This summer, don't just soak up the wonderful weather of Carcassonne, discover the medieval charms and sights of this fantastic city too. Car hire in Carcassonne allows you to experience all that this wonderful little French city has to offer, from its delicious cuisine to its rich heritage, you'll be spoilt for choice. Car hire is by far the best way to experience everything that Carcassonne and its surrounding towns and villages provide. Whether you're looking for a cultural break or just a looking to kick back for a few days, you'll find Carcassonne to be the perfect place to spend a few days.
Carcassonne Mini Guide:
Carcassonne Airport is located close to junction 23 of the A61 motorway. It is one of the smallest airports serving the Languedoc region of France, which makes getting around easy. The airport is served mainly by budget airline Ryanair. Facilities at the airport include cafés restaurants and gift shops.
Things To See/Do in Carcassonne:
Carcassonne has the unusual distinction of having an entire upper city that is a fortified castle-known as La Cité. The lofty ramparts offer a special view of the lower part of the city below. It's a good idea is to go on a walking tour of the city's medieval cobbled streets, to get a feel for the city's old medieval charms.
Not to be missed on your journey is The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire at Place de l'Eglise, which is famed for its stained glass and beautiful ornate carvings. Les Aigles de La Cité, meaning 'The Eagles of La Cité' is another unique medieval experience, which should definitely be taken in. Here visitors can watch specially trained birds of prey in free flight, as well as responding to the commands of trained falconers.
Outside of the city, there are plenty of other places of interest waiting to be explored with a hire car. A short drive from Carcassonne is the fascinating village of Rennes le Chateau, reputed to be the hiding place of the Holy Grail as well as the one-time lodgings of Mary Magdalene. It's definitely worthy of a visit by conspiracy theorists and fans of The Da Vinci Code alike.
Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Carcassonne:
Local specialities in Carcassonne include Cassoulet, a rich white bean stew packed with duck, ham and sausage. Thrifty travellers can enjoy this hearty dish at a low cost from cafés around the city.
After-dark entertainment in Carcassonne includes bars, discos and karaoke bars. The centre of Carcassonne's nightlife scene is Rue Omer-Sarraut and Place Marcou in La Cité.
Accommodation in Carcassonne offers something to suit all budgets. Those on the top end of the price line should look no further than The Route de St-Hilaire which is housed in a nineteenth-century mansion. The hotel offers affordable luxury and Michelin-starred cuisine. Those looking to pay less for their comforts should check out La Sauzette, a B&B situated ten miles south of Carcassonne which offers a pretty view of the surrounding landscape and vineyards.
