Languedoc, Dordogne & Bordeaux Itinerary Expert Help Please
Jul 7th, 2014, 03:22 PM
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Languedoc, Dordogne & Bordeaux Itinerary Expert Help Please
Languedoc, Dordogne & Bordeaux Itinerary Need Expert Help Please
We’re getting closer on our itinerary for the Languedoc Region, Dordogne Area and Bordeaux trip in September. We’re planning on 2 ½ weeks, flying either in and out of Toulouse, or in to Toulouse and out of Bordeaux depending on cost of flights. We will rent a car. We’re a young 60/50 ish couple who have been to Europe many times, but mostly Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Germany. Regarding France, we have been to the Cote d’Azur, Provence (as far west as St Remy) and Paris. We love sight-seeing by car, little villages, castles, cave, the people and most of all local food.
I would appreciate any advise on if this itinerary is too aggressive and any suggestions on more or less time spent in each area. Any suggestions on hotels or B&B is also appreciated. We did have help from an associate who has family in the Languedoc Region. Here is what they suggested.
Fly into Toulouse
Toulouse - 2 nights
Carcassonne - 1 or 2 nights (hotel or B&B in or outside walls?)
Montpeillier Area - Aigues Mortes as a base for 3 nights
Travel via Millau Bridge towards Dordogne - 1 night Gorge du Tarn or Millau (this area may require more time and perhaps best to do on another trip)
Dordogne Region - Sarlat-la-Caneda 5 nights (day trips to Rocamadour, Grottes de Lascaut, Les Eyzies, castles etc.)
Bordeaux Area - 5 nights (2 nights in Arcachon and 3 nights in Bordeaux recommended by our friends from France)
That’s 18 days, a bit too much and more moving around than we are use to. We’d like to have some diversity and usually like 4 bases for 3 - 4 nights. Should we skip Bordeaux and save it for another trip? You’re expert advise is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
We’re getting closer on our itinerary for the Languedoc Region, Dordogne Area and Bordeaux trip in September. We’re planning on 2 ½ weeks, flying either in and out of Toulouse, or in to Toulouse and out of Bordeaux depending on cost of flights. We will rent a car. We’re a young 60/50 ish couple who have been to Europe many times, but mostly Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Germany. Regarding France, we have been to the Cote d’Azur, Provence (as far west as St Remy) and Paris. We love sight-seeing by car, little villages, castles, cave, the people and most of all local food.
I would appreciate any advise on if this itinerary is too aggressive and any suggestions on more or less time spent in each area. Any suggestions on hotels or B&B is also appreciated. We did have help from an associate who has family in the Languedoc Region. Here is what they suggested.
Fly into Toulouse
Toulouse - 2 nights
Carcassonne - 1 or 2 nights (hotel or B&B in or outside walls?)
Montpeillier Area - Aigues Mortes as a base for 3 nights
Travel via Millau Bridge towards Dordogne - 1 night Gorge du Tarn or Millau (this area may require more time and perhaps best to do on another trip)
Dordogne Region - Sarlat-la-Caneda 5 nights (day trips to Rocamadour, Grottes de Lascaut, Les Eyzies, castles etc.)
Bordeaux Area - 5 nights (2 nights in Arcachon and 3 nights in Bordeaux recommended by our friends from France)
That’s 18 days, a bit too much and more moving around than we are use to. We’d like to have some diversity and usually like 4 bases for 3 - 4 nights. Should we skip Bordeaux and save it for another trip? You’re expert advise is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jul 7th, 2014, 03:55 PM
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That's a lot of time in the Bordeaux area. IMO, Bordeaux itself is a 1/2 to 3/4 day visit, and the town of Arcachon is a 3/4 day visit if architecture is a key interest to you - otherwise less time in Arcachon.
Personally, I would not spent that much time in Aigues Mortes. The more time we've spent there - the less we like it. The architecture is not that interesting (compared to other cities we've visited) except for the walls & central square. It also kinda boxes you in & you have excessive driving to do to get elsewhere. Montpellier is worth a visit.
Carcassonne is a 2 1/2 hr visit, IMO. Maybe stay some place where there are more things to do around you - like near Ceret so you can visit the coast and perhaps a little into Spain.
I would certainly spend more time in the gorges & cave areas if natural beauty interests you.
Do you have my Languedoc itinerary and my Dordogne itinerary? We've vacationed for 10 weeks in each area. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at [email protected] & I'll attach a copy to the reply e-mail.
