Latest news with #Carcassonne
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Best Foodie Souvenirs In Toulouse, France (And Why Visit Now)
Toulouse, France Think Paris, but with better weather, more rosé, and way less attitude. Home of the AirBus headquarters, Toulouse recently nabbed Lonely Planet's top city to visit in 2025—and trust me, it's earned it. From its pink-brick charm to its laid-back canalside vibes, 'La Ville Rose' is where culture and cool collide. It's also easier than ever to get to Toulouse. No more stop overs in Paris as the first non-stop direct flight from North America to Toulouse on AirCanada from Montreal, Canada recently launched. This year, the city's musical soul is on full display. As a newly designated UNESCO City of Music, Toulouse hits all the right notes—especially in June, when the legendary Rio Loco festival brings global rhythms to the banks of the Garonne. It's world music meets world party. Summer keeps the tempo high with Tangopostale's sultry tango dance vibes and the ultra-chill Siestes Électroniques electronic fest in the Compans-Caffarelli Garden. Add in museum reopenings (hello, Musée des Augustins in late 2025), Gothic grandeur, and a thriving food scene—16 restaurants with Michelin distinction—, and you've got a trip worth booking yesterday. And when you're ready to roam, the dreamy Occitanie region is right on your doorstep—think Albi's Toulouse-Lautrec vibes, fairy-tale villages like Cordes-sur-Ciel, Carcassonne—the oldest medieval fortress in Europe dating back to the Roman era and namesake for the crazy popular Carcassonne board game—and vineyard-dotted countryside perfect for lazy day trips. You can even captain your own houseboat with Le Boat—think AirBnB of houseboats worldwide—and tour the countryside via Canal Du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canal du Midi When it comes to edible souvenirs, American expat Jessica Hammer of Taste of Toulouse is a connoisseur of the authentic, the unexpected, and of course—delicious. With her deep local knowledge, she's your secret weapon for shopping like a savvy gourmand in the pink city. So next time you head to Toulouse, bring an empty suitcase and a curious palate. Your taste buds (and lucky friends back home) will thank you. Here are the best food souvenirs in Toulouse and the broader Occitanie region: One of B. Authié's specialties, a Paris-Brest filled with violet cream and topped with sugared ... More violets. Toulouse is famously fragrant with violets, and Hammer's favorite way to bottle that floral magic? Crystallized violets—'real flower petals crystallized in sugar syrup.' They're not just pretty and packable; she drops them in sparkling wine for a delicate purple hue. 'So pretty,' she sighs. Her go-to source is Pâtisserie B. Authié, but these sugar-dusted blossoms pop up everywhere from pastry shops to airport kiosks. La Maison de a Violette, a gift shop in a barge for all things violet. For the full violet experience, she recommends a pilgrimage to La Maison de la Violette, a 'floating' shop—or barge on the canal—devoted to all things purple and petaled. 'The owner, Hélène, has dedicated her life's work to promoting violet products—not just food, but also perfumes and bath items.' Sold at Fromagerie Xavier, Pave Toulousain cheese or brick cheese is a specialty cheese from ... More Toulouse. It's a great Toulouse food souvenir to bring home because it comes in a box. When asked what cheese to bring home, Hammer doesn't hesitate… Pavé Toulousain: Created by the famed François Bourgon of Fromagerie Xavier, this cube-shaped cheese is a loving nod to Toulouse's iconic brick architecture. 'It personifies Toulouse's mix of tradition and innovation,' Hammer says, noting it travels well and comes in a stylish wooden box.. Mont d'Or: Available from October through March, this creamy cheese from the Jura region, just a few hours from Toulouse, comes in its own wooden box. It's perfect for baking into a fondue-like dish. While soft cheeses can be tricky to transport, Mont d'Or's packaging makes it a feasible option. If you bring it home, try David Lebovitz's—the most famous American food writer that lives in Paris—Mont d'Or fondue recipe! Fénétra is an apricot and lemon 'travel cake'—a traditional baked good from Toulouse, France. While baguettes may tempt you, they're better left behind. Instead, Hammer loves gâteaux de voyage—'travel cakes' meant to journey. The standout cake to bring home from Toulouse? Fénétra, a local tart filled with apricot jam and candied lemon peel, topped with almond meringue takes the cake. A highlight for a spirit lover, reserve a armagnac tasting and tour at the high-design tasting room ... More at Chateau Arton in France's Gascony region. Oenologist Fabrice Saramon leads the tasting here. For something truly unique, try a bottle of Armagnac—Toulouse's more rugged cousin to Cognac and France's oldest brandy, more than 700 years old. If you have time in