Carcassonne and the Land of the Cathars

Program:

• Carcassonne Walking Tour

Description: Morning: Depart Paris for Carcassonne by train with a transfer in Toulouse or Montpellier (770 km, approximately 6-7 hours). Transfer from the train station to your hotel by car. Accommodation at your hotel in Carcassonne. Free time. Walking tour of Carcassonne (2 hours), during which you will discover the following attractions: Upper Town – Cité Médievale. One of the most beautiful fortified cities in Europe, a unique architectural monument listed by UNESCO, and the second most visited place in France. The fortress, built on the ruins of a Roman military settlement, witnessed the Crusades against the Albigensians in the 13th century. Many scenes from the Hollywood films "Robin Hood" and "Joan of Arc" were filmed here. The fortress's double defensive walls (Les Remparts), stretching 3 km, boast 52 towers. The first ring of fortifications was built in Roman times, the second in the Middle Ages. The Count's Castle (Château Comtal) was built in the 12th century by the powerful Trancavel family. Some of its foundations rest on Roman structures.

Program:

• Lower Town (La Bastide St Louis)
• Canal du Midi
• Land of the Cathars
• Lastours Châteaux with a Cabardec wine tasting

Description: Morning: Car tour of Lower Town (La Bastide St Louis) and a walk along the Canal du Midi. Lower Town (La Bastide St Louis) The old pedestrian bridge (14th century) leads to Lower Town, where houses from the time of Saint Louis, magnificent private mansions, a covered market, and the Sineschal courthouse remain. Place Carnot is bustling on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The long-standing tradition of holding markets on these days has been preserved since the city's founding in 1247. Canal du Midi (South Canal) - Cruise aboard a gabare, a traditional vessel of this region (2 hours). In the 14th century, Pierre-Paul Riquet began construction of his monumental project, the Canal du Midi. It connects the Atlantic coast of France with the Mediterranean Sea. In 1996, the Canal du Midi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will take a short cruise along the Canal du Midi. Under the shade of centuries-old plane trees, we will pass through one of its many locks. After lunch: Excursion to the Land of the Cathars and an ascent to the Lastours castles with a wine tasting of the Cabardec appellation (6 hours including departure from Carcassonne, 46 km round trip). In the 11th-13th centuries, a reform movement emerged and gained strength in Western Europe. In southern France, it became known as the Cathar or Albigensian movement. The papacy was alarmed by the spread of the Cathar heresy in Languedoc, which threatened the unity of the Catholic Church. Crusades against the Cathars continued throughout the century, ending only at the beginning of the 14th century. To the north of Carcassonne on the Black Mountain, from the observation deck, you will see the majestic complex of the Cathar castle of Lastours, consisting of four towers: Cabaret, Tour Regin, Surdesnin, and Curtineau. Resembling eagle's nests, they dominate the surrounding landscape. You will be told the heroic story of this castle, which survived a siege and assault by royal troops. Explore the Cabardès vineyard. It is located northwest of Carcassonne on the spurs of the Black Mountain. This geographical location allows it to benefit from the beneficial influence of the hot Mediterranean and oceanic climate, giving Cabardès wines a unique character. Tastings are available upon request. Return to the hotel.

Program:

• Minervois and the Aude Valley
• Grotte de Limousis and Gouffre de Cabrespine
• Minervois Wine Estate
• Rennes-le-Château

Description: Morning: Excursion through the Minervois region and the Aude Valley (8 hours, including departure from Carcassonne). Visit to two underground caves: Grotte de Limousis and Gouffre de Cabrespine, with a tasting of Minervois wine (56 km round trip). Limousi Cave A gallery of underground chambers with centuries-old fossilized stalactites and stalagmites of bizarre shapes, which give the most beautiful grottoes their names – the Ballroom, the Golden Fleece, the Chandelier... And the Cabrespine Cave, 250 meters deep, spectacularly illuminated and easily accessible, no tedious descents required. The most beautiful sight is the Devil's Balcony. Minervois Wine Estate The Minervois vineyards are located in an imaginary triangle, the apexes of which are the cities of Carcassonne, Béziers, and Narbonne. They produce red, rosé, and white wines, as well as the famous Muscat Saint-Jean de Miervois. The Wine Route, home to numerous tasting cellars, passes through the area. Lunch at one of the local typical restaurants serving regional cuisine. A trip to the upper Aude Valley (90 km round trip) Visit the village of Rennes-le-Château, world-famous for its unsolved mysteries and a pilgrimage destination since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. Along the way, you'll see the ruins of the Benedictine abbey of Aleette-les-Bains and visit the spa resort of Rennes-les-Bains, renowned for its hot springs since Roman times. You'll visit the unique village church built by Abbot Sauniere and admire the stunning views from the hilltop. A wine tasting at a winemaking school on the way back is available upon request.

Program:

• Limou Wine School

Description Visit to the Limoux Wine School. One day in 1531, a Benedictine monk from the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, tasked with overseeing the maturation of wine, noticed that it was releasing bubbles. Thus, Blanquette sparkling wine was born—the very first sparkling wine—a century and a half before the creation of Champagne by the monk Don Pérignon. You will taste the famous sparkling wine "Blanquette de Limoux." Return to Paris.