Weather in July in Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a popular holiday destination located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. The town is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle and citadel known as the Cite de Carcassonne which sits at its heart and provides picture postcard views.
Along with June and August, July is one of the busiest tourist seasons in Carcassonne. The abundance of attractions and beautiful summer weather contribute to this. Thanks to its location, Carcassonne has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild winters.
Temperatures peak in July and it is actually the hottest month of the year in the city. The average temperature hovers around a lovely 23°C, however highs can reach a sizzling 28°C at this time of year. Even low temperatures remain warm, at 17°C, so holiday makers can expect balmy evenings that don't require a jacket. These temperatures provide perfect conditions for exploring the region and spending plenty of time outdoors.
Carcassonne is located in one of the sunniest areas of France. Days are extremely long and bright, and on average, there's 7 hours of full sunshine every day, so don't forget to pack some sun screen.
Another great benefit of visiting Carcassonne in July is that it's the driest month of the entire year. On average, there's just 20mm of rainfall which falls lightly over 4 days. This small amount of rain generally falls in short showers, so you don't need to worry about wet weather spoiling your holiday at this time of year.
As you can see, the weather is idyllic in July, if a little hot. This draws in thousands of tourists every week in July, so holiday makers should be prepared for crowds. If you prefer a quieter scene (and lower temperatures) it is advisable to plan your break in the spring or autumn instead.
July Hotels in Carcassonne - Book early !!!
July is extremely busy in Carcassonne and hotels can fill up fast, so make sure to book ahead. Luckily, the city has an array of great accommodation options to suit every traveller, from budget-friendly B&Bs to boutique hotels.
Trois Couronnes
For a luxurious stay, the Hotel des Trois Couronnes offers four-star accommodation overlooking the ramparts of the medieval city. With such a great location, guests can be exploring the cobbled streets of the old town in minutes. What's more, after a busy day of sightseeing, the spacious and stylish rooms offer a relaxing retreat, with private bathrooms, satellite TV and balconies. There's also a bar and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Pont Levis
If you love to stay in modern surroundings, Pont Levis Hotel is the hotel for you. This popular hotel is beautifully decorated in a cool and contemporary style that's sure to impress. The hotel is also rated for its excellent location; just 50 yards from the entrance to the medieval city of Carcassonne, it has an unobstructed view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Hotel Les Olivers
is a great choice if you're looking for affordable accommodation in Carcassonne in July. Located just outside of the city centre, this budget-friendly hotel offers three-star rated rooms which are clean, comfortable and air-conditioned (a must-have in the peak summer months). As an added bonus, the hotel has its own outdoor pool which is perfect for cooling off in the July heat.
France is well-known for its amazing cuisine and Carcassonne does not disappoint when it comes to eating out. Holiday makers will be spoiled for choice with a huge selection of restaurants, cafés and bars in the city.
Le Clos des Framboisiers offers a wonderful dining experience in somewhat of an unexpected setting. Located in a quiet residential area just outside of Carcassonne, the food here is of an excellent standard and showcases an authentic taste of French fare. In the summer months, diners can eat outdoors on the charming enclosed terrace.
L'Escargot
For a unique meal, head to L'Escargot in the centre of the old town. This contemporary eatery served a combination of delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine including Iberico ham, fresh prawns and l'escargot in a casual tapas style. The cosy and relaxed dining room is perfect for socialising with friends and family while there's also an outdoor patio that's popular in the summer. It is worth noting, however, that this restaurant is rather small, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Adelaide Restaurant
Finally, Restaurant Adelaide is a great spot for an evening meal in Carcassonne. Here, guests can enjoy a delicious home cooked meal with beautiful views of the nearby the Château Comtal. The menu features a range of authentic French dishes such as the cassoulet, a favourite in the south of France.
July visitors to Carcassonne are in for a once-a-year treat.
On Bastille Day, the famous Cite de Carcassonne is set ablaze with a firework display, an annual event which attracts thousands of spectators. The 25-minute firework spectacular lights up the night's sky and ends with a world-class, eye-popping finale. One of the best spots to watch it from is the banks of the river, but make sure to get there early to get a good view.
Carcassonne is well-known for its amazing medieval architecture and beautiful buildings.
The most popular sight is, of course, the fairy tale castle that overlooks the city, but another must-see attraction is the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. This romanesque-gothic basilica is located inside the citadel and dates back to the 11th century. Guests can tour the inside and the outside of the building and take in features such as the beautiful sculptures and the large stained-glass rose window.
