A mediaeval citadel between the mountains and the Mediterranean.


Carcassonne is the headline act of Cathar Country, where history buffs will be in their element. Follow in the footsteps of the Cathars with a road trip around the Languedoc-Roussillon region or a hike along part of the 155-mile long Cathar Trail (GR367), stopping to explore hilltop castles, Romanesque abbeys, and mediaeval villages.
South of Carcassonne, the vast peaks and wildflower-filled valleys of the Pyrenees Mountains have everything you need for a back-to-nature camping holiday. Drive your motorhome up into the mountains, rent a cozy chalet in the hills, or camp by the lakeside, and spend your days hiking, mountain biking, or skiing.
Less than an hour’s drive east of Carcassonne, the views change from rolling countryside to sandy shores and ocean views. Narbonne is the gateway to Aube’s Mediterranean coast, and there’s beachside camping and a water park at Narbonne Plage. Just to the south, the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park has pristine beaches, bird-filled lagoons, and vineyards.
Carcassonne is a favorite for day-trippers and tour groups, and the mediaeval city can get overcrowded through July and August. If you don’t mind the crowds, the Bastille Day (14 July) fireworks display still ranks among France’s most impressive. For a more relaxed experience, opt for a spring or fall visit, when the weather is ideal for exploring. Camping season runs from April through October, and prices are often lowest at the start and end.