Carcassonne one of the 100 most beautiful landscapes in France
Our hotel with sauna is located at the gates of Carcassonne, a two-headed city between the city and Bastide Saint-Louis.
It appears that the first walls of the city were built in the Gallo-Roman era. The main additions were made in the 13th and 14th centuries. By looking at the history of Catharism and the Albigensian Crusade, you will understand how, following the Inquisition, Carcassonne became two-headed.
Affected by the Hundred Years' War, it subsequently developed thanks to the cloth industry.
Despite its military role on the border between France and Aragon, the city in the 18th century lost its importance in favor of the Bastide where luxurious private mansions were built .
It was not until the 19th century that a few scholars, Pierre Mayrevielle and Prosper Mérimée, supported the restoration work of the city, starting with the Saint Nazaire Basilica. The architect Viollet le Duc, a specialist in restorations in France, successfully carried out this project for 1/2 century and restored the grandeur of the 13th century.
Walking the streets of city center of Carcassonne (Bastide Saint Louis), you will discover the Place Carnot with its Neptune Fountain , around which the market is held every Saturday morning, then the Saint-Michel Cathedral. Also cross the Pont-Vieux to have one of the best spots in the medieval city. Take the time to stroll through rue de la Trivalle at the foot of the ramparts.
The famous City of Carcassonne
Dominating the hill with its 52 towers and 3 km of ramparts, the world-famous medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique panorama. It was renovated in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc.
By day, stroll through its typical alleyways lined with restaurants and shops; by night, admire the illuminated ramparts and the peaceful atmosphere.
Visit the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, and attend the must-see chivalry shows in summer.
Suggestion from Cathy and Eric: Don't miss the On et Off des Deux Cités Music Festival in July and August (medieval city and Bastide town in the city center).
The Canal du Midi
Listed by UNESCO, the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century masterpiece, connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. An 18th-century construction site supervised by Pierre-Paul Riquet, it remains an active canal. Take a tour with our partner, Lou Gabaret. They offer cruises through the locks with commentary from a live guide in English, French, and Spanish! (Contact them at +33 (0) 6 80 47 54 33).
Enjoy a boat trip from the port of Carcassonne, opposite the train station. Discovering the passage through the locks will delight adults and children alike, an activity to do with family or a romantic getaway.
Suggestion from Cathy and Eric: The banks are perfect for hiking and cycling. We fell in love with Trèbes, its triple lock, its fresh fish restaurants, and its typical port.
Villages
Mirepoix – 50 minutes from Palaja Castle
Medieval village with half-timbered houses. Typical market on Monday mornings.
In summer: Historical Festival (July) and Puppet Festival (August).
Not to be missed: 800-year-old holm oak near the 7-arched bridge.
Minerve – 1 hour from Palaja Castle
Listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Cathar stronghold with views of the gorges.
For couples or friends: ancient rampart walk and Cathar stele.
Gruissan and the salt marshes – 1 hour from Palaja Castle
Beach with wooden chalets, salt marshes, oysters, and flamingos. Ideal for families or couples.
Scenes from the film 37.2°C in the Morning were filmed here.
In Leucate: oyster tasting at the oyster center.
Rennes-le-Château – 45 minutes from Château de Palaja
Mystery of the Cathar treasure, enigmatic church, esoteric garden.
For the curious, to experience with family, as a couple, or with friends.
Lagrasse – 40 minutes from Château de Palaja
Medieval village, inhabited Benedictine abbey, market on Saturdays.
In summer: local fruit juices under the chestnut tree.
Crafts: soaps, pottery, leather, stained glass…
Châteaux Cathares
Peyrepertuse and Quéribus – Less than 1.5 hours from Palaja Castle, heading towards the Pyrenees
Royal fortresses perched on the crests of the Pyrenees. Panoramic hikes between wild nature and medieval heritage. (Allow 1 hour of walking for a breathtaking panoramic view.)
Ideal for a getaway in the great outdoors with family, friends, or as a couple.
Châteaux de Lastours – 20 minutes from Palaja Castle, in the Montagne Noire
Four medieval castles on a rocky spur, panoramic view of the Orbiel Valley.
Historical walk to do as a couple or family (1 hour walk) or from the easy belvedere.
Cities
Narbonne – 45 minutes from Château de Palaja
Mediterranean city with a covered market, ranked among the most beautiful in France (2022). Cathedral, Archbishops' Palace, shopping streets, Roman ruins.
Ideal for couples or families to stroll, have lunch at the market or by the canal.
Toulouse – 1 hour 15 minutes from Château de Palaja
The pink city, combining Southwestern charm and heritage. Romantic strolls, Halles Victor Hugo, aeronautical museums, shopping at Place du Capitole.
Perfect for an outing as a couple, with family, or with friends.
Not to be missed
Fontfroide Abbey – 50 mins away, near Narbonne
Cistercian abbey, rose garden, gardens, wine tasting cellar.
Ideal for couples or families, even in hot weather.
Dinosaur Museum (Espéraza) – 50 mins away
Giant skeletons, excavations, immersive greenhouse.
Perfect for a family outing if it's raining.
Paper Mill (Brousses-et-Villaret) – 40 mins away
18th-century artisanal stationery shop, creative workshop.
During school holidays, create your own paper and take it home with you! Fun and original, a family activity near Carcassonne.
Moulin de Cucugnan – 1 hour 10 minutes away
Homemade organic flours and breads made from ancient grains.
To discover as a couple, with friends, or family. Reservations recommended (baked at 11 a.m.).
Grottes de Limousis & Gouffre de Cabrespine – 20 minutes away
Underground lakes, aragonite, suspended walkway, caving, and via ferrata.
Perfect for families, friends, or couples in hot weather or rain.
Carcassonne Drapery Museum – 10 minutes away
10 minutes from the Château, this museum is perfect for families, friends, or couples, especially in rainy weather. Immerse yourself in Carcassonne's textile past through machines, ancient crafts, and forgotten know-how.
Cathy & Éric highly recommend this visit for families on unpredictable weather days!
MontCapel - Esperaza
55 minutes from Palaja, this still-working hat factory opens its doors for a unique, artisanal visit. Ideal for couples, families, and those with children, on rainy days, or for an outing with friends.
A wonderful discovery recommended by Cathy & Éric!
Montolieu Cooperative
35 minutes from the Château, Montolieu is the village of books. Visit a cultural and creative museum in a former factory. Perfect for families, families, those with children, couples, and friends, on rainy days, or for heritage and art lovers.
A cultural gem recommended by Cathy & Eric.
Australian Park
Just 10 minutes from the Château, discover Australian animals in a shaded, educational park. Ideal for families, children, or friends, in hot weather, or for an original nature activity.
A truly exotic experience recommended by Cathy & Eric!