your schedule, visit Château Arton— a certified organic vineyard producing award-winning Armagnac for a tasting. Located in the beautiful countryside in a town called in Lectoure, Château Arton was the first Armagnac to receive the Prix d'Excellence‚ like the Oscars for French food. Make sure to ask about the magic mold that works in happy partnership with the spirit as it ages. Papilles' bottled cocktails are a super hip gift to bring home for the craft cocktail lover on your ... More list. This one especially screams the region. Gin fans should hunt down Le Point G, flavored with violet and spirulina—a cheeky French nod to the G-spot. Don't miss the Rainbow canned cocktail, a pack-friendly tribute to artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's original 19th-century recipe. Crafted by Alexis Taoufiq, a "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" and award-winning mixologist, this ready-to-drink cocktail is artful, aromatic, and effortlessly chic. Pick up a few at Papilles, his boutique bottle shop in Toulouse and also in the nearby town of Albi. Violet liqueurs, found at the airport, are great to bring home too. Grocery store food souvenirs are all the rage, right? Hammer is gleefully obsessed with 'goat cheese with Espelette pepper' flavored chips. Feeling brave? Try anise-flavored potato chips as well. Although Castelnaudary is most credited as the home of cassoulet, Toulouse hosts the annual World ... More Championships of Cassoulet annually. 'You don't find chocolate shops like this back home,' says the American expat, now food tour guide. She admits it was very hard to choose favorites—'there are so many great chocolate shops in Toulouse, France'—but ultimately highlighted Criollo, Bello & Angeli, and Cacaofages for their exceptional chocolats enrobés (covered chocolates). Whether you're craving bars or bonbons, these elegant, easy-to-pack treats make perfect gourmet gifts. Of course, no conversation about Toulouse food is complete without cassoulet, the region's slow-cooked, bean-and-meat pride. Hammer's top pick? Last year, she put her palate to the test at Le Genty Magre, a local cassoulet competition she likens to 'a chili cook-off contest but for cassoulet.' Among five entries, her standout favorite was the one from Émile's, which also clinched the audience choice award. Another go-to she recommends is La Colombière, a beloved family-owned spot serving up a fan-favorite cassoulet year after year. Where to find the best canned cassoulet in Toulouse: Maison Garcia in Victor Hugo market. However, for cassoulet to bring home? Maison Garcia, which she swears is 'the real deal' when paired with a baguette. Find Maison Garcia canned cassoulet and other incredible meat-based products, like the most rare Spanish jamón ibérico, at the incredible Victor Hugo market. 'For gifts, I don't really recommend going to grocery stores in France— the good stuff is at épiceries or specialty food stores,' says Hammer. Her go-to? Cafe Bacquie, a speciality shop across the street from Victor Hugo Market. 'They have great gifts like preserves, salts, mustards, even chocolate.' Jessica Hammer prepares an incredible wine-paired tasting of Victor Hugo Market delights on a Taste ... More of Toulouse tour. In addition to taking Jessica's in depth (and delicious!) Taste of Toulouse food tour, here are the best things to do in Toulouse: Book a ride on Minotaur, Halle de La Machine's most famous machine. Toulouse, France Get ready for your jaw to be on the floor at Halle de La Machine—the entrie time. This performance theater-meets-Tinkertown museum is a marvel—perfect for any age. Engineering at its best using upcycled parts to create otherworldly animals, tectonic shows, and interactive art using fire, automation, sound and actors. If you have time and love theatrical dining, book a 'Lunch of Little Machines' where performers (ie. your servers) partner with machines to deliver the most entertaining culinary adventure. And don't miss the The Manège Carré Sénart across the street—it's like no other merry-go-round you've ever seen before. Cité de l'Espace is where space nerds and starry-eyed dreamers unite! Touch real moon rocks, walk through a life-size Mir space station, and even try your hand at astronaut training. It's part science museum, part intergalactic playground—perfect for kids, grown-ups, and anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and said, 'What if?' At her boutique AHPY, Annette Hardouin is reviving the ancient art of dyeing with pastel (Isatis ... More tinctoria) one workshop at a time. Toulouse, France Step into a world where history and fashion intertwine at AHPY Créations Bleu de Pastel boutique in Toulouse. Led by master artisan Annette Hardouin, this workshop revives the ancient art of dyeing with pastel (Isatis tinctoria), the plant that once brought immense wealth to the region during the Renaissance. You'll learn the meticulous process of transforming natural fabrics into stunning shades of blue using time-honored techniques. A pastel dyed scarf sold at the AHPY shop is also a winning Toulousian souvenir. Packing This French Food Could Get Your Global Entry Privilege Revoked I Knew About Toulouse-Lautrec's Infatuation For Women, Not Dandies Headed to Albi? What You Need to Know Why You Should Visit the Eastern Pyrenees of France
