Exploring the South West of France

When I am asked what are the best places to visit, I have a problem - I can only respond and state what I personally like or dislike and this may not be fair to the many alternative, possibly interesting places I do not mention.

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We are coming to stay in Carcassonne from 24 06 08 to 03 07 08. What must not be missed in the area please. We will have a car for 4 days the rest will be spent in the city. A big request perhaps but I would like to be sure to find the best so we are tempted to return. We have spent holidays in France for 35 years and this is the only part we have not visited. Provence and Cote d’Azur are our favorites.
Stuart

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Hello Stuart,

The old city of Carcassonne is well worth a visit - the local tourist office will fill your car with leaflets of local stuff, wine trails and museums - The Abby of Fontfroide is good - local towns like Mirepoix and Foix are interesting, but not as awesome as Carcassonne - nonsensical superstition things like the Cathar trails and looney priests discovering hidden Merovingean treasure are all around that area - some the so-called Cathar castles are have spectacular views, they tend to be on the top of mountains so you need to be fit and have good walking shoes.

For me the best pleasures are finding a quiet village and having a simple lunch with a carafe of local wine (if it is good), or buying the wine, bread and cheese and motoring down narrow farm roads until I find a very quite spot and have a picnique.

Give me an idea of your ages, numbers and preferences and I will try to think of other places and ideas

Best wishes

Tony