France this summer - Languedoc Roussillon
Carcassonne and Collioure
France this summer, looking for something different than museums with timed-entry and too many cathedrals?
Languedoc-Roussillon is high our list.
Miles of coastline along the Mediterranean, resort towns where you can relax at the beach, rent kayaks, play mini-golf, children’s adventure parks, explore Carcassonne, one of the most majestic medieval castles in Europe, run around Roman ruins, hike and bike, and spend days outdoors in the sunshine.
Languedoc-Roussillon has wonderful local food and wines, farmers markets with fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheese, honey, breads, everything for a picnic.
Just one instance. We stayed inside the walled city in Carcassonne, and wandering around early in the morning, few bakeries were open.
But we could smell aromas of fresh baked croissants coming from a tiny bakery. Turned out, every day croissants, pain au chocolat, baguettes etc. were baked right in the shop, before shop opened. We came back every morning during our stay.
Also the bakery had wonderful sandwiches for our picnic lunches - the lady even came early to have sandwiches ready for our departure from Carcassonne, to take with us on the train to Barcelona.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne in southern France is a spectacular castle, enclosed in a double-walled medieval city!
Carcassonne began as Carcaso, a Roman town on ancient trade routes. More walls were added by the Visigoths, French kings expanded the fortress in the Middle Ages.
This is not a bunch of crumbly ruins. In the 19th century Carcassonne, was recognized as a historic monument, and entire City was restored.
The City (Cite) complex is two rows of high walls, towers and gates that enclose a castle, Gothic church and medieval town.
Plan to spend at least two days just exploring the City.
Before you go, read our blog post about different parts of the large complex, museum exhibits, online tickets, and our recommendations for Carcassonne best family hotels, with amenities such as swimming pools.
Read full story: Tips for Carcassonne
Collioure
After our visit to Carcassonne, we stayed in Collioure for several days before continuing on to Barcelona.
Timing couldn’t have been better - Saturday and Sunday was the Anchovy Festival (Fete de l’Anchois).
Collioure is famous for its anchovies, the first week in June they have a local fair to celebrate this fishing tradition.
Anchovy Festival
Colorful Catalan boats sailed around the harbor, sitting on the pebbly beach we ate fresh grilled anchovies with a glass of cold rose, and bought anchovy-themed souvenirs - bracelets, earrings, tote bag, t-shirts, scarves.
Read full story: Collioure Anchovy Festival - Vive la Fete de l’Anchois
Tip: Collioure is charming, but another fun place to stay is Argeles-sur-Mer, next town up the coast. A beach town with miles long white sand beach, apartments and houses to rent with fully-equipped kitchens and swimming pools.