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The most affordable holidays in France this summer
Creamy brie smeared on a crusty baguette, crisp local wines sipped in a sun-dappled square and Alpine wildflower meadows to roam – our love affair with French holidays shows no signs of fading. A recent poll by Ink Digital may have ranked our neighbour across the Channel as the second least-affordable half-term destination worldwide, but we've got you covered. We've sourced 15 affordable escapes – from beach holidays and mountain retreats to city breaks and luxury for less – that offer value without draining your savings or cutting corners on quality. What's more, they've all still got availability remaining this year. Remember, affordable doesn't mean cheap; it means sourcing smart alternatives. For example, a seaside apartment in the Languedoc can offer the same sun and sea as the Riviera at a fraction of the cost, and smaller cities like Carcassonne or La Rochelle offer similar cultural depth to Paris, without the inflated price tag. Plus, it's so close that those conscious of their carbon footprint can swap planes for trains and ferries. Find the perfect break for you: Beaches Mountains Families/groups Luxury for less City breaks Beach Charente Maritime Charente Maritime, on the west coast of France, is a little-known alternative to the Cote d'Azur – it's far enough south to rival the Mediterranean coast for sunshine in the summer, and its beaches are big and sandy. Its capital is La Rochelle, but day trips to the seaside villages of Royan, Cognac and La Tremblade – world famous for its oysters and mussels – are a must. A seafood platter here costs around €24 in comparison to €40 to €100 around Nice. How to do it Siblu (020 8610 0186) offers a week in a two-bedroom self-catering holiday home at Les Charmettes sleeping four people from £1,121 total, departing August 16. Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen start from £831 return with Brittany Ferries. Corsica Don't overlook Corsica, the Mediterranean's French-owned island with more than 200 beaches. For the last few years, August has been a quiet month and travellers can benefit from prices lowered to lure them back. Pick up picnic supplies at the rustic L'Île-Rousse market, then laze on nearby Calvi Beach, or head south to seek out the iconic horseshoe bay at Palombaggia, the Instagram-worthy pontoon posted on the turquoise waters of Santa Giulia Beach, or to pretty pine forest-backed Pinarello Beach. How to do it Corsican Places (01489 866931) offers seven nights at L'Ancre Bleue, a four-bedroom villa with a private pool and panoramic bay views from £699 per person, based on eight sharing in June, including flights and car hire. Easyjet fly direct from Gatwick to Figari from £105 return. Cote d'Azur Prefer to be on the soles of your feet, instead of sunbathing? Why not walk the glistening Cote d'Azur coastline? Home to glitzy Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this stretch of southern France is notoriously expensive, but this self-guided walking tour, which flows at a sedate pace, comes in well below the usual £1,000 holiday budget. Enjoy views of pastel-coloured mansions tumbling down to beaches, citrus tree-scented air and long seafood lunches. How to do it KE Adventure (01768 773 966) offers the seven-day Walking Menton to Nice trip from March to December from £785 per person, including accommodation, some meals, self-guided information pack, luggage transfers, but excluding flights. Mountains Clarée Valley The French Alps aren't just for snow bunnies with deep pockets. Come summer, think: wildflower meadows, larch forests and cooling glacial lakes. Most holidaymakers invariably head to the Alpine honeypots of Chamonix and Lake Annecy, but opt instead for the Clarée Valley, a well-kept secret near the Italian border that was saved from over-development by a local farmer's daughter. Follow its walking trails with an experienced guide and support family-run hotels to find the best value in this affordable alternative. How to do it Mountain Kingdoms (01453 844 400) offers an eight-day guided Clarée Valley walking holiday from £2,070 per person, including, accommodation, meals and flights. Departing July 6, August 17 and October 12. Morzine Seeking complete seclusion? Golèse Refuge is a new remote mountain hut couched between the Giffre and Manche valleys, based at 1,660 metres and completely unreachable by car. A 1.5-hour hike from the town of Chardonnière, it sits amid sweeping mountain pastures and is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding