Carcassonne, Avignon & Provence

Carcassonne, Avignon & beautiful Provence

Journey through the rolling countryside of Provence, as its historic UNESCOlisted crowning glories are thrillingly brought to life.

Castle of Carcassonne

Pont d’Avignon Day One – Fly to France Upon arrival meet your friendly tour manager and make the scenic transfer to Carcassonne and your hotel. Accommodation is reserved on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you the opportunity to dine out and discover some exceptional local cuisine during your stay.

Day Two – Included walking tour of

Carcassone Join our guide for a fascinating included walking tour of the mesmerising city of Carcassonne, one of the most striking walled settlements in the whole of Europe, with its remarkably preserved, double-walled Cité the jewel in a sparkling crown. Restored in the mid-19th-century, the fairy-tale bastion includes the inner Château Comtal and the beautiful church of St-Nazaire, from the tower of which the views over the fortress are spectacular. Wander the narrow, sometimes steep, streets of this medieval enclave, with its colourful cafés, restaurants and craft shops squeezed into its tiny buildings, or perhaps take in the views from the city walls. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Beneath the turrets of the Cité and across the languid River Aude, the equally charming Ville Basse, the second of Carcassonne’s two ‘towns’, offers a wider variety of places in which to enjoy lunch or dinner in charming surroundings.

Day Three – Optional tour of Collioure,

Narbonne and wine tasting Continue your exploration of historic Carcassonne under your own steam or join today’s optional fullday escorted excursion to France’s southwest corner, beginning with a visit to the exquisite port-town of Collioure. Once the home of Henri Matisse, and with its palm-fringed promenade curving around the bay, this is an especially attractive coastal settlement, overlooked by the monumental Château-Royal.

Available Apr to Jun, Sep & Oct 2023

Fly direct from these airports. Prices from

• Bristol £785 • Heathrow £855 • Stansted £775

Personalise your holiday

• Collioure (full day) – from £63 Room for Sole Use from £185

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 15 minutes from Carcassonne and approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Toulouse.

Toulouse

Spain France

Avignon

Carcassonne

Narbonne

• A guided tour of historic, walled Carcassonne, one of France’s great medieval cities • Free time to wander the ramparts of

Carcassonne under your own steam • A full-day visit to the majestic papal city of

Avignon, including a visit to the stunning

Roman Pont du Gard • An unforgettable cruise along the tree-lined

Canal du Midi • The chance to visit the port-town of Collioure and the Roman city of Narbonne on an optional excursion • Five nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and continental breakfast accommodation at the Ibis Carcassonne Est, Carcassonne (upgrade hotels available for a supplement) • Return flights to France, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that Pont d’Avignon bridge dates back to 1234 and now only features four of its original 22 arches?

Avignon Canal du Midi Narbonne France

Continue to Narbonne – once the Roman capital of all of southern Gaul - with its imposing 13th-century cathedral, its central canal and its section of the famed Roman road, the Via Domitia beneath the main square. After free time in Narbonne, continue to historic Domaine de l’Hospitalet, high up on the protected limestone massif of La Clape, overlooking the Mediterranean, for a tasting of various regional wines, before returning to Carcassonne for the evening.

Day Four – Included Pont du Gard and Avignon

tour Another unforgettable, full day awaits you, as you board the coach to journey to two of southern France’s most sparkling jewels. Take in first the breath-taking, three-tiered Roman aqueduct, the stunning Pont du Gard, the towering stone watercourse straddling the River Gard granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985 and regarded as a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Continue to historic Avignon, encircled by its ancient low walls, and dominated by its monumental centrepiece, the fortified Palais des Papes, 14th-century home to popes, cardinals and a court of assorted princes, barons and other nobility who helped the city build a dubious reputation as one of medieval Europe’s most decadent and ‘colourful’ enclaves. Don’t miss the curious half-bridge of St-Bénézet – the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ of the famous French folk song – that juts out into the fast-flowing waters of the River Rhône, as it winds its way towards the Mediterranean. Avignon’s bustling main square, the place de l’Horloge, is lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect places in which to rest and relax awhile. In the evening, you’ll return to the hotel after a day of exploring. Day Five – Included Canal du Midi cruise Today brings the delight of an included cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, part of the 150-milelong waterway constructed in the 17th-century to connect the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and now a hugely popular choice for boating holidays. The cruise may take place in the morning, or afternoon, or in some cases earlier during your holiday, depending on local conditions. Cruising along the river is the perfect way to take in the sights scattered along the shores of this 330-year-old canal, which is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Day Six – Return to the UK Bid au revoir to Carcassonne, transferring to the airport for the return flight to the UK, at the end of a wonderful holiday in a truly beautiful corner of the world.

our product manager loves...

If there was one picture which encapsulates the beauty of Provence, it would be the engineering marvel of the Pont du Gard aqueduct. Built by the Romans, this is one of many highlights of this six-day tour.

your hotel choices

Ibis Carcassonne Est La Cite, Carcassonne Bed & Breakfast

HHH from £775

Located on the outskirts of Carcassonne, a daytime bus connects the hotel to the citadel or alternatively take a 30-minute walk. The hotel has a restaurant and bar. Rooms have satellite TV, private facilities and air conditioning.

Ibis Carcassonne Est Cerise Residence

Cerise Carcassone Sud, Carcassonne HHH Bed & Breakfast from £830

Set in lovely gardens, Cerise Residence is a 10-minute walk from the historical centre, encompasses a lift and indoor swimming pool, and offers a more independent experience than a conventional hotel. Each studio apartment features a kitchenette and air conditioning, and breakfast is served in Mansion House. Mercure Carcassonne, Porte de la Cité HHHH

Bed & Breakfast from £1,099

Located at the foot of the city, this hotel has a restaurant, bar, terrace, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms have private facilities, air conditioning, a safety deposit box, satellite TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Mercure Carcassonne