This is a well maintained castle with 3 km of ramparts. It dates back over 2,000 years and conjure…read morevisions of troubadours and knights. History buffs should probably take a tour, but I was more interested in walking the grounds. I took a one hour train ride from Toulouse. I recommend staying elsewhere and visiting the castle as the city itself is not a stand out culturally and architecturally. From the SNCF station it is about a one mile walk to the Narbonne Gate in the Old City. I used AllTrails to navigate the castle as it is large and it is hard to distinguish where you are otherewise. It took me 90 minutes to walk the circumference of the lower outer gates and the inner city. The castle is FREE but the ramparts are ticketed. Advice: Everyone told me the food is not good here so pack a lunch and eat at the walls or the park at the gate. Many restaurants in the city if you choose otherwise. Sunscreen if it is a sunny day. If you take the train, there are markets along the way even on Sun.

Do you like history, castle at Carcassonne you got served. I did an audio tour. It was well…read moredescribed, the architecture, the view. Carcassonne has a rich history. Walking on The rampas give you a nice view of the city. I watched a medieval fight. It took us a good 4 hours and I am pretty sure there is a lot more to see.

The owner is absolutely wonderful. Tooke the time to explain every dish (in very good English with…read morea straight out of Central Casting accent). Then for the wine, he showed up at the table with 4 bottles of white wine and did a min wine tasting to make sure I had just the right wine for my taste. The food was exceptionally flavored and aesthetically pleasing. I had the truffles in oil with bread for dipping, truffles with tuna belly and foie gras, and finished with truffle and goat cheese. At €57 for the meal, including wine, I believe that it was truly a value for what I had.

If you love truffles, you will love this pace. Well situated on the road just out the gates of the…read morecastle. We ordered the oeufs cochette, carpaccio, and potatoes, all covered in shaved truffles. Only had to add some really amazing Minervois (we left it to the owner, a lovely, affable guy, and were not disappointed. The Ancely 2009 was amazing - like drinking ink, but in a good way). Food is delicious, and just the thing if you've over-cassoulet-ed it and want something lighter for a change.

Love coming to Gran Jonquera…read more Udon is my favorite place to eat. There are other places and a big buffet but UDON is the only place I like. There are numerous clothing shops that will appeal to all ages. The grocery market is a real treat. I love to pick up the bagged nacho chips, chocolate bars and Spanish sweet treats. My husband likes the variety of meats and that he can choose a variety of beers for less than .90 cents each. Great prices if you like liquor as well. If you use tobacco there is a separate area just for you. I do not know the going prices since I do not smoke but it is always crowded and you see people coming out with boxes. Luckily now that we live in France it is a short drive and right on the way home from the many Spanish golf courses we play at. There is plenty of parking especially if you go to the back. TIP get gas in the area as well if you live in France because it is also less expensive.

We've been here twice this summer. In the beginning of July and in mid-August…read more In July it was still relatively quiet and it was easy to stroll around and wander through the stores. In Mid-August it was completely packed...on a morning...on a weekday! Mostly with french visitors. Made it more difficult looking around the shops for a good deal. Also finding a parking lot became more difficult, there was a huge line when we left after lunchtime....lot was full! Besides that it is a great Mall to spend a few hours. There's a good number of restaurants and food counters. But we just bought some Bread, Cheese and Jamon in the nice Escudero Supermarket and took a seat on one of the many comfy couches all around the mall. The Guess store is also worth a visit. Small, but great offers. You really need quite some hours if you are looking for great deals. And it is a nice mall to do so. Parking is free, there's free WiFi and the toilets are free and clean. Pets are allowed as well (everywhere except the Supermercat). Will come back again.