Consider flying into Montpellier and out of Bordeaux.
Stu Dudley
Personally, I would not spent that much time in Aigues Mortes. The more time we've spent there - the less we like it. The architecture is not that interesting (compared to other cities we've visited) except for the walls & central square. It also kinda boxes you in & you have excessive driving to do to get elsewhere. Montpellier is worth a visit.
Carcassonne is a 2 1/2 hr visit, IMO. Maybe stay some place where there are more things to do around you - like near Ceret so you can visit the coast and perhaps a little into Spain.
I would certainly spend more time in the gorges & cave areas if natural beauty interests you.
Do you have my Languedoc itinerary and my Dordogne itinerary? We've vacationed for 10 weeks in each area. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at [email protected] & I'll attach a copy to the reply e-mail.
Consider flying into Montpellier and out of Bordeaux.
Stu Dudley
Jul 7th, 2014, 05:44 PM
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Hi Stu, you’re so amazing! The “Travel Angel”, who helps so many people, has thrown another curve into our plans. Ceret looks beautiful, but so much more south than we planned. We have been up the Spanish Coast as far as Figueras (Dali Museum incredible). I do have you’re travel guides and have been pouring over them. Plus I have been reading many Fodor's trip reports as well.
Not to put you on the spot, but what would you do with 16 - 18 days in the area? I like your suggestions about Carcassonne and your thoughts about not staying in Aigues Mortes. These were suggestions from someone who has a home in the area, but is not necessarily a tourist. We’re leaning towards leaving out Bordeaux completely and saving it for another trip. Again, thank you for your valuable input.
We enjoy slow travel, but don't want to over-stay in an area without day trips. Anybody with other thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Not to put you on the spot, but what would you do with 16 - 18 days in the area? I like your suggestions about Carcassonne and your thoughts about not staying in Aigues Mortes. These were suggestions from someone who has a home in the area, but is not necessarily a tourist. We’re leaning towards leaving out Bordeaux completely and saving it for another trip. Again, thank you for your valuable input.
We enjoy slow travel, but don't want to over-stay in an area without day trips. Anybody with other thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jul 7th, 2014, 06:48 PM
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I would not spend 3 nights in Aigues-Mortes either; I'd spend some time in Uzes if you decide not to go to Bordeaux. It's a lovely town with a population of about 8,000, and it has a charming medieval area.
Jul 7th, 2014, 07:42 PM
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Easygoer:
Stu's information was extremely helpful when I planned our trip to Bordeaux and Dordogne. We did a route very similar to yours but in the opposite direction, that is - from Bordeaux to Toulouse. It was a 2 week trip.
Carcassone is definitely a half day at the most and not worth an overnight.
Here is my web page which describes the trip we did. I hope it can help you in your planning.
http://www.travel.stv77.com/bordeaux/bordeaux.htm
Stu's information was extremely helpful when I planned our trip to Bordeaux and Dordogne. We did a route very similar to yours but in the opposite direction, that is - from Bordeaux to Toulouse. It was a 2 week trip.
Carcassone is definitely a half day at the most and not worth an overnight.
Here is my web page which describes the trip we did. I hope it can help you in your planning.
http://www.travel.stv77.com/bordeaux/bordeaux.htm
Jul 7th, 2014, 08:05 PM
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Thanks so much grandmere. Uzes was on our list as a day trip. It looks lovely and more central to the Languedoc region. sssteve, wow. Your trip report is amazing and written perfectly to help plan a trip. I'll be up all night reading it. This trip is starting to look like two separate two week vacations! Thanks for the great input.
Jul 7th, 2014, 08:24 PM
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Sure agree with Stu on Carcassone. We spent the night within the walls at the less expensive hotel (Best Western?). We broke up a long drive that way, but otherwise we should have skipped it.
The one thing that made it worthwhile, however, was a peaceful walk between the inner and outer walls late at night. Beautifully lit, and we were all by ourselves. Fantastic.
The one thing that made it worthwhile, however, was a peaceful walk between the inner and outer walls late at night. Beautifully lit, and we were all by ourselves. Fantastic.
Jul 7th, 2014, 09:04 PM
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A couple of thoughts:
I loved Toulouse and wish I had given it at least 2 full days (not counting a day for Albi). Give some thought to your priorities for the area and, if you are likely to have jet lag, you might even want a bit of extra time there.
A bit more time in the Dordogne might also be worth considering.
Enjoy!
