Egbert

I would want to get right to San Sebastian to maximize my time there. I would just fly or take the train.

HappyTrvlr

Yes, make sure you see rhe Cathar castles too.

jstru402

In regards to the Cathar castles, how mich time should be allocated to each one. It appears most of them are either adjacent to D117 or immediately accessible from D117. Would it be reasonable to stop at a a few castles while en route to our yet to be determined overnight spot between Barca and SS? Also, is Carcassonne a worthwhile stop or would our castle urges be satisfied by the Cathars?

f1racegirl

You'd probably be able to stop at one. IIRC we spent quite a bit of time getting to and climbing up Peyrepertuse.

traveller1959

Carcassonne is not a castle but a city which was fortified like all cities in these times. It gives you an excellent idea how medieval cities looked. For a visit, you will need two or three hours (including parking the car etc.).

The Cathar castles are more or less ruined. Puivert and Puilaurens are pretty easy to visit - an hour for each one would be enough. Unless you are a castle-hunter it would probably be sufficient to see one or two and not all of them.