Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards

First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France

First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys operates this 7-day escorted tour from London to Carcassonne, with a UK Tour Manager travelling with the group throughout. The outbound journey combines the Eurostar to Paris in Plus class with First Class TGV travel south to Toulouse, then a coach transfer to Carcassonne, where the group stays for all 6 nights at the 5-star Hotel du Roi & Spa. From this single base, guided days out cover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel of Carcassonne, the Cathar fortresses of Châteaux de Lastours, historic Narbonne, and the weekly market at Mirepoix. A highlight is a private tour and wine tasting at the 17th-century Château de Pennautier, with lunch served in a converted sheepfold restaurant. It suits travellers who want a single-base holiday in southern France built around castles, markets, and wine, reached by First Class rail rather than by air.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single price (GBP 2,799) is well above half the twin-share price (GBP 1,699), so solo travellers pay a significant single supplement.
  • Door-to-door luggage service is listed as an optional extra rather than included, so plan to handle your own luggage unless you add it.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Carcassonne

    First Class journey to Carcassonne

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Plus class with a light meal at your seat. Continue in First Class by high-speed rail south through the French countryside to Toulouse ('La Ville Rose'). On arrival at Toulouse Matabiau station, board a coach for transfer to Carcassonne. Check in to the Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell on the banks of the River Aude, with deluxe rooms featuring private terraces and views of the medieval walled city. Evening is free to unwind.

    Meals: Eurostar light meal

  2. Day 2overnight: Carcassonne

    Exploring the walled medieval city of Carcassonne

    After breakfast, explore the walled city of Carcassonne on a guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel features beautifully restored slate roofs, pointed towers and fortified walls. Tour includes entrance to Château Comtal, the hilltop castle within the walls, which houses a fascinating museum. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the citadel, visit the Gothic Saint-Nazaire Basilica, walk the ramparts, or stroll along the Canal du Midi.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Carcassonne

    Uncovering the sights of historic Narbonne

    Travel by coach to ancient Narbonne after breakfast. Guided tour includes a main square overlooked by a spectacular unfinished Gothic cathedral, Les Halles indoor food market (with olives, tapenade, cured meats and cheeses), the Canal de la Robine, an exposed section of the Via Domitia Roman road, and the grand courtyards of the Archbishop's Palace. Free time to explore independently. Return to Carcassonne for dinner together at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Carcassonne

    Explore the Châteaux de Lastours area

    After breakfast, visit the spectacular Châteaux de Lastours. First stop is the Belvedere viewpoint for panoramic views of four Cathar fortresses set among rocky hills and valleys. Option to walk up marked routes to the ruined castles or enjoy a slideshow in English on the history of the Cathar castles. After free time, visit a traditional auberge in the scenic Minervois wine region for a four-course lunch with local wine. Evening is free in Carcassonne.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Carcassonne

    Market day in medieval Mirepoix

    Coach journey into the Pyrenean foothills to historic Mirepoix for the town's celebrated weekly market. The wonderfully preserved market square is lined by colourful half-timbered medieval houses. Free time to explore the market, sample fresh regional produce, purchase homemade crafts and local wine. Optional visits to the Gothic-style Cathedral of Saint Maurice, the former Bishop's Palace, and the Porte d'Aval. Scenic return route through charming villages and past ruined castles. Dinner at the hotel, with the option of traditional cassoulet.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Carcassonne

    A private wine tasting and lunch at Château de Pennautier

    After breakfast, coach to the Château de Pennautier (15 minutes away). Guided tour of the 17th-century château, the King's chamber and grounds. Guided tour of the production room and wine cellar, followed by a tasting of the château's wines. Three-course lunch served in a rustic restaurant converted from a former sheepfold, accompanied by wine pairings from the château's vineyards. Return to hotel mid-afternoon; rest of the day at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    Leave the Carcassonne hotel after breakfast and transfer to Toulouse by coach. Continue by First Class train to Paris, then join the Eurostar service to London in Plus class with a light meal served at your seat. Arrive back at London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1After the Eurostar to Paris, First Class TGV travel continues south through the French countryside to Toulouse, then on by coach to Carcassonne.
  • Day 2A guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel of Carcassonne includes entrance to Château Comtal, the hilltop castle housing a museum.
  • Day 4The Belvedere viewpoint over the four Cathar fortresses of Châteaux de Lastours is followed by a four-course lunch with local wine at a traditional auberge in the Minervois wine region.
  • Day 6A private tour of the 17th-century Château de Pennautier includes the wine cellar and a tasting, followed by a three-course lunch with wine pairings from the château's vineyards.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 5-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Entrance to Château Comtal, Carcassonne
  • Guided tour of Château de Pennautier including wine cellar and tasting
  • Three-course lunch at Château de Pennautier
  • Four-course lunch at traditional auberge in the Minervois wine region

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus class from London to Paris and First Class TGV from Paris to Toulouse, both ways.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an escorted tour with a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, in groups of up to 30.
Which trains are used?
The Eurostar (London St Pancras to Paris, Plus class) and the TGV (Paris to Toulouse, First Class).
What hotel is used?
The 5-star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell in Carcassonne, on the banks of the River Aude, for all 6 nights.
When does it run?
Departures run from April through October across 2026 and 2027.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance, and door-to-door luggage service, which is an optional extra.

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