Carcassonne is a small but bustling holiday destination located in the South of France that's filled with beauty and history. The medieval town's main attraction is its ancient citadel with magical-looking towers and turrets that has inspired many throughout history, including Walt Disney himself. However, the lovely Mediterranean climate is also a big draw to the city.
Summer is the peak season for tourism in Carcassonne. However, visiting in the winter months such as January can have unforeseen benefits that many tourists love, from the lack of tourists and peaceful atmosphere to the weather that's comfortable for sightseeing. The winter weather is mild enough to see all of Carcassonne's outdoor wonders without freezing.
The average temperature for Carcassonne in the month of January is 6°C while highs can peak at 9°C during the day. Temperatures drop at night and evenings can feel rather chilly in January, with lows of just 3°C, so it is advisable to bring some warm clothing to wear while walking around at night. Despite this, tourists should find temperatures much more pleasant than back home in the UK.
While temperatures remain mild all winter in Carcassonne, one of the main drawbacks of visiting in January is that it is one of the wettest months of the year. Tourists should go expecting some wet weather, as there's an 80% chance of rain throughout the month, with an average of 10 wet days. However, at just 70mm, the actual amount of rainfall is quite low, and most of this will occur in short showers and storms that will pass quickly. There's also an 80% chance of a cloudy day, so overcast weather is quite common.
Luckily, Carcassonne is located in one of the sunniest parts of France, and even in winter you'll be treated to some sunny weather once the rain passes. On average, there's 9 hours of daylight, with two hours of direct sunshine in January.
If you want to explore beautiful Carcassonne away from the crowds and heat of summer, January is a great time to plan your visit.
Carcassonne is a thriving tourist destination and as a result, it offers many great accommodation options, whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly B&B.
Hotel L'Octroi provides a perfect base for exploring the city as it is located just 200 yards from the entrance to the medieval city. The hotel has a modern and luxury feel with stylish furniture and bright, colourful décor throughout that will appeal to young travers especially. Facilities here include an on-site bar and spa with a hot tub and free Wi-Fi is also available.
For a unique stay, look no further than Hotel Montsegur which is set inside a 19th century manor house just a 10 minute walk from the city centre. Maintaining its original charm, each room at this hotel is decorated with period furniture but also comes fully equipped with modern facilities including a flat-screen TV and internet, giving you the best of both worlds. Rooms sleep up to 4 people and pets are also allowed, which makes this a popular choice with families.
If you're trying to save money on your stay in Carcassonne, the Ibis Carcassonne Centre Hotel is a great choice. This economic hotel is conveniently located in downtown Carcassonne just minutes from the train station and a short stroll from the old town walls. Rooms here are simple but comfortable and well-equipped, while onsite there's a snack bar and a lobby where a buffet breakfast is served each morning.
France is a stellar destination for foodies and Carcassonne is no different; the town is filled with amazing eateries, from fine dining restaurants to small cafés and bakeries, so tourists will be spoiled for choice when eating out.
For an enjoyable meal, head to Comte Roger Restaurant which is located on a busy street inside the old walled city. This bright and airy restaurant has a contemporary feel that provides a welcoming setting for lunch or an evening meal. The menu showcases traditional French cuisine such as cassoulet and guinea fowl as well as a great selection of wines.
La Barbacane is also located in the centre of Carcassonne's medieval town and is a must-visit spot if you're looking for a fine dining experience in the area. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers excellent service and even better food, with a set menu full of delicious and beautifully presented dishes to try. Set inside a Medieval dining room with stain-glass windows and traditional décor, holiday makers can soak up the charming atmosphere as they dine.
Last but not least, for a quick but satisfying bite to eat between sightseeing, le-bis-troquet will not disappoint. This trendy little café is located in the centre of downtown Carcassonne and serves a range of delicious lunch options from homemade soups to open tapas-style sandwiches which feature a range of unique toppings. A refreshing alternative to normal café cuisine.
Carcassonne is a year-round tourist destination and has a lot of offer tourists, even in the quieter winter months such as January.
The most popular draw to the city is, of course, the Cité de Carcassonne, the medieval citadel that over-looks the whole city; in fact, this is the reason most people visit the area. The historic fortified city is a UNESCO world heritage site that dates back thousands of years and features a turreted castle at the centre with huge defence walls and buildings that circle around it. Guided tours are a great way to see the citadel and gain some insider information along the way.
A fun activity whatever the weather is touring the vineyards that are located around Carcassonne especially if you're a wine lover! Vineyards such as Lorgeril, just outside of Carcassonne, welcome guests at any time of the year without reservation. During a visit, you can learn more about the wine making process and even sample some of the produce.
