Each weekend, the queues of passengers stepping onto their Carcassonne flights at airports around the UK attest to the popularity of this part of France. Many of them see Carcassonne only briefly as they make their way to their second homes in this beautiful département. But the city is a weekend break destination in itself. The modern city is built around two medieval ones. The fortified city stands on the north bank of the River Aude, commanding the surrounding countryside all turrets, towers and ramparts and with its own basilica, the Basilica of St-Nazaire. This is Europe's largest medieval town with the city walls intact (completely restored in 1853 by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc), where the old stone streets ring with entertainers, gift shops, restaurants, tapestry galleries and outdoor cafes.
The other medieval city is on the south side of the river, the 13th-century Bastide of Carcassonne with its wide boulevards and elegant Place Carnot with its 18th-century Neptune Fountain.
The Canal du Midi crossed by the Pont Marengo is another great tourist draw. The canal, lined by overhanging trees, was constructed in the 1600s, and is popular for bank-side strolls and boat rides.
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The Languedoc region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate - hot, dry summers, rainy winters and mild springs and autumns. There are about 300 sunny days a year.
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There is no bad time to seek cheap flights to Carcassonne. The sun shines almost year round. Temperatures during spring and autumn are mild, perfect times for short breaks.
Peak Season:
The summer months, April to September, are peak season. This is when most tourists throng the medieval city and when most second-homers arrive.
Off Season:
October to March is officially the low season. Some attractions have shorter opening hours during these months.
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The airport is just 3km (2 miles) from Carcassonne. There is an airport shuttle that takes in several points around Carcassonne including the Medieval City and town centre, cost €5 (about £3.50). There are also taxi cabs at the airport terminal. Many travellers stepping off their Carcassonne flights rent a car. There are five companies represented at the airport including Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
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Carcassonne’s medieval city is small enough that you can easily walk around. But for the rest of the city, you may want to take the bus, which is efficient and reasonably priced. Buy a transport pass for the entire day or just for an hour – it will only cost a few euros, and it gives you unlimited rides over the entire transport system.
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- While visiting, snap up jars of cassoulet, bouillabaisse, patés and Roquefort. Cassoulet is the region's speciality, a rich dish of white beans, mutton and duck or partridge.
- Take a cruise down the Canal du Midi. Boat trips take a couple of hours from Carcassonne canal harbour. Passing through one of the canal's locks is a highlight.
- The Raymond Chésa Leisure Park is close to the medieval city. It spreads, for 40 hectares, across three valleys, fed by the Mitgé, Bazalac and Montirat creeks. Strolling around Cavayere Lake will reveal a number of environments, from pastures to woods to arid land. An island in the centre of the lake is an important nesting ground for ducks and other birds.
- The Australian Park is home to kangaroos, emus, boomerangs, digeridoos and aborigines. You can also pan for gold...
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Carcassonne Salvaza Airport (CCF) (website: www.carcassonne.aeroport.fr) is located 3km (2 miles) to the west of the town centre.
Another option is to seek flights to Toulouse Airport (TLS), about a 45-minute drive to Carcassonne. A greater number of airlines such as British Airways, Jet2, Aer Lingusand Air France fly to TLS.
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