I loved Toulouse and wish I had given it at least 2 full days (not counting a day for Albi). Give some thought to your priorities for the area and, if you are likely to have jet lag, you might even want a bit of extra time there.
A bit more time in the Dordogne might also be worth considering.
Enjoy!
Jul 8th, 2014, 07:16 AM
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I would never spend two nights in Carcassonne. 1 is more than enough. Three nights in Aigues-Mortes is overkill. It's a great daytrip, maybe a night there. Stay in Montpellier instead. Visit Bouzigues for seafood. Five nights in Bordeaux is beyond boring. You need to completely re-allocate your time. Not enough in Toulouse (there are countless great daytrips from there, BTW), way too much in Carcassonne, Aigues-Mortes, and Bordeaux.
Jul 8th, 2014, 09:22 AM
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This past Tuesday we got back from 5 weeks in France. On Thurs we left for the wine country for 2 nights to celebrate the 4th. On the 5th, our stove blew up. My wife's birthday was the 6th. Somewehere in there I sent out over 150 itineraries to people who requested them when I was gone. I went to the appliance store this morning to get info on new stovetops. I've been working on my revised Cote d'Azur & Provence itinerary. I'm still struggling with jet lag (we live in Calif). I'm exhausted. We leave for a week in Southern Calif in 2 weeks and then fro france for 5 weeks in late August. I'm still working on my personal itinerary for this August trip.
easygoer - I'm not sure I'll have time for my "usual" suggestions. Cutting out Bordeaux makes it much easier, however. If I can get through the cooktop specs this morning - and haven't crashed from jet lag by dinner time, I'll see what I can do.
One question. What we enjoy about Languedoc is the rugged terrain, unusual rock formations, caves (more than in the Dordogne), canyons, etc. However, these sites are pretty spread out - and getting to them may involve 2 different hotel/B&B stays. Does exploring this rugged terrain interest you???
Toulouse and Dijon are out two favorite cities in France aftet Paris. Montpellier is a gem too. We like Aigues Mortes much more in the 80s than we do today - compared to Albi, Uzes, Sarlat, Figeac, and other similar sized cities. Is it OK to cut out Aigues Mortes (you could stay there for 1 night before/after a flight at Montpellier.
Stu Dudley
easygoer - I'm not sure I'll have time for my "usual" suggestions. Cutting out Bordeaux makes it much easier, however. If I can get through the cooktop specs this morning - and haven't crashed from jet lag by dinner time, I'll see what I can do.
One question. What we enjoy about Languedoc is the rugged terrain, unusual rock formations, caves (more than in the Dordogne), canyons, etc. However, these sites are pretty spread out - and getting to them may involve 2 different hotel/B&B stays. Does exploring this rugged terrain interest you???
Toulouse and Dijon are out two favorite cities in France aftet Paris. Montpellier is a gem too. We like Aigues Mortes much more in the 80s than we do today - compared to Albi, Uzes, Sarlat, Figeac, and other similar sized cities. Is it OK to cut out Aigues Mortes (you could stay there for 1 night before/after a flight at Montpellier.
Stu Dudley
Jul 8th, 2014, 09:28 AM
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Hi all, love the input. As I mentioned the itinerary came from someone who lives in the area. They may enjoy the coastal towns as a get away, and that’s why they mentioned Aigues-Mortes and Arcachon.
Leslieq, thanks for the advise on Carcassonne. If we leave from Toulouse early we could probably do it as a day trip depending on our next stop in Languedoc. Staying for one night, does have the appeal of walking between the walls at night and being there after the tourists leave.
Kja, the more I read about Toulouse the more I like. Since we’ll be driving and touring the rest of the trip, we like the idea of walking, exploring and enjoying the history of a larger city. Perhaps 4 nights or more, including a day trip to Albi.
StCirq, thanks for the constructive advise. I know from your posts you know and love the area. I believe leaving out Bordeaux completely will give us a more enjoyable trip.
Here is our new idea
Toulouse - 4 nights or more?
Carcassonne - Day Trip or 1 night only
Montpellier - 4 nights (or a smaller base such as Uzes as grandmere suggested for the Languedoc)
Sarlat Base for Dordogne - 5 nights
Toulouse for flight out - 1 night
We’ll have a few extra nights to add to any base or to fit in Gorges du Tarn on the way to Sarlat. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Leslieq, thanks for the advise on Carcassonne. If we leave from Toulouse early we could probably do it as a day trip depending on our next stop in Languedoc. Staying for one night, does have the appeal of walking between the walls at night and being there after the tourists leave.
