Road-Tripping Spain and Southern France Plus Ibiza in 12 Days – DAY 7
Located on a jagged hilltop and flaring with zigzag escarpments, huge walls, and peaked spires, the UNESCO-listed fortified city of Carcassonne came to us as a surprise. We did not have any plan to visit this beautiful medieval walled city before. It was Richie’s idea to take a detour to France before routing back to Barcelona, Spain. When we first saw Carcassonne, it looked like something out of a children’s storybook – a charming magic castle appearing unexpectedly on the landscape. Instantly, we decided to spend a night here and that was one of the best things we did!
Highlights of the Day
- Drive from San Sebastian to Carcassonne
- Ibis Budget Carcassonne La Cite
- Cite de Carcassonne
Roadtrip from San Sebastian to Carcassonne
Initially, Richie and I had plans to reach Barcelona from San Sebastian via the interior of Spain. This would have taken around 6 h straight drive to cover that 570 km. But we changed our mind and took a detour to France.
We left San Sebastian at around 12.30 PM and at around 5 PM, we reached Toulouse, the capital of Southern France. The Garonne River bisects the city. The 17th-century Canal du Midi plus the many buildings made of terracotta bricks have made Toulouse popular.
In another hour’s time, we reached Carcassonne – the biggest medieval town of Europe. We entered the newer part of the town, crossed the bridge, and drove into the old city. The high stone walls and tall towers of the old city welcomed us while wrapping the rocky top of the hill as a parchment blanket. We fell in instant love with Carcassonne.
Ibis Budget Carcassonne La Cite
We had not sorted our accommodation in Carcassonne earlier as this was a sudden plan. But luckily, we came across Ibis Budget Carcassonne La Cite hotel. It is located very close to the castle ramparts, and room was available. Ibis Budget rooms pleased us in Amsterdam, Netherlands and also in Madrid, Spain. So we did not think twice before taking up a room in Ibis Budget Carcassonne.
Cite de Carcassonne
Access to the walls and the keep and the monument is from 10 AM to 6.30 PM during the summer months, and cost €9 per person.
The Old Town of Carcassonne is entirely fortified, hence known as Cite de Carcassonne, meaning the Citadel of Carcassonne. It is one of the most visited sights of France. Romans originally built the fortress. There are areas now inside the citadel where the Romans laid their first brick. Later, various conquerors expanded the citadel, destroyed it also, and again rebuilt it. Let me take you in and around this beautiful UNESCO-listed fortress.
It was one of the best days of our trip. This was unplanned, yet the most pleasant surprise of the whole trip. Taking a detour to France was the best idea. Carcassonne took our heart away. I highly recommend fellow travelers to plan their visit here when in Southern France. Or if you are close to Northern Spain, then take a detour like we did.
Net Expense for 1 Person (in EUR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 7 in France – Carcassonne.
- Stay at Ibis Budget Hotel (1 night): 30
- Food: 10
- Fuel: 15
- Miscellaneous: 20
Total expense (roughly):Â 75 EUR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Solid good information. The best travel experiences tends to be the unexpected and spontaneous detours you take.
Couldn’t agree more!
The best thing about traveling is when you don’t plan too much. I love that spontaneous trips. Looks like you had a great time:)
Yes, Carcassonne was a memorable trip.
Beautiful place! I love the castle and the river cruise. The trees on both sides of the canal look amazing! I love walkable towns like this.
Nice to know that. We were in love with the castle.
The canal du midi looks beautiful! The picture with you two with the castle is great! the lights were definitely perfect! We would definitely like to go to the chocolate store. We would also like exploring this medieval city. There seems to be a few of these types of cities spread out through Europe. They are always enjoyable to explore.
Yes, it was a great experience exploring the castle. This must be in your list Christina.
Carcassonne looks so ancient and beautiful. i really love these kind of places. Love the caricature of Richie! And yes, unplanned trips mostly comes out to be the best.
Yes, we loved the evening.
Well, never been to France. That looks like a nice trip. How is it with the language barrier? Can I get around with English?
Yes, you can, not a big problem anymore.
I love medieval towns so I would love to visit Carcassonne. Adding it to my list of places to visit next time I am in Southern France.
Oh yes, you must!
I haven’t been there (yet), but I have heard and read A LOT about Carcassonne. I had no idea it was an UNESCO World Heritage site though 🙂 learn something new every day 😛 x
Yes, it’s a magicland to me!
Once again a very well written article n also love how u plan ur iteneary based on the place
Thanks Sumit for appreciating always.
I love this very detailed and informative. I’ve not been to Carcassonne yet but I will add this on my list for this years road trip. Great post
Thanks so much Lisa.
The Old Town of Carcassonne looks picture perfect. I love charming old towns like these, with fort walls and a fantastic vibe. I wish I had explored more of France on my trip, I only ended up going to Paris and Nice. Carcassone and Toulouse should have been included.
This small town is a gem.
Wow! I have always wanted to visit Carcassonne, it is definitely on my bucket list. Good to know you can do it on a budget as well. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Glad you liked it.