After picking up your hire car you'll drive to your accommodation near Carcassonne which will be the base for your stay in this rich and fascinating area.

Carcassonne 7 nights

On this morning's walking tour, your expert guide will introduce you to his favourite food producers beneath the ramparts of la Cité. You'll have the opportunity to taste samples of chocolate, wine and a generous sampling of delicious savoury delights too! Your guide is an expert in the area and will give you all sorts of fascinating info in the history of the historic site of Carcassonne. In the afternoon, history will be brought to life on a thought-provoking guided visit to the old town. Read more

The lovely Linda who is British has lived in this rich area of SW France for many years and is passionate about the produce and local cuisine of the Languedoc. On this insightful day, she'll introduce you to the seasonal produce and teach you how to make a regional dish in which they feature.

On the itinerary today, a thought provoking dive into the history of the Cathars in SW France, wine tasting at a small vineyard, lunch in a traditional restaurant, a visit to one of the most beautiful villages in France and a stop at the UNESCO registered Canal du Midi. After being collected from your hotel, your guide will drive you to the evocative ruins of the Château de Lastours on its rocky spur above the village of the same name. YOu can walk up to a view point where you will drink in breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Your guide will explain some of the history behind this Cathar ruin which is sure to surprise you. After your visit you'll go on to a small family-owned vineyard where you'll meet passionate wine producers and oenologists, learn their different production methods and taste some truly excellent wines. You'll go to enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant where the local food is just amazing. In the afternoon, your guide will drive you (1h drive) to the beautiful and picturesque village of Minerve which is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. This amazing fortified medieval village is perched on a natural defensive position, on a rocky peninsula high above a canyon in the barren Languedoc landscape. It's an awe-inspiring and dramatic setting, for sure! On the way back to Carcassonne, you will stop by the UNESCO registered Canal du Midi where you will learn more about the story of this renowned 350 year old canal which was built in the 17th century and still considered an engineering marvel. Read more

You can look forward to a gentle day today as you spend time onboard a small river cruiser, navigating the Canal du Midi that you visited yesterday. You'll leave from the Port of Carcassonne and navigate as far as the Epanchoir de Foucaud where you'll disembark for a picnic lunch in the landscaped Oc's Garden. After lunch, the cruise will contiue down to Ladouce lock which dates back to the XVIIth century. You will cross it both ways and be back at the Port of Carcassonne mid afternoon. Read more

This a fully guided day in the beautiful vineyards of the Minervois, 25 minutes east of Carcassonne. The owners of the small independent vineyard that you'll visit farm organically and produce delicious red, white and rosé wines. From their vineyards you have views towards the Pyrenees on one side and the wild garrigue on the other. It's the perfect place to experience the peace and beauty of the countryside and meet a passionate and skilled wine maker. Owner Emmanuel will take you on a leisurely stroll through his vines. You'll learn about the history of the vineyard, some of which was planted by his grandfather over 75 years ago. You will hear how he cares for his vines, the vineyard cycle including the harvest and discover how he knows when the grapes are ripe enough to pick. The walk will gradually lead you to the little cabin that sits beside the olive grove tucked next to the vines. Here you'll taste the wines produced on this land plus others from across the region. You will also taste the olive oil made from the fruit of the trees beneath which you'll enjoy a delicious four course lunch made by a local chef using fresh seasonal produce and including a selection of French cheeses. At the end of the day you'll be dropped back at your accommodation in Carcassonne. Read more

This varied day tour begins with a visit to a local olive oil producer where we learn how the olives are harvested and pressed to produce delicious oils. From the olive mill, it's a short drive to the village of Le Somail, one of the prettiest ports along the Canal du Midi, where you'll join your boat for a 1 hour private cruise. Along the way you will enjoy a delicious tasting of Languedoc wines and learn more about the history of the Canal. Lunch is always a very special experience on these tours and today you'll enjoy a 3-course meal in the Minervois countryside made from fresh, local ingredients. After lunch you have a pretty drive through the Occitanie countryside to visit one of the finest wine producers of Minervois wines in the Languedoc where you can look forward to a private tour of the winery and learn how the wines are produced. Your visit will culminate in a tasting of some of the domaine's expressive wines. At the end of the day you'll be transferred back to your accommodation in Carcassonne. Read more

Your stay in the fascinating Languedoc has come to an end. You'll head off for your onward travels with a head full of memorable experiences from your stay in this unique part of the world..