Kja, the more I read about Toulouse the more I like. Since we’ll be driving and touring the rest of the trip, we like the idea of walking, exploring and enjoying the history of a larger city. Perhaps 4 nights or more, including a day trip to Albi.
StCirq, thanks for the constructive advise. I know from your posts you know and love the area. I believe leaving out Bordeaux completely will give us a more enjoyable trip.
Here is our new idea
Toulouse - 4 nights or more?
Carcassonne - Day Trip or 1 night only
Montpellier - 4 nights (or a smaller base such as Uzes as grandmere suggested for the Languedoc)
Sarlat Base for Dordogne - 5 nights
Toulouse for flight out - 1 night
We’ll have a few extra nights to add to any base or to fit in Gorges du Tarn on the way to Sarlat. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jul 8th, 2014, 09:35 AM
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Hi Stu, sound like you have your hands full. Loving your reports. In answer to your question, "Does exploring this rugged terrain interest you?" YES. We like everything, and love a trip that isn't all the same and is diverse.
For example, last year we did 2+ weeks in Italy to places we haven't been. We did Bologna (no car), the Dolamites, Piedmont and Lago Como. Each spot was very different. Like having 4 different vacations in one. (Trip Report on Fodors).
Everyone is so helpful here on Fodors.
For example, last year we did 2+ weeks in Italy to places we haven't been. We did Bologna (no car), the Dolamites, Piedmont and Lago Como. Each spot was very different. Like having 4 different vacations in one. (Trip Report on Fodors).
Everyone is so helpful here on Fodors.
Jul 8th, 2014, 11:09 AM
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OK - I have a couple of hours available before jet lag hits me again.
Here is an important question.
You DO NOT want to be in Toulouse or Montpellier on a Sunday or Monday morning when all the interesting shops will be closed. Albi also. So - for a suggested itinerary, if your flight arrives on a Thursday in Toulouse, you could spend the first two nights in Toulouse (4 is way too many) then rent a car & head to Albi for a visit, then up to the Dordogne. If your flight arrives on a Saturday, I would recommend that you head towards the Dordogne immediately (visit Toulouse later) from the airport and stay near St Cirq Lapopie or Rocamadour the first few nights. Same situation on your return flight.
So the question is WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK & WHAT TIME OF DAY DO YOU ANTICIPATE ARRIVING, AND AT WHAT AIRPORT(s)?
Let me know - and then I'll suggest an itinerary.
Stu Dudley
Here is an important question.
You DO NOT want to be in Toulouse or Montpellier on a Sunday or Monday morning when all the interesting shops will be closed. Albi also. So - for a suggested itinerary, if your flight arrives on a Thursday in Toulouse, you could spend the first two nights in Toulouse (4 is way too many) then rent a car & head to Albi for a visit, then up to the Dordogne. If your flight arrives on a Saturday, I would recommend that you head towards the Dordogne immediately (visit Toulouse later) from the airport and stay near St Cirq Lapopie or Rocamadour the first few nights. Same situation on your return flight.
So the question is WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK & WHAT TIME OF DAY DO YOU ANTICIPATE ARRIVING, AND AT WHAT AIRPORT(s)?
Let me know - and then I'll suggest an itinerary.
Stu Dudley
Jul 8th, 2014, 12:39 PM
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Hi Stu, We can pretty much arrive any day of the week since we are now both retired. I was looking at Wednesday September 10th and back on Sunday September 28th. But again we are flexible.
Hopefully some day we'll be able to do what you do and stay longer. From reading your reports (the food parts are making me droole) of the Languedoc and the Dordogne it appears that each region is worthy of two weeks each. Thanks again for your help.
Hopefully some day we'll be able to do what you do and stay longer. From reading your reports (the food parts are making me droole) of the Languedoc and the Dordogne it appears that each region is worthy of two weeks each. Thanks again for your help.
Jul 8th, 2014, 02:27 PM
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What time is your return flight and from which airport?
For example, if you arrive in Toulouse on a Thurs you could spend two nights in Toulouse (Thurs & Fri), visit Albi on Sat, then up to the Dordogne. If you also fly home from Toulouse - but mid-day, you could spend the last night in Albi (therefore not having to re-visit Toulouse) and then drive from Albi to TLS airport for your flight home.
If your return flight leaves early from TLS, you could stay in Toulouse that last night (again), or stay in Toulouse for your last two nights in France, & perhaps stay the night in Albi the day you arrive in France (if you fly into TLS). I'm trying to have you NOT stay in Toulouse twice on the same trip. Saturdays & Mondays don't seem to influence anything in Toulouse or Montpellier if you arrive on a Thurs depart on a Sunday.
