We've visited Carcassonne three times. All in the morning when it opened and usually in early/mid June or mid-September. I suppose it can get crowded (it wasn't too bad when we've been there - and we hate crowds. But the castle tour has a "fixed" number of "guests", so it isn't that bad. If you are going to spend the night in Carcassonne - what other destination are you going to eliminate or only do a one-nighter? You could head home on Monday from TLS if you follow my itinerary - but that puts you in Toulouse on the dreaded Sunday. You could leave home a day earlier and spend the first night in Carcassonne - but that's a "one-nighter" on arrival day and eliminates a visit to Carcassonne between the Gorges du Tarn and Toulouse - which kinda breaks up that long boring autoroute drive. I really don't think Carcassonne is going to be excessively crowded on Sept 26 - any time of day. I sure would not plan an itinerary around avoiding the "other" tourists in late Sept. Maybe I would in July or Aug, however.

>> personal concern about staying too long, is elderly parents back home<<

My FIL is 94. We just got back from dinner with him. It's a "worry", but we spend over 2 months in Europe every year plus a few weeks away from home here in the US. Our plan is "if an emergency occurs - we'll head home & deal with it" but we won't alter our upcoming travel plans. He wouldn't want us to. His advice is "travel while you can". Our bigger worry is out cats - but they both passed away within the last 5 years.

Stu Dudley

"Carcassone is definitely a half day at the most and not worth an overnight."

"NeoPatrick, that's not my quote. . . "

No, Stu, it's not and I didn't suggest it was. It was a copy and paste from sssteve's post above. Your comments, Stu, are thoughtful and helpful. I just thought it worth mentioning that for some people an overnight stay there could be better than just an afternoon visit. And you've been lucky. When we visited Carcassone in August, we were ready to leave after the first half hour. Took us forever to find a parking spot, it was hot as blazes and seemingly no air moving within the walls, and it was jam packed everywhere! But late in the afternoon it started clearing out and by dinner it was pleasant, and after dinner it was absolutely magical! To be honest, I have the same feeling as I did about Capri in Italy, which many said not to spend the night, but it was a whole different place at night (for the better) than during the day.

Hi Stu, thanks for the sweet personal note. You made me feel better about vacationing. I believe my parents feel the same "travel while you can". I need to find (probably on Amazon) the more detailed Michelin maps. I have the 725 as an over-view. Your itinerary is so detailed.

NeoPatrick, that was my post above stating that "it's wan't my quote" about Carcassone. We might like staying over night. Funny you mentioned Capri. We felt the same way. Also Siena, Cinque Terre and St. Gimignano (was crazy packed) and many more. They where unbelievable at night after the crowds left. How about all those tour guides with the flags. Yicks!

What hotel did you stay at in Carcassone? Thanks so much for the help.

Hi Everyone I'm going to start a new post since this one started by including Bordeaux which we have left out.

Stu, we're not use to the five stays for 2 nights. I believe you get up and out a lot earlier than we are use to. So here the thoughts I will post on the new posting.

Couple of thoughts on our end….

We’re more of a 4 base for 3 - 5 days travelers. We enjoy driving long day trips and returning back to our hotel. We’re not use to packing up after two nights, but will, if the region calls for making the loop more enjoyable.

We like to stay in small and large towns (Toulouse would be the large town on this trip) to be able to walk to restaurants. We’re not adverse to inns or B&B’s outside of towns. We would like options on where to eat and not be limited to eating all meals at a B&B or Chateau, even if we have to drive short distances at night. We also prefer to avoid business type hotels.

So any advise on where to stay in these regions and if we could tighten up the over-nights to less bases would be appreciated.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Easygoer

The Lauguedoc is very spread out - so you are going to be doing lots of long drives to get to your destinations for day trips - on winding roads. Get a 300 series map & "you'll see". Toulouse is huge and getting in & out is difficult - not a good idea for a 4-5 day base, IMO. Somewhat the same with Montpellier. Sarlat is fine. I would not base in Carcassonne for several days - an overnight at most. The beauty of the Langueddoc is the rugged countryside and small villages - IMO.

Stu Dudley

Hi Stu,

Just went to Michelin and mapped out your route. You're right, so many areas to see and lots of little roads. Looks exciting. I think we'll get more out of the region by following your route and not back tracking in and out of cities. Thanks. You're the best!

Hello, easygoer,

It sounds like you have a great trip in the making. If you do end up staying at the Chateau de La Caze, you will be most happy to eat dinner there. The food was wonderful and it was very relaxing to not be driving the roads around the area in the dark. I cannot say enough good things about the Chateau. Our room was called Jacquette, I believe. I loved it. And thanks to Stu recommending this hotel in his itinerary!

If you click on my name, you can find my TR.

Enjoy your planning.

Hi kansas, I have your report and it's wonderful. So many great links, photos and other posters suggestions. I've moved my posting to the link below. We started out with a broad itinerary and it's gotten much more compact with Stu's advise. Thought it best to start a new one. Again, love your report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...elp-please.cfm

Easygoer, we stayed at El Donjon Hotel. It's been years ago -- maybe 15 or 20, so I really can't say much about it today. But I remembered that without aid of my journals, so it must have been memorable enough that the name stuck with me from the hundreds and hundreds of hotels I've stayed at since.

Hi Stu - I looked at your detailed Google map listed herein. Very helpful! We had planned on a night or 2 in Carcassonne, but will remove that now. We are driving from Barcelona through Toulouse and on to Bordeaux then Biarritz and San Sebastian. I see that your route takes the high road and I'd planned on going through Auch and Lourdes to see the "rock and water". Have you done this? and which do you prefer? Also, having a heck of time trying to find a nice place in San Sebastian... and in Bordeaux, can't decide between in town or at a villa/castle/vineyard. The one you stayed at is booked when we'll be there which os mid September, so any thoughts? We also live in SoCal (SD)

This is our route: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LR...80&usp=sharing

Add a third night to Toulouse and spend the extra day doing a circuit that includes Albi and Carcassonne, if you are sticking to this itinerary.

I would fly to Marseille and drive through the southern part of France including the Dordogne between Marseille and Bordeaux, and fly out of Bordeaux.