How I Planned My Solo Road Trip Through France with ChatGPT Part 2: Exploring Carcassonne – History, Castles, and Culinary Delights

Introduction

If you’ve been following along in my France road trip series, you know this trip was designed with the help of ChatGPT—my new favorite travel companion. Using AI, I created an itinerary that balanced history, culture, food, and a little adventure, without the overwhelm of juggling guidebooks and 20 browser tabs at once.

Today we’re diving into Carcassonne, one of France’s most famous medieval cities. With its fairy-tale walls, cobbled streets, and fascinating history, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

The Itinerary at a Glance

Thursday, May 22 → Bourges (cathedral + Old Town stroll).
Friday, May 23 → Carcassonne (medieval fortress).
Saturday, May 24 → Cassis (harbor + Calanques boat ride).
Sunday, May 25 → Annecy (lakeside canals + mountain views).
Monday, May 26 → Chantilly (castle + gardens + whipped cream).
**Tuesday, May 27 → Back to CDG for my flight home).

A Brief History of Carcassonne

Carcassonne’s story dates back over 2,500 years. First settled by the Romans, the city grew into a vital stronghold during the Middle Ages. Its double-walled fortifications (3 km long, with 52 towers!) were so impressive that they played a crucial role in regional defense for centuries.

Restoration by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century preserved the city, giving us the chance to explore a medieval wonder that feels almost frozen in time.

Fun Carcassonne Trivia

Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The medieval citadel is often called La Cité.
The board game Carcassonne (Amazon) #Ad was inspired by this very city.
Locals joke that Carcassonne has more towers than some small countries have churches!

Things to Do in Carcassonne (1-Day Itinerary)

Here’s how to make the most of a single day:

Morning: Explore the Cité de Carcassonne
Walk through the massive gates and into the walled medieval town. Don’t miss the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, with its stunning stained glass.
Walk Across Pont Vieux (The Famous Bridge)
The Pont Vieux, built in the 14th century, connects the old city with the lower town. The views of the walled citadel from the bridge are unforgettable. It’s also the best photo spot in Carcassonne!
Afternoon: Château Comtal (Count’s Castle)
Step inside the citadel’s fortress-within-a-fortress. You’ll find ramparts, towers, and medieval exhibitions.
Sunset Views: Head outside the citadel for a breathtaking view of the walls glowing in golden hour light
Evening Stroll & Shopping
Wander through cobbled streets filled with artisan shops, cafés, and charming corners perfect for people-watching.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne (Mid-Range Hotels)

Hotel du Chateau – Right at the gates of the medieval citadel, with a pool and modern comforts.
Hotel Montmorency – Stylish and cozy, also with pool access and spa options.
Best Western Le Donjon – Located inside the medieval walls, perfect if you want to soak up history around the clock.
Adonis Carcassonne – Résidence la Barbacane – Budget-friendly apartments with kitchenettes, perfect if you want extra space.

Where to Eat in Carcassonne

La Table des Remparts – Elegant dining with beautiful terrace views. Try their French Onion Soup or Chicken Provençal for a true taste of southern France.
Le Comte Roger – A cozy spot inside the citadel, serving a refined version of cassoulet.
La Barbacane – Michelin-starred fine dining if you’re looking to splurge a little.
Brasserie Le Donjon – Good for traditional French fare in a lively setting.

Amazon Travel Essentials for Carcassonne

Here are a few must-haves to make your Carcassonne adventure more comfortable:

Sunglasses (Amazon) #Ad – The southern French sun is no joke, especially when exploring stone walls and open bridges.
Comfortable Walking Shoes (Amazon) #Ad – Carcassonne’s cobbled streets are charming, but your feet will thank you for solid support.
Water Bottle (Amazon) #Ad– Stay hydrated while exploring the ramparts.
Travel Umbrella (Amazon) #Ad – Because medieval cities don’t come with rain guarantees.
Medieval Knight Costume (Amazon) #Ad – You can be a real life knight in shining armor
Women’s Medieval Costume (Amazon) #Ad – You can be a real life medieval princess
Children’s Medieval Costume (Amazon) #Ad – For the knights in shining armor in training

Why I Loved Using ChatGPT for This Part of My Trip

I could have spent hours digging through blogs, travel forums, and guidebooks—but instead, I asked ChatGPT questions like:

“What should I do in Carcassonne with only one day?”
“What’s the best mid-range hotel in Carcassonne?”
“Give me a fun fact about Carcassonne I can share with my daughter.”

Within minutes, I had a plan that combined history, food, and adventure—personalized to my exact needs. Honestly? It’s better than any travel agent because I could tweak and refine instantly.

Closing Thoughts

Carcassonne is magical. Between the UNESCO history, the Pont Vieux views, and the comfort of a bowl of French Onion Soup, this stop on my France adventure felt unforgettable. And with the help of ChatGPT, I didn’t just visit Carcassonne—I experienced it to the fullest.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wrapping Up Day 2: Medieval Magic in Carcassonne

From walking across Carcassonne’s famous bridge to savoring French onion soup and Chicken Provençal at La Table des Remparts, Day 2 was a perfect blend of history, charm, and unforgettable flavors. Exploring the medieval fortress made me feel like I’d stepped straight into a storybook—a completely different vibe than my peaceful first day in Bourges with its Gothic cathedral and quiet streets.

That contrast is one of my favorite parts about a road trip: every stop tells a new story.

Next up: I’m trading cobblestones and castles for seaside cliffs and pastel harbors. Stay tuned for Day 3 in Cassis, where the sparkling Mediterranean coast awaits.

In case you missed it Day 1 of my road trip in France: How I Planned My Solo Road Trip Through France with ChatGPT

Read my post: How to Use ChatGPT to Plan Any Trip: Tips, Prompts, and Tricks

CLAiRITY