Located in the Languedoc region of the South of France, the city of Carcassonne is a small but popular tourist destination with one major attraction a beautiful medieval fortification known as the Cite de Carcassonne. The wonderful Mediterranean weather also draws in tourists all year round, with hot and sunny summers and mild winters.
October Weather In Carcassonne
While October is officially the start of autumn in the region, tourists will be delighted to find that October in Carcassonne is a warm month, which is still suitable for almost all summer activities. In fact, many people prefer this time of year to the sweltering peak summer months as the weather is much more comfortable and suitable for sightseeing.
The average temperature at this time of year is a mild 15°C, though highs can reach up to 19°C during the warmest part of the day. This rivals the warmest temperatures of May in Carcassonne. Even low temperatures remain quite warm at this time of the year, dropping to just 11°C at night, so holiday makers can still enjoy an evening stroll and al fresco dining without feeling too chilly.
Sunshine levels drop as summer turns to autumn, but Carcassonne is located in one of the sunniest regions of France, and even at this time of year there'll be some lovely sunny weather. On average, there's 3 full hours of sunshine per day, and many more hours of daylight.
Rainfall levels stay fairly consistent from late summer to early autumn and October is surprisingly dry. There's an average of 40mm of precipitation, which is spread out over 11 wet days. This means that any rainfall that does occur falls in short, sharp showers and passes quickly, making way for warm, sunny weather.
October is outside of peak season, so it is a great month to visit Carcassonne if you want to see the sights and enjoy some pleasant weather without the crowds associated with the summer months.
As October is considered outside of peak season, many hotels offer great value rates on rooms, making it a great month to travel if you're on a budget.
Espace Cite Hotel
If price is a priority, Espace Cite Hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation that's ideally located too. Just 200 yards from the centre of Carcassonne and 550 yards from the Canal du Midi, it provides a clean and comfortable base from which to explore the city with ease. One of the best features of the hotel is the outdoor terrace which offers views of the medieval castle. This is a great place to enjoy breakfast on a warm October morning.
Hotel F1 Carcassonne
Another affordable choice is hotelF1 Carcassonne. The bright and contemporary hotel is located just outside of the city centre and features rooms that sleep up to three people, making it a fabulous choice for families, couples and groups of friends.
Trois Couronnes Hotel
For a luxury stay, Hotel des Trois Couronnes will not disappoint. This upscale hotel is highly rated thanks to its stylish and contemporary décor, excellent amenities and its views of the medieval city of Carcassonne. Located by the Canal du Midi, it's just a short walk from the city's major attractions, including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse and the old town itself.
Foodies are in for a treat when visiting Carcassonne. Located in the south of France, the city is well-known for its delicious local cuisine which is served in the many restaurants, bars and cafés dotted along the cobbled streets.
S Comme in Palaja
For those who don't mind travelling for great food, Restaurant S Comme is a small but friendly family-run restaurant which offers a fine dining experience in the nearby town of Palaja. Here, guests can relax and soak up the warm and welcoming ambience while enjoying an exquisite meal. The menu combines traditional French cuisine with modern European flavours.
Jardins de L'Estagnol
Last but not least, discover Les Jardins de l'Estagnol, a hidden gem that's tucked away just outside of the city centre. Highly rated by past guests, this restaurant prides itself on tasty home-cooked French cuisine such as the cassoulet served with freshly-baked bread. The pretty outdoor terrace provides a romantic setting for an evening meal on warm October nights.
Many October visitors find shopping and dining to be two of the biggest attractions in Carcassonne. Both covered and open-air markets are available for shopping, including Place Carnot in the centre of town. This authentic French experience is not a tourist attraction, it is a fully functional, year-round market that is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, however it provides a fun and inexpensive day out that the whole family will enjoy. In addition, shops such as La Ferme offer shoppers a variety of delicious gourmet foods to choose from.
Abby St Hilaire
October is the last month to take advantage of some of the area's outdoor tourist attractions. One of the most interesting activities to do in October is the journey to the Abbey of St. Hilaire. This winding 15-mile (24-kilometer) path takes visitors through several quaint villages before arriving at the hilltop village of St. Hilaire.
