Welcome to Roquettes, France: A Hidden Gem in the South
Day 1: Exploring the Village
- Morning: Start your day with a self-guided walking tour of Roquettes. Visit the Église Saint-Martin, a historic church dating back to the 12th century. The church's Romanesque architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-see.
Contact Information: No official contact open during daylight hours. - Lunch: Head to Café de la Place, a cozy café located in the heart of the village square. Enjoy affordable French dishes like quiche or salad niçoise.
Address: Place de l'Église, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 12 34 - Afternoon: Stroll through the village's narrow streets and discover artisan shops selling handmade crafts and local produce. Don't miss the weekly market held every Thursday morning at Marché de Roquettes, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and bread.
Location: Rue Principale, Roquettes - Dinner: For dinner, try Bistrot du Coin, a budget-friendly restaurant offering hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 5 Rue des Vignes, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 56 78 - Accommodation: Stay at Gîte Les Oliviers, a rustic guesthouse offering simple yet comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
Address: 10 Chemin des Oliviers, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)6 12 34 56 78
Price Range: €30-€50 per night
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
- Morning: Visit the Lac de la Cavayère, a beautiful lake just a short drive from Roquettes. Spend the morning hiking or renting a paddleboat to explore the water.
Address: D622, 11000 Carcassonne
Contact: +33 (0)4 68 10 90 00
Entry Fee: Free - Lunch: Pack a picnic using supplies purchased from the local market or stop by Boulangerie La Traditionnelle for freshly baked baguettes and pastries.
Address: 2 Rue du Moulin, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 23 45 - Afternoon: Explore the Forêt Domaniale de la Grésigne, a vast forest perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes.
Location: Near Puylaurens, approximately 20 km from Roquettes
Entry Fee: Free - Dinner: Return to Roquettes and dine at Pizzeria Bella Vita, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Address: 8 Rue du Commerce, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 34 56 - Accommodation: Continue staying at Gîte Les Oliviers.
Day 3: Cultural Excursions
- Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cité de Carcassonne. Wander through its medieval walls, visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Address: Avenue du Général Leclerc, 11000 Carcassonne
Contact: +33 (0)4 68 11 70 70
Entry Fee: €9 (reduced rate for students) - Lunch: Grab lunch at Le Comte Roger, a casual eatery inside the citadel serving regional specialties.
Address: 6 Rue Plo, 11000 Carcassonne
Contact: +33 (0)4 68 71 71 60 - Afternoon: Drive back to Roquettes and visit the Domaine de Sainte-Croix, a family-run winery offering free tastings of their award-winning wines.
Address: Route de Sainte-Croix, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 45 67 - Dinner: End your trip with a meal at Auberge du Soleil, a charming inn with a focus on seasonal dishes.
Address: 12 Rue de la Fontaine, 11330 Roquettes
Contact: +33 (0)5 61 69 78 90 - Accommodation: Check out of Gîte Les Oliviers after breakfast.
Additional Expenses That Could Enhance Your Trip
- Car Rental: While public transportation is limited, renting a car would allow you greater flexibility to explore nearby attractions like Carcassonne and the Grésigne Forest. Estimated cost: €30-€50 per day.
- Guided Tours: Consider booking a guided tour of Cité de Carcassonne for deeper insights into its history. Cost: €15 per person.
- Wine Tasting: Upgrade your experience at Domaine de Sainte-Croix by purchasing a bottle of wine to take home. Prices start at €12.