peaks of Bostan, the Dents Blanches, or even the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. Refuel in its snug rustic restaurant, dishing up regional Savoyards specialities. How to do it A four-night stay at Golèse Refuge (0033 450 9059 53) in a private room, half board, costs from £244 per person. Easyjet fly from London Gatwick to Geneva from £57 return. Families/groups Mercantour National Park Want to walk but have young ones that lack enthusiasm – bring a donkey! This self-guided family walking tour, suitable for children aged five and above, explores the undiscovered Mercantour National Park and equips you with a well-cared-for donkey to carry your bags and keep morale high. Staying in a mix of ecolodges, yurts, hotels and mountain inns, you'll follow old postman trails between hamlets, with time for picnics and four-legged cuddles. How to do it Responsible Travel (01273 823 700) offers the self-guided six-day Mercantour Family Walking Holiday from £589 per person, including full board accommodation, but excluding flights, departing mid-May to mid-September. British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Nice from £189 return. Canal du Midi Bundling everyone onto a boat often works out far cheaper than purchasing multiple hotel rooms. Try the Canal du Midi, a 150-mile-long Unesco-listed 17th-century waterway that threads through the vineyards, medieval towns and canal-side villages of the Languedoc region. With no experience required, families and groups can hire their own boat and pootle along (dog in tow too) stopping for wine tastings at Château de Ventenac, swimming at Jouarres Lake near Homps, strolling through Carcassonne's medieval citadel or for go-karting and mini-golf in Vias. How to do it Le Boat (020 3993 1218) offers a seven-night self-catered stay on board Caprice, sleeping up to six people, starting and ending in Port Cassafières, from £209 per person, departing October 16. Ryanair fly from London Stanstead to Béziers from £57 return. Luberon If you're seeking something for a special occasion, why not hire an entire hamlet? Located in Luberon, 40km north of Aix-en-Provence, Le Grand Banc is a secluded hamlet with 10 houses (sleeping up to 24) set along a private cobbled street. Each home sleeps between two and five people, is individually styled with art and sculptures and offers idyllic views. All guests dine together around the huge outside marble table, there's a saltwater pool, table tennis, pétanque, and e-bikes available to hire. Perhaps a little pricey per head, but a bargain when you have the whole village to yourself. How to do it Scott Williams (01749 812721) offers a seven-night stay at Le Grand Banc from £750 per person based on 24 sharing, including a cook to prepare meals and daily maid service. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Marseilles from £109 return, or travel by TGV to Avignon (1hr30 away). Luxury for less Carcassonne For a guilt-free dose of indulgence, book La Belle Eco – a bewitching 19th-century manor with nine rooms just outside Unesco-listed Carcassonne, that combines Art Deco sophistication with eco-friendly refurbishments such as solar panels, a secret organic garden and a naturally purified swimming pool. How to do it La Belle offer a two-night stay at La Belle Eco from €380 based on two sharing a luxury double room with breakfast. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Carcassonne from £100 return. Villeréal Live out your Marie Antoinette fantasies at Château Majestic, an 18th-century moat-encircled stone mansion set in 10 hectares of private gardens just five minutes from Villeréal, one of France's most beautiful villages, famed for its food markets. Sleeping up to 14 people beneath its soaring ceilings, it flaunts its own herb garden, hammocks, private gym and heated swimming pool. How to do it CV Villas (020 3993 4088) offer seven nights at Chateau Majestic from £664 per person, including return flights from London based on full occupancy. Lot Valley Set near the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southern France, the deeply rural vineyard-studded Lot Valley only reached the British holiday radars in the last decade and is a top pick for affordable stone villas with pools. Try Le Saltrou near Floressas, which sleeps four in the main building and has a separate garden suite for two (ideal for grandparents or teenagers), plus a garden-framed pool. It's 45 minutes from the historical and art-rich Cahors and its Unesco-listed Valentré Bridge. How to do it Vintage Travel (01954 261 431) offers a week's stay at Le Saltrou from £468 per person, based on six sharing and including return flights from Gatwick to Bergerac and car hire, departing August 30. City breaks Nice The second capital of the Cote d'Azur is known for its city beach, warren-like Old Town, Matisse and Marc Chagall museums, plus it's just a 30-minute drive from Calanques – one of France