Do you remember how last month Dani was teasing me on how I should dress like a medieval princess for my birthday? Finally (finaaaally) we are able to share with all of you the pictures we took at the loveliest Carcassonne, the medieval town from the South of France!
My mom also joined us to celebrate my birthday in France. Love her!
We travelled to Carcassonne by train, which was a blissful change of transportation modality for an abroad travel. Although we are switching countries to got to France, we actually live 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Carcassonne with an express train (called AVE in Spain) and was super comfortable, quick and fun (landscape views) to ride it. Taking also into account that I get very stressed whenever a plane is involved, I thank Dani for choosing this destination as a surprise gift.
Dani rented an apartment with Airbnb which was 5 minutes away (walking distance) from La cité, and the owners were so charming as to pick us up at the train station, and buy some bread, butter, jam, croissants and fresh fruit for us to have breakfast on the following day. It’s the first time I have real contact with any renter from Airbnb (previous had only been online and left us the keys on a mailbox), but I was really surprised to discover that Benita and his husband were a lovely couple in their 70s that were willing to give a more B&B feeling to the experience. During the car ride Benita’s husband explained us that he had Spanish relatives and we were very entertained all the way to the house sharing some stories and he was able to practise his (quite perfect) Spanish. Which experiences can you report with Airbnb or similar renting services?
We walked towards the fortress and used the Porte Aude to access to the medieval city. I think this first sight is my favorite from all the experience, having such an immense and beautiful building with its towers and curtain wall all there for ourselves is something I will always remember and cherish. I think it’s a lucky torn of events that we had an apartment so near this “alternative” access rather than the more famous Port Narvonne because otherwise that first encounter would have been quite different, more crowdy possibly.
I didn’t resist the opportunity to buy a flower crown to wear a more in theme outfit. Can you tell how happy I was? From that moment on lot of people kept giving me smiley looks, I guess everyone is a bit of a fan of a themey outfit.
La cité has so many good things to offer, you can walk around the fortress, shop souvenirs, visit the main castle (this is a must, obvs!) and visit the cathedral. Everything perfectly doable in a single day. We also got to explore in the same day other parts of Carcassonne, like its city center, the Canal du Midi and my favorite (second to La cité) the riverside park along the L’Aude river. But all of these are waiting for you at Part II very soon.
Hope you liked the virtual tour to the medieval ages! Stay tuned for the second part with more pics buts less words.
Your pictures are so magical! Carcassonne has been on our “to visit” list for a while now.
Thanks Mariko! :) Definitely is a destination to keep on a visiting list! ♥
Hi! I love these pictures! I’ve been to Carcasonne but not to Canal du Midi, very curious about your next post!
Thanks Marta! I think it must be nice to sail Canal du Midi and visit all the towns along the canals, hope you enjoy the other post!
You are a medieval princess the flower crown just tops it all off! How beautiful is the scenery and how lovely for Dani to arrange it all for you and to have your cute mum join in as well :) Look forward to your future posts!
Awww thanks sweetie Fee! :* I am very grateful to have such a thoughtful partner in crime ;) My mom and red lippie always go together.
Obliviously I love this post! It’s always nice to see the Cité through the eyes of someone that’s never been there. Great choice of door, we always take this one it’s less crowded. I love you flower crown ;)
Oh! so happy to read that’s is your favorite door! Love to hear that from a local :) I have the same feeling when someone visits Barcelona, I’m always very curious to see what catches their attention :) so interesting always!
fantastic pics. and i love your crown. did you make it yourself?
Thanks Petra! Is not DIY, I bought it at Carcassonne in what I could define as very souvenir-ish shop, only that this specific shop had this sooo lovely crowns made with dry flowers (not plastic) so I couldn’t resist it :)
Beautiful photos! It looks as though you were the only people there!
I have had only great experiences using Airbnb – such a wonderful website with amazing hosts :) …I keep telling my husband that if we ever own a house we should give back to the airbnb community by becomes hosts ourselves!
Thanks! :) It was my third experience with airbnb but I’m already looking forward to use it again in our next travel! I specially like it for longer stays.
such a lovely flower crown! ;) and your airbnb hosts sound lovely!
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