What to do in Carcassonne
in the Languedoc region?
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the medieval city of Carcassonne attracts millions of visitors a year. As a result, it is the 3ᵉ most visited tourist site in France after Mont-Saint-Michel and the Arc de Triomphe (according to the classification of national monuments in 2021). So it would be a shame during your camping vacation in Vias to be so close to this architectural marvel and not set off to discover it for a day with the family. Finca L’Air Marin takes you on a tour of this Occitan city in the Languedoc Roussillon region.
Visit Carcassonne
Carcassonne includes a world-famous medieval city, where only a hundred or so people live year-round, as well as a lower town dating from 1260, known as the Bastide Saint-Louis, which represents the lively historic heart of the town.
This is where you can browse the market stalls on Saturday mornings in the Place Carnot, or stroll through the Halles for fresh local produce. Aside from this, this medium-sized town in theAude department lies between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, making for great hiking and contrasting landscapes.
Discover the medieval city through its cobbled streets, small artisan stores and gourmet restaurants (reservations are recommended to ensure a seat!). Unique in the world, the city includes a château comtal, 2 enclosures and 52 towers. Access to the castle and a guided tour of the ramparts are the only parts of the city where you have to pay. The walk from the ramparts is unforgettable. You’ll be able to admire a superb panorama of the Montagne Noire, the Pyrenees and the lower town.
The former cloister of the Saint-Nazaire cathedral now houses an ancient theater. Every July, the famous Carcassonne Festival takes place here, bringing together artists from all over the world. More than a hundred shows, some of them free, are offered to visitors in the medieval city, as well as in the city center with an alternative stage(Festival de Carcassonne).
If you happen to be in Carcassonne on July 14th, don’t miss this event. The fireworks display in the medieval city is one of the finest in the region, if not in France. One of Carcassonne’s other pride and joys is undoubtedly its gastronomy, with its signature dish: cassoulet.
carcassonne visit
Make a stop on the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi stretches 240 km from Toulouse to the Etang de Thau, passing through Carcassonne and Narbonne. From the Carcassonne marina, near the railway station and Square André Chénier, explore the Canal du Midi.
Along the towpaths, on foot or by bike, enjoy a shady stroll that’s easy and accessible to all. You can also board a barge for a guided tour. Learn about the incredible history of the gigantic Canal du Midi.
It’s also an opportunity to travel along the water, admire exceptional landscapes and pass through a lock – always an impressive experience.
Good to know: you can cruise the canal in total freedom aboard a boat without a license. You’ll be able to play at being a freshwater sailor with your family, and enjoy an unforgettable experience of slow tourism along the various stages of the Canal du Midi.
Discover Carcassonne from camping Finca l’Air Marin
The Finca l’Air Marin campsite in Vias Plage is located in the Hérault department, just a 15-minute walk from the Mediterranean Sea. The campsite’s location is ideal for enjoying the nearby beaches and must-see sites of the Languedoc region, including Montpellier, Sète and Le Grau du Roi.
What’s more, with its direct access to the Canal du Midi, this campsite around Carcassonne offers the chance to enjoy lovely walks on the water or along the towpaths.
Lovers of traditional camping will prefer to book a camping pitch in Vias to set up their tent, van, camper or caravan in a spacious wooded setting.
For your entertainment at the Finca L’Air Marin canal du Midi campsite, you have access to a vast aquatic area including an outdoor swimming pool with slide and an indoor heated pool.
Numerous water sports, fun and sporting activities are also organized for young and old alike (kids’ club, teen club, tournaments, etc.). Finally, to keep you entertained all night long, you can attend and take part in a wide range of events (karaoke, dancing, etc.).
Discover
the surroundings
