La Rapiere makes a bad first impression. From the outside it looks like it has seen its better days...many years ago. Pulling into the dirt driveway you may be tempted to turn around and find another hotel.
But that would be a mistake.
This B&B is a real find for those who are willing to look past the rough exterior. First of all, there's the location. You could not ask for better. You get a clear, unobstructed view of the Cite, so close that you almost feel like you are ready to lay siege to the fortress. From the door of your room to the drawbridge is about a five-minute walk.
In contrast to the outside of the building, inside the rooms are clean, modern, and extremely comfortable. The shower in our room was the most spacious we had in Europe. The AC worked very well, and we had no problems connecting to wi-fi. Breakfast is included in the price, and was not terribly thrilling...fresh croissants were the highlight. The only real complaint we had was that the outdoor stairs leading down to our room were a bit slippery and treacherous.
The warm and friendly staff speak no English, but unlike most places in France, they cheerfully worked through our communication barrier. Very, very nice people who run a great hotel. If you are looking for an affordable place to stay in Carcassone, this is it. read more