If you fly home from Montpellier, you could stay in Aigues Mortes the last night (we did that once).
Stu Dudley
For example, if you arrive in Toulouse on a Thurs you could spend two nights in Toulouse (Thurs & Fri), visit Albi on Sat, then up to the Dordogne. If you also fly home from Toulouse - but mid-day, you could spend the last night in Albi (therefore not having to re-visit Toulouse) and then drive from Albi to TLS airport for your flight home.
If your return flight leaves early from TLS, you could stay in Toulouse that last night (again), or stay in Toulouse for your last two nights in France, & perhaps stay the night in Albi the day you arrive in France (if you fly into TLS). I'm trying to have you NOT stay in Toulouse twice on the same trip. Saturdays & Mondays don't seem to influence anything in Toulouse or Montpellier if you arrive on a Thurs depart on a Sunday.
If you fly home from Montpellier, you could stay in Aigues Mortes the last night (we did that once).
Stu Dudley
Jul 8th, 2014, 02:56 PM
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Hi Stu, we haven't booked our flights yet. In and out of Toulouse is good for frequent flyer points. I will look at different options for flights but it seems most are about the same price from the US. You're too much! Love the help.
Jul 8th, 2014, 03:35 PM
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Me again
All three of our flights home out of Toulouse have been very early in the morning - so I suspect yours will be too. Also I suspect that you will find it less expensive and more flexible (several airlines fly to TLS - not just AF) to fly in/out of TLS.
So - for a "rough" itinerary:
- Thurs & Fri nights. Land at TLS, rent a car, and spend the first two nights in Albi (1 hr drive from the airport). We almost never do a one-nighter on arrival day. Albi is a half day visit - but there are wonderful villages and scenic drives around Albi to occupy another 1/2 to 1 day (Cordes, Gorges de l'Aveyron, etc). See my Languedoc itinerary for details.
- Sat & Sun - Drive to Castelnau de Montmiral (quick visit) then to Bruniquel (visit), then get on the A20 at Caussade and head north. Get off at exit # 56 and drive to the Rocamadour area and stay at Domaine de la Rhue for 2 nights. Visit Gouffre de Padirac, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac, Martel, and Rocamadour early Sun or late Sat. Sunday morning catch the view of Rocamadour from l'Hospitalet.
- Mon - Friday nights. - Drive west on the scenic D673 to the D820 and then north on the D820 to the D804 and then west on the D804/D703 to Sarlat/Dordogne. Stay for 5 nights. See my itinerary for details.
- Sat & Sun nights. Take the A20 south to exit # 56, and then the D802 to Figeac. Stay 2 nights. Visit Figeac on Saturday. This is one of our favorite small cities in France. Get a walking itinerary at the TI & follow it. On Sunday head west along the Lot river to St Cirq Lapopie/Pech Merle. Make a reservation for Pech Merle about now, and let the Pech Merle reservation time determine which site you visit first. Return to Figeac along the lovely Cele River stopping at several villages (see my Dordogne itinerary).
- Monday & Tues. Head east on the N140 and find your way to Conques & visit Conques (one of the "most beautiful villages in France"). Then head a little north, get on the D107 heading east to Entraygues & visit. Then follow the Lot river east to Estaing (visit) & Espalion (visit). Stay in/near one of these village (even consider St Eulalie) for 2 nights. See my Languedoc itinerary for things to do in this area.
Wed & Thur. Head east to St Geniez and catch the D2 south to St Saturnin, and then the D45 east to the D988 and on to La Canourge (short visit), then the lovely D998 to Ste Enemie and the fantastic Gorges du Tarn. Stay 2 nights. See my Languedoc itinerary for caves, rock formations, villages, etc to visit. Consider staying in a chateau at Chateau de la Caze in La Malene.
Fri & Sat nights. Make your way west to the A75, drive over the Millau Bridge, and then west on the A9 & then the A61 to Carcassonne. Visit Carcassonne. Then continue on to Toulouse & stay 2 nights.
Sun - homeward bound.
Stu Dudley
All three of our flights home out of Toulouse have been very early in the morning - so I suspect yours will be too. Also I suspect that you will find it less expensive and more flexible (several airlines fly to TLS - not just AF) to fly in/out of TLS.
