Hotel de la Cité, Carcassonne

Forget Bruges, forget Mont Saint-Michel; Carcassonne is the real-life Disneyland you didn’t know you needed to visit.

Bastioned within medieval ramparts is a host of fine restaurants, great wine bars, and just a couple of very special hotels – one being the 5* Hotel de la Cité.

The adventure begins before you’ve even reached the front door as parking within the UNESCO-protected medieval city is impossible. You’ll be met at a private carpark outside the city walls and driven to the hotel as you’re regaled with stories of the city’s history and charms.

Situated right next door to the Saint-Nazare Basilica, the hotel feels like its foundations have been there as long. Despite its central location, there’s ample outdoor space, every angle against a backdrop of the ancient ramparts.

The rooms are tasteful, incorporating original features such as latticed windows overlooking the cobbled streets outside, and the hotel’s décor stays true to its roots – a mix of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco design. Whatever your mood, there’s a communal space for you: whether it’s listening to live piano in the bright sun lounge or enjoying a digestif in the moody reading room bar (we recommend the local crème de citron).

A highlight is the incomparable pool area, where you can enjoy a rosé on your sun lounger with a complimentary view of the ancient cathedral walls. Seriously… what other pool area comes with a view like this?

With the delights of the medieval city literally on its doorstep, there’s really no alternative choice of hotel if you want the best experience in Carcassonne. I guarantee that, as you’re sipping local delicacies on the terrace with a front-row view of the castle, the only regret you’ll have is not making the trip sooner.

Book at https://www.cite-hotels.com/en/etablissements/hotel-de-la-cite.html

We drank
Cabanel’s crème de citron (a local delicacy)
Plenty of rosé from the region