Frommer'sFrommer's
    13 Activities

    Road Trip to Carcassonne and Perpignan

    Road Trip to Carcassonne and Perpignan
    Starts from

    Toulouse

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    13

    Duration

    10 hrs 40 min

    Length

    143 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Toulouse

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    10 hrs 40 min

    Length

    143 mi

    • History and Culture
    • Natural Attractions
    • Unusual Locations
    • Gastronomy
    Map preview
    Alicja Pretka

    Alicja Pretka

    Travel Expert

    • See the gigantic statue of Salvador Dalí statue in Perpignan.
    • Enjoy the walk along the charming cobbled streets of Cité de Carcassonne.
    • Feel the breeze on your face at beautiful Saint-Cyprien.
    This journey is like a symphony – it takes you from the old times when time has stopped, where there was no rush and then towards the modern life, alive with laughs, smiles, and sounds of gulls on the clear sky.
    First, you get yourself familiar with the poets of Béziers. Then you will experience how it was to live in the medieval city of Carcassonne. Taste the Catalase specialities in Perpignan, the former continental capital of Mallorca, and finish the day on the seashore.
    Enjoy the architecture, lovely food and magnificent places of the Occitanie region.

    Categories

    • History and Culture
    • Natural Attractions
    • Unusual Locations
    • Gastronomy
    This journey is like a symphony – it takes you from the old times when time has stopped, where there was no rush and then towards the modern life, alive with laughs, smiles, and sounds of gulls on the clear sky.
    First, you get yourself familiar with the poets of Béziers. Then you will experience how it was to live in the medieval city of Carcassonne. Taste the Catalase specialities in Perpignan, the former continental capital of Mallorca, and finish the day on the seashore.
    Enjoy the architecture, lovely food and magnificent places of the Occitanie region.
    Alicja Pretka

    Alicja Pretka

    Travel Expert

    • See the gigantic statue of Salvador Dalí statue in Perpignan.
    • Enjoy the walk along the charming cobbled streets of Cité de Carcassonne.
    • Feel the breeze on your face at beautiful Saint-Cyprien.

    Day Itinerary

    13 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    141 mi2 mi

    Exploring Southern France: from Castle to Seaside and Salvador Dali

    This journey will open up to you the stunning experiences, totally unforgettable for your senses. Walking along cobblestone road in the medieval town of Carcassonne, you feel like being taken back to the time in history when this famous citadel was just built.
    08:3030 min

    Plateau des Poètes

    Welcome to Béziers! Have a stop at this park, located right in the heart of Béziers park. Designed in English style with a calming stoned waterfall and numerous statues of famous French, local poets — is a great way to start your French journey.
    2.3 mi
    10 min
    09:1530 min

    The Nine Locks of Fonseranes

    Another important landmark in Béziers is the Nine Locks on Canal du Midi. The channel itself is a miracle, whilst the locks and lock houses along it are a something to admire and discover, while travelling in the region.
    54.9 mi
    1 hr
    10:505 min

    Car Park

    Park your car here to explore the medieval city of Carcassonne and have a traditional dinner at a bistrot.
    0.3 mi
    5 min
    11:001 hr

    Cité de Carcassonne

    Take a stroll inside the medieval village walls from the Porte Narbonnaise where echo of the past is still existing in everyday life of local residents. The Citadel of Carcassonne is a heart of the town and was added to Unesco World Heritage List in 1997.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    12:1530 min

    Basilique Saint Nazaire

    The church in its form represents the Gothic—Romanesque marriage of styles. With rose-shaped window located on the facade of the basilica and magnificent vibrant stained-glass windows brightening up the churches indoors with rays of colours are the significant elements of this time.
    0.3 mi
    5 min
    13:001 hr

    Maison du Cassoulet

    Have a traditional bean dish for lunch within the ancient city walls. Try cassoulet – it is a sort of rich bean soup, cooked here since the Middle Ages. Be prepared, the food is really nourishing.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    14:055 min

    Car Park

    Pick up the car to continue your journey.
    70.4 mi
    1 hr 20 min
    15:305 min

    Car Park

    You arrived in Perpignan, called the heart of French Catalan. This medieval town is a pleasant blend of French and Spanish heritage. Park here to explore the city.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    16:4045 min

    Le Castillet

    The city gate stands at the entry to the old town of Perpignan. Built in the 14th century, as a part of large fortress, remains in its glory until today. In the old part of town, the Spanish side of Perpignan, once called the continental Kingdom of Mallorca, comes alive. The earthy, warm, energizing colours of yellow and red Spanish flag, characteristic Spanish style architecture and bilingual street names, clearly show the influence of a closely located neighbour.
    0.5 mi
    10 min
    17:3510 min

    Statue de Dali

    The humongous Salvador Dalí statue faces Perpignan train station entrance and welcomes with open arms all leaving the train station visitors. Once, Dali visited Perpignan and experienced a vision at the train station. Based on this feeling, he called the town "le centre du monde" which translates as "the centre of the Universe" and the created painting which recorded that experience was titled: "Le mystique del a gare de Perpignan". Inspired by this oil painting, "Le Pritchards", a couple of artists, made this sculpture as a reminder of this event.
    0.6 mi
    15 min
    18:005 min

    Car Park

    Get back to the parking to head to the seashore.
    13.1 mi
    25 min
    18:3030 min

    Saint-Cyprien Promenade

    Welcome to the sea shore! Before getting to dinner, enjoy a lively stroll along the sea. You'll find here some boats to look at, and a fountain park just in a 5-minute walk.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    19:151 hr 30 min

    L'Aquarium

    After an intensive day, the last cherry on the top of the cake is local food. Chose this restaurant with an astonishing view over the sea, offering French and Mediterranean cousin with excellent service. Over a plate full of delicious buttery mussels, you can discuss the joy of today's travel.
    Map preview
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