Movin’... lifestyle
Movin’... Having just returned from the resort, Andrea Wren, travel expert and owner of internet-based luxury travel consultancy, Wren Elite Travel, tells us why Carcassonne makes for the perfect weekend break.
With its seemingly impenetrable status, the medieval cité of Carcassonne looms from an elevated hilltop position, conjuring up imagery of times gone by. As marvellous as it is, Carcassonne is still something of a hidden secret to UK tourists; yet this beautiful destination in the south of France was made famous after the publication of Kate Mosse’s novel, Labyrinth. And Labyrinth was, in fact, the inspiration behind my recent visit to Carcassonne. While fictional, there is much historical accuracy with regard to the Holy Inquisition and the persecution of the Cathars, who made up the inhabitants of Carcassonne in the 12th Century. It would be impossible not to be impressed; the medieval fortress, which in the past has both protected its inhabitants from invasion and acted as a prison, is the biggest draw and forms one of the best preserved walled cities in the world. Approaching la cité from the Pont Vieux on foot, the vision before you is breathtaking – and once inside the cité walls, you can be assured of a wondrous exploration of original buildings and streets.
The newer part of the city, or the Ville Bastide, is a perfectly pleasant place in which to wander, with its selection of delicious patisseries, as well as being flanked by the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Canal du Midi. You can easily while away a few hours sitting in the Plaza Carnet drinking coffee, spending some time shopping or taking a relaxing boat ride out on the canal. Carcassonne has plenty on offer for a delightful, long weekend break but it can also act as a base to explore the Languedoc-Roussillon region generally, with cities like Toulouse and Montpellier not far away. As well as city breaks, there are also some splendid escorted tours to Carcassonne, normally taking in Albi as well. As for resting your head, while there’s a huge range of accommodation in which to stay both in and out of the walled city, it’s worth treating yourself to a couple of
nights in the famous and luxurious Orient Express Hotel de la Cité (and if opting for an escorted tour, Kirker holidays have an option with stays at the Hotel de la Cité). Located right inside the city walls, the hotel houses rooms that are beautiful, a service and attention from the staff that is second to none, and a breakfast from the hotel’s restaurant, Saskia’s, that is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The hotel also provides some peaceful respite from the tourist madness that can overcome the walled city in the height of summer! For those who would like a quick getaway in this very pretty part of France, Carcassonne undoubtedly makes for the perfect weekend break. Wren Elite Travel can offer escorted tours and tailor-made city breaks to Carcassonne. Wren Elite Travel is an internet-based, independent luxury travel consultancy offering luxury worldwide holidays, city breaks, safari, adventure travel and honeymoons, as well as tailor-made and customised travel. See www.wrenelitetravel.co.uk, email enquiries@wrenelitetravel.co.uk or call 0845 475 0342 to discuss your holiday arrangements
July–August 2009 | Issue 3
47