From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting

Explore South of France with a Day Trip to Carcassonne and Vineyards

This 8-hour private tour from Toulouse offers a perfect blend of history, wine, and scenic beauty at $580 per person. You’ll visit the legendary Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 2,500 years of history, along with charming vineyards where you can meet local winemakers and taste excellent wines. The tour is ideal for those wanting a deep dive into the historic and culinary richness of Cathar Country without the hassle of planning. It includes transportation, an expert guide, and a visit to a winerie, making it a well-rounded day for lovers of culture and wine.

While the day is quite full, it’s worth noting that lunch is included in a local restaurant, and entrance fees to the winerie are covered, but the Château Comtal is not part of the package. This tour suits visitors who enjoy storytelling, scenic drives, and authentic wine tasting experiences, all in a private group setting for a cozy and personalized feel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes transportation from Toulouse to Carcassonne and vineyards
• Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne with its medieval walls and towers
• Tour a charming winerie with a dedicated wine grower and oenologist
• Taste a selection of high-quality wines during the visit
• Stops at Castelnaudary for views of the Canal du Midi and St Roch lock, both UNESCO sites
• A full-day experience from 9 am to 5 pm with private guidance

Starting from Toulouse and Heading to Castelnaudary

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Toulouse, ensuring a smooth start to the day. The first stop is Castelnaudary, a town famous for its views of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll see the Grand Bassin and the St Roch lock, both integral parts of the historic canal system.

This stop provides a relaxed atmosphere to admire the waterway’s engineering and picturesque surroundings before heading further south. The sightseeing at Castelnaudary is brief but offers a taste of local maritime history and stunning scenery, perfect for those interested in France’s canal engineering marvels.

Visiting the Vineyards and Meeting Local Winemakers

After leaving Castelnaudary, the journey continues to a charming winerie, where the focus is on authentic wine production. The dedicated wine grower and oenologist share insights into their production methods and answer questions about wine-making processes. You get to learn about different techniques used in the vineyards, gaining a clearer understanding of what makes French wines special.

The wine tasting session features a selection of excellent wines, allowing you to appreciate the variety and craftsmanship involved. The visit to the winerie is included in the package, with entrance fees covered, making this a practical choice for wine enthusiasts.

Delicious Lunch in a Local Restaurant

Midday, the tour offers a lunch in a local restaurant, providing a chance to savor regional specialties or classic French dishes. The meal complements the morning’s wine experience and offers a relaxed setting to reflect on the sights and flavors encountered so far. Since the lunch is included, it adds good value and convenience to the overall experience.

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Discovering Carcassonne’s Medieval Fortress

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the impressive Cité de Carcassonne, a medieval fortress complex that dominates the landscape. Known for its picturesque fortifications, the city features over 3 km of walls and 52 towers, giving visitors a real sense of medieval defensive architecture.

The city’s twisted alleys and tiny streets invite wandering and discovery. The medieval charm of La Cité transports visitors back in time, with each corner offering a new view of history and architecture. The entrance to Château Comtal is not included, so visitors can choose to explore further or take in the views from outside.

Walking Through the Medieval Streets and Fortifications

Walking through Carcassonne’s narrow alleys, visitors will appreciate the detail in the city’s stonework, battlements, and towers. The city’s picturesque setting is perfect for photos and leisurely exploration. The history and architectural features make this site a highlight of the full-day trip.

The guide leads you through the main sights, offering insights into the history of the Cathar country and the medieval defenses which have made the city a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walk is manageable for most but involves some walking on uneven surfaces.

Scenic Drive Through Cathar Country

Throughout the day, the scenic drive through Cathar country offers views of rolling hills, vineyards, and historic sites. This region, known for its Cathar castles and rich past, is a highlight for those interested in medieval history beyond Carcassonne itself.

The comfort of a private vehicle and English-speaking guide ensures a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunity for questions and sightseeing. The route showcases the diverse landscapes and historic landmarks that define this part of southern France.

The Experience of a Private Guided Tour

This tour is conducted by a private guide and driver, providing personalized attention and flexibility. The English-speaking guide shares stories about each site, making the history and local culture accessible and engaging.

The transportation is in a comfortable car or van, ensuring a smooth ride between stops. The pick-up and drop-off from your Toulouse accommodation adds convenience, making it easy to include this experience in a full day of sightseeing.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour is designed to be full-day, running from 9 am to 5 pm, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The reserve now & pay later option allows for flexible planning without immediate payment, ideal for adjusting travel plans.

While the tour does not include entrance fees to Château Comtal or drinks during lunch, it covers all other entrance fees and transportation, ensuring transparency and simplicity. The group size is private, providing an intimate experience tailored to your interests.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour appeals most to those who love history, architecture, and wine. It’s perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, personal experience of Carcassonne and the surrounding Cathar country without large crowds. The combination of a UNESCO site, vineyard visits, and local cuisine makes it suitable for culture lovers and foodies alike.

The private nature of the tour ensures a relaxed pace, ideal for those who prefer an unhurried exploration with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos. It’s less suited for travelers seeking a physically demanding or very flexible itinerary, given its structure and walking involved.

In this 8-hour adventure, the mix of historical sites, scenic landscapes, and wine tasting captures the essence of the South of France. The Cité de Carcassonne remains a highlight, with its medieval walls and towers, offering a glimpse into France’s past. The vineyard visit adds a flavorful touch, connecting history with gastronomy.

This tour balances educational insight with relaxation, making it a memorable day that showcases the region’s cultural richness. While lunch and entrance fees are included, the Château Comtal is not part of the visit, which is worth noting if you wish to explore further inside the fortress.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation from and to Toulouse, an English-speaking private guide/driver, entrance fees to the winerie, and the wine tasting.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour offers lunch in a local restaurant as part of the experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour include visits to Château Comtal?
No, entrance to Château Comtal is not included in this tour.

What are the start and end times?
The tour runs from 9 am to 5 pm.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English and French.

Is this a private or group tour?
It is a private group experience, providing a personalized atmosphere.

What can I expect at the vineyards?
You will meet a dedicated wine grower and oenologist, learn about their production methods, and taste excellent wines.

How long is the drive?
The drive covers scenic routes through Cathar country, with stops at Castelnaudary and Carcassonne.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking a comfortable, private day trip from Toulouse.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby