Looking for three star type accommodations so that I can visit Carcassonne, Foix, Rennes-le-chateau, Mt Segur, Queribus, and possibly the Perpignan/Med coast line to Spain. I know that is a large area, but I don't want to stay in Carcassonne, no parking, tourist crowds. Maybe a nice place with a nice view...any ideas? Going in late June/July. Should I try to find the almost impossible air conditioning?

Try Limoux, central to all the above.

Consider La Maison des Consuls in Mirepoix, recommended by the Michelin Red Guide. You can also google Mirepoix and get more information on the entire area.

Lauren, years ago I stayed at a great place in Glinca, but do not remember the name. ask in Google; write in glinca and I'm sure it may come up.

Last spring we stayed in the Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse in Couiza. It is close to Limoux and Esperaza and right next to Rennes-le-Chateau. It is a lovely fortified castle with nicely redone rooms with very nice bathrooms. The interior court yard of the castle is very nice. There is plenty of parking right next to the entrance. Ask for a stream view or a courtyard view. It is 3 star but I dont think there was AC. It always cooled off at night for us and the thick stone walls of the castle helped keep it cool as well.
It is part of the chateux and hotels of france affiliation so you can reserve on line but if you dont find what you want just call the hotel directly as they often have something when online it shows as full.

Http://www.chateuxhotels.com/joyeuse
http://www.chateau-des-ducs.com/

How long are you staying ? If you are staying for a week I found a house for rent while i was researching for a trip that looked interesting. I havent stayed there before but they have lots of pictures on their website. It is near Couiza in a small village. I think it is 750 for one week or they have a smaller artists studio with 2 bedrooms that looks nice for 500.

http://www.geocities.com/bouriege/

Dont miss Chateau d'Arques near Couiza. It is a smaller cathar castle but is very nicely preserved and only recently opened to the public. Also, if you love mountain senery drive through the gorges de Galamus near St Paul de Fenouillet and on a lesser scale but pretty is the Defile de Pierre Lys outside of Quillan.

If you are interested in religious architecture be sure to visit the Prieure de Serrabone east of Prades. It is very small but has some amazing stone capitals carved from a pink stone (cant remeber if it was marble) from the romanesque period. Also near Prades is the Abbey St Martin du Canigou (http://architecture.relig.free.fr/canigou1.htm). It is an amazing site and very lovely. In the same area is Villefrance de Conflent which is a lovey fortifed town a la carcassone but on a much smaller scale.

I have traveled frequently in this area and will be there again June 28th for one week so dont hesitate to ask if you have questions.

Thank you for the lovely direction and information. It is wonderful to have this board and all of the knowledge that it emcompasses.