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The towers of the Lastours castles on the ridgeVincent Zimmermann · CC BY-SA 3.0

What to do · Carcassonne

The four castles of Lastours

Four Cathar towers on a ridge of the Montagne Noire, 20 km from Carcassonne · 2 h · trail with slopes

Information
Duration
2 h
Season
Most of the year; avoid days of strong wind
Who it's for
From age 7 or 8 with good footwear

Four castles lined up on a ridge between two rivers, north of Carcassonne. You walk up from the village on a stony path and come back the same way; on the opposite side of the valley there is a viewpoint to see them all together. Entry is paid; check times and prices with the tourist office before you go, because in winter it opens fewer days.

As a familyWith teenagers

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

A gratinéed cassoulet in its earthenware dish© Chez Fred

Chez Fred

Restaurant · Carcassonne · €€€€

What to order: The cassoulet, with its Académie Universelle du Cassoulet label, and the house foie gras.

The bistro dining room with red velvet banquettes and large windows© Brasserie à 4 Temps

Brasserie à 4 Temps

Restaurant · Carcassonne · €€€€

What to order: The Carcassonne cassoulet; for dessert, the omelette norvégienne.

The restaurant and its terrace in the Cité, with the walls and the Carcassonne countryside behind© Le Saint Jean

Le Saint Jean

Restaurant · Carcassonne · €€€€

What to order: The cassoulet, if you come for a meal; for a snack, the tapas on the terrace.

To stay nearby

A room with a double bed and a balcony open to the Cité© Hôtel Le DonjonHotel

Hôtel Le Donjon

Inside the Cité · 43 rooms · Interior garden with lime trees · Brasserie Chez Christine · European Ecolabel

Why we like it: Four-star hotel with 43 rooms inside the medieval Cité, in stone houses with interior gardens, a bar and its own brasserie, Chez Christine.

The hotel façade among olive trees and greenery© Hôtel Le ParcSmall hotel

Hôtel Le Parc

Carcassonne · 800 m from the Cité · 7 rooms and suites · Private jacuzzi in some · Next to La Table de Franck Putelat

Why we like it: Five-star hotel with seven rooms 800 m from the Cité, next to Franck Putelat's two-star restaurant, with suites with private jacuzzis.

Aerial view of the campsite swimming pool© Camping de la CitéCampsite

Camping de la Cité

Carcassonne · 15 min on foot from the Cité · 80 m² pitches · Swimming pool · Motorhome area all year · Dogs welcome

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: Campsite 15 minutes' walk from the ramparts, with 80 m² pitches, mobile homes, cabins for cyclists and a motorhome area open all year; dogs welcome.