built in 1091, this indoor food market is
a feast for the senses. Enjoy time to relax in one of the market's
fantastic wine bars and get a taste for the region's excellent
cheeses and meats with an authentic charcuterie board. Tonight, we
enjoy a traditional cassoulet dinner, made with pork and duck and
cooked with haricots beans.

We explore the historic Châteaux de Lastours area today. Set in
the heart of the Cathar countryside, this is a region famous for
its sun-drenched vineyards, tranquil villages, and scattered Roman
ruins and medieval castles. Home to a collection of four former
Cathar fortresses - historic castles once a place of refuge for the
Cathars during the 13th century - we visit Belvedere Point, where
we have some free time to soak up the views over Châteaux des
Lastours before exploring the châteaux themselves. Walk amongst the
rugged landscape, admiring the magnificent castles perched atop,
and built into, the surrounding hills. We continue to a local
restaurant for lunch, accompanied by local wine, before
transferring back to Carcassonne.

This morning we travel by coach to Mirepoix for the town's
weekly market. Located in the medieval square, there's time to
sample fresh, local produce as well as home-made crafts and wine.
Returning to the hotel, we take a scenic drive through the French
countryside, travelling through charming villages, passing ruined
castles and verdant woodland.

On Day 6, enjoy a free day to relax in
Carcassonne ahead of a wine tasting and a farewell meal in the
grounds of Château de Pennautier this evening. Our delicious dinner
is accompanied by wines produced in the castle's own vineyards.

Checking out after breakfast this morning, we take the
coach to Toulouse, continuing by rail to Paris for the Eurostar to
London St Pancras.