Who’s been Carcasonne? Can you tell me about it?

[Carcasonnenewbie]

So we’re off to Carcasonne and staying in a villa not too far from the centre in August.

I’ve never been and have no idea what my kids are going to do as it looks like there isn’t much there! They are 3 & 7

What did you do with yours and any nice places to visit such as markets and restaurant - apart from the castle!

Thanks In advance

So it's a very steep walled city. Quaint little shops and nice bars and restaurants. Good for a day out but not to visit every day. Can get very crowded and has a slight air of 'medieval Disney' about it. As long as you've got a car there's plenty to explore and enjoy in the surrounding area though so not a problem.

There's the medieval city on top of the hill, then the main town below it, which is flat and very nice. Lots of squares with restaurants around. Also a nice park by the river. We were only there a couple of days, so didn't see an awful lot, and it was in the middle of last summer's heatwave. Beautiful place and I'd like to go back

Back outside the walls & down the hill there’s a river & you can do a boat trip. And there’s pony & carriage rides around the city walls.
We loved it but you’d only need a day to sightsee. I still use my medieval chopping board 5 years on...!

It's so beautiful! Lots to explore in the old town and there's a lake with a beach a short drive / taxi / bus journey away that is incredible! Such a lovely place.

Thank you I’ll go and google

I’ve seen the lake/beach Nut looks lovely!

Absolutely stunning. There are two parts to it. The new town and the old city up on the hill
The old part is just stunning. Lovely restaurants , get the mini train lovely

I think they have slides on the lake in the summer! Great little burger place too by the lake. The only downside was that I found a human poo on the floor in one of the toilets 😂

The restaurants inside / just outside the old town are really lovely too!

We also went on one of the river cruises as mentioned by a PP and saw an otter, it was very exciting haha.

Thanks for the pic Nutkins! I love lake swimming. Pics are gorgeous .

The old town does have a bit of a medieval Disney feel but it is beautiful. In summer they have a jousting show which was fun.

We went about 5 years ago. I thought it was magical and interesting and the dc loved it too. A great day out. If you’re in the area definitely do pay a visit.

Have you got the board game? You could play it before you go to get in the mood

We stayed on the coast in that area over the summer, we loved it. The medieval city is gorgeous and the modern part had nice shops for wandering around.
In the area, there are some good wineries (enjoy these in the middle of the afternoon when you need somewhere cooler) and the beaches are huge, often fairly quiet in comparison to other parts of South of France (photo shows the beach in August at about 11.30) Teen DS liked the water sports on offer.