I’m spilling all the tea on my beautiful day trip to Carcassonne. Don’t expect the same travel guide from this post – it’s not gonna be as informative as my other ones.
Firstly, let me mention that getting to Carcassonne was a breeze, my inability to drive did not stop me. There are plenty of ways to get to Carcassonne without a car using public transport. I headed onto my trainline app and picked an afternoon train to Carcassonne, which returned later in the evening – costing me £17! I travelled from Toulouse Matabiau and the journey only took me an hour. The train journey itself was lovely, passing through rolling hills and picturesque countryside.
When we reached Carcassonne station, we immediately walked to Cite de Carcassonne, astonished by how fantastical the entrance even was. The castle is very grand, and since its 20th anniversary of UNESCO heritage its walls contain the shadow of circles that prior were added on in yellow as celebration. Be sure to line up the circles and sit on the castle wall for an insta worthy snap.
After all that walking, it was time for some delicious French cuisine, and the scenery called for nothing less than wine and cheese. We stumbled upon a lovely café (I wish I could remember the name to recommend it to you all, I’ll update if I find it) and ordered a mouth watering camembert to share. It was so creamy and decadent, melting in our mouths with each bite. And the French onion soup was simply divine, with rich flavours and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I paired this all with a locally made wine, which was delightful and complemented the food perfectly.
The rest of our day was spent wandering the medieval streets within the castle grounds. Taking in the history and charm of this incredible town. We shopped for trinkets, and I couldn’t resist picking up some unique souvenirs to take home.
All in all, if you’re looking for a more traditional view of France, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then I highly recommend taking a day trip to Carcassonne. The town has a magical quality that is sure to capture your heart and leave you longing to return.