jubilada

We are driving by way of Narbonne and Carcasonne in late September. We do not want to go into Carcasonne because we have been before and think it will be very crowded still at this time of year, and at any rate would rather not go. Does anyone have a recommendation for somewhere nice, casual, to stop and eat in that general area? This is really a drive and not explore much day ( as opposed to all the other days in our 16 day trip), but it would be nice to have a little stop somewhere pretty or interesting. Thanks for your help.

Pvoyageuse

WIll you be taking the highway? Or the road via Port-Bou and Cerbere?

DougP

Villefranche de Conflent and Collioure (spelling) are 2 interesting towns although they may not be entroute. I enjoyed Ax les Thermes also.

jubilada

We are going to take the highway.

Pvoyageuse

Le Vieux Puits in Fontjoncouse (small detour, East of Durban) - Michelin starred.
Auberge de la Tour in Fitou (small detour)
La Cave d'Agnès in Fitou.

WTnow

I vote for Villefranche de Conflent and Collioure as well, both very beautiful and charming. WORTH going out of the way a bit for. Collioure is especially nice and reminded us very much of Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/0...-sea.html#more

We are in the south of France right now ( and know Barcelona and Costa Brava area well), having recently visited both Villefranche de Conflent and Collioure. We loved them and had some great meals in Collioure.

We are in western Provence now, and also spent time in Narbonne, but you are absolutely right about Carcasonne. We visited it in October and could not believe how over crowded it was. Aigues-Mortes is a much better choice I think ( although it also way over crowded and too far out of your way.

Another idea is somewhere along the Midi-canal?

Pvoyageuse

Villefranche-de Conflent is out of the way - count an hour to get there by the time you leave the highway. L'Auberge Saint-Paul is an excellent restaurant.