Very nice modern train station inspired by Salvador Dali. There are multiple shopping areas to buy…read morefood or items, as well as grocery store in the basement where you can buy a variety of cheap (€0.39 baguettes) food or sweets. It is the terminus of the TGV and the gateway to transportation in the Perpignan metropolitan area, with connections to bus and rail to the west and along the coast (including trains and buses for just a dollar). For those from the US or England, most members of the station are competent in speaking English.

6 people working for the SNCF soeaking between each others none of them helped me with my big…read moresuitcase

Spent our last night in France at this awesome B&B. What an absolute gem. The owners (also the…read moredecorators) were beyond hospitable, allowing us to check in around 10am on the day of arrival, and then treating us to coffee, tea, and pastries in the backyard garden. They even allowed our relatives, who weren't even staying here, to store their luggage in the lobby for a few hours while we walked around. They also shared with us some wine, olives, and salami later in the day before dinner -- they were just so generous and kind. The hotel itself is superb -- spacious rooms(!), comfortable beds, modern and sparkling clean (it's all decorated in retro furniture and art, looks like one or both of the owners are big into collecting). The breakfast offerings are excellent (pastries, cheeses, meats, yogurt, fruit, fresh squeezed juice, etc etc). I cannot recommend this hotel enough if you are going to spend time in Carcassonne, especially if you are coming or going via the train station (it's a 7-8 minute walk from the station). It's about a 10 minute walk from the Bastide neighborhood and 25 minutes to the Medieval City (and an easy, scenic walk at that).