Just outside Carcassonne’s walls, adventures await. From endless vineyards to charming pretty villages and historic ruins with plenty of tales to tell, Carcassonne – or La Ville Basse, as it’s sometimes known – is the perfect base for exploring the very best of Medieval France.

Take the A61 towards the neighbouring town of Narbonne, where you’ll find the Abbaye de Fontfroide just half an hour’s drive away. A busy autoroute – the French equivalent of a motorway – the A61 is a toll road with booths which accept credit and debit cards.

If you’re looking to head further afield, Montpellier is a perfect day trip destination, which takes around an hour and 45 minutes to reach following the A61 east. Sun-seekers can take an en route break in Peripignan, and spend a few hours on the beach. The famous pink city of Toulouse is also just an hour’s drive away from Carcassonne to the west.

There are car parks located on the edge of Carcasonne. The closest is Chemin de Montlegun (P1), around 400 yards from the Narbonnaise gate. P2 is located on the side of the Aude gate. The city is fully pedestrianised once you get inside the walls.

Driving rules in France are the same as in most of Europe, driving on the right-hand side of the road.

Maunder from one medieval site to another as you roam the charmingCarcassonne streets. It’s easy to see why this fairy-tale French town continues to steal the hearts of visitors, with its medieval castle, gorgeous scenery and traditional French bistros. Grab a drink, find a cosy cafe and soak up the centuries-old atmosphere.

The Citadel

As one of the most visited landmarks in France, the imposing Citadel overlooks the city and its stone walls. History buffs, archaeologists and those curious to learn about a time gone by wander the winding passageways and alleyways of the Citadel. It’s a good idea to visit before lunchtime to get pictures of the labyrinth streets before most of the tourists arrive.

Perched on the right bank of the River Aude, the medieval city is open to visitors day and night. With 52 towers and a total of two miles’ worth of insurmountable walls, the structure dominates the skyline. In the summertime, it’s great for families to catch jousting shows as they walk around the battlements, while those who’re looking for a more atmospheric tour should visit when it’s lit up in the evening. Little wonder this place was the inspiration for Kate Mosse’s famous archaeological mystery novel, Labyrinth.

Afternoon strolls

Lined with regal plane trees, spending a day wandering along the stunning Canal du Midi is a must when in Carcassonne. Walk, cycle, or even take a wonderful boat trip along the waterway to admire the beautiful scenery and watch the world go by. As the canal opens up you’ll be mesmerised by the delights of the countryside.

Luscious Landscapes

One of the best features of Carcassonne is its prime location in the heart of the French countryside.

Drive out of town for about 10 miles into the hills towards the Black Mountains, where you’ll find glorious countryside and fascinating Cathar castles to explore – Catharism being a religion that thrived in the area in the 11th-century.

The must-sees are the Cinq Fils de Carcassonne – the Five Sons of Carcassonne – comprising the châteaux of Aguilar, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Quéribus and Termes. Although stunning, they serve as a reminder of the bloody sieges of the 1200s, when the catholic church purged the Cathars and their sympathisers.

Nature-lovers aren’t disappointed, either. The Pyrenees mountains loom large, and the wilderness here is ideal for those looking to fill up on fresh air. The unspoilt land is populated with verdant forests of oaks and pine trees where wild boar roam and trout filled streams cut through the land. Those looking for a scenic day out should head south-west to La Cavayere Lake where you’ll find beaches, waters sports, cycling tracks and footpaths, ideal for a picnic.

Make the most of Languedoc and the south of France with car hire in Carcassonne