So - for a "rough" itinerary:
- Thurs & Fri nights. Land at TLS, rent a car, and spend the first two nights in Albi (1 hr drive from the airport). We almost never do a one-nighter on arrival day. Albi is a half day visit - but there are wonderful villages and scenic drives around Albi to occupy another 1/2 to 1 day (Cordes, Gorges de l'Aveyron, etc). See my Languedoc itinerary for details.
- Sat & Sun - Drive to Castelnau de Montmiral (quick visit) then to Bruniquel (visit), then get on the A20 at Caussade and head north. Get off at exit # 56 and drive to the Rocamadour area and stay at Domaine de la Rhue for 2 nights. Visit Gouffre de Padirac, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac, Martel, and Rocamadour early Sun or late Sat. Sunday morning catch the view of Rocamadour from l'Hospitalet.
- Mon - Friday nights. - Drive west on the scenic D673 to the D820 and then north on the D820 to the D804 and then west on the D804/D703 to Sarlat/Dordogne. Stay for 5 nights. See my itinerary for details.
- Sat & Sun nights. Take the A20 south to exit # 56, and then the D802 to Figeac. Stay 2 nights. Visit Figeac on Saturday. This is one of our favorite small cities in France. Get a walking itinerary at the TI & follow it. On Sunday head west along the Lot river to St Cirq Lapopie/Pech Merle. Make a reservation for Pech Merle about now, and let the Pech Merle reservation time determine which site you visit first. Return to Figeac along the lovely Cele River stopping at several villages (see my Dordogne itinerary).
- Monday & Tues. Head east on the N140 and find your way to Conques & visit Conques (one of the "most beautiful villages in France"). Then head a little north, get on the D107 heading east to Entraygues & visit. Then follow the Lot river east to Estaing (visit) & Espalion (visit). Stay in/near one of these village (even consider St Eulalie) for 2 nights. See my Languedoc itinerary for things to do in this area.
Wed & Thur. Head east to St Geniez and catch the D2 south to St Saturnin, and then the D45 east to the D988 and on to La Canourge (short visit), then the lovely D998 to Ste Enemie and the fantastic Gorges du Tarn. Stay 2 nights. See my Languedoc itinerary for caves, rock formations, villages, etc to visit. Consider staying in a chateau at Chateau de la Caze in La Malene.
Fri & Sat nights. Make your way west to the A75, drive over the Millau Bridge, and then west on the A9 & then the A61 to Carcassonne. Visit Carcassonne. Then continue on to Toulouse & stay 2 nights.
Sun - homeward bound.
Stu Dudley
Jul 8th, 2014, 04:07 PM
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"Carcassone is definitely a half day at the most and not worth an overnight."
Well, if your goal is to share the city with thousands of other tourists, I guess that's true. But if you'd rather stroll the streets and the walls at night with starlight and moonlight and the streets being devoid of tourists and having dinner in a quiet and romantic place that at noon is jammed and hurried, well, then you'll need and appreciate an overnight!
Well, if your goal is to share the city with thousands of other tourists, I guess that's true. But if you'd rather stroll the streets and the walls at night with starlight and moonlight and the streets being devoid of tourists and having dinner in a quiet and romantic place that at noon is jammed and hurried, well, then you'll need and appreciate an overnight!
Jul 8th, 2014, 04:24 PM
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Stu, I'll be on-line tonight absorbing your thoughtful suggestions. We can always add more time and leave on Monday. (My personal concern about staying too long, is elderly parents back home.) TY.
NeoPatrick, that's not my quote. Here's my last reply re: Carcassone...
"Leslieq, thanks for the advise on Carcassonne. If we leave from Toulouse early we could probably do it as a day trip depending on our next stop in Languedoc. Staying for one night, does have the appeal of walking between the walls at night and being there after the tourists leave."
We've stayed over-night in a many "touristy" cities and loved being there after the flood of people leave. So staying a night at Carcassone does have it's appeal. It appears to be a love it or hate it town, depending on your experience. I appreciate your input.
NeoPatrick, that's not my quote. Here's my last reply re: Carcassone...
"Leslieq, thanks for the advise on Carcassonne. If we leave from Toulouse early we could probably do it as a day trip depending on our next stop in Languedoc. Staying for one night, does have the appeal of walking between the walls at night and being there after the tourists leave."
We've stayed over-night in a many "touristy" cities and loved being there after the flood of people leave. So staying a night at Carcassone does have it's appeal. It appears to be a love it or hate it town, depending on your experience. I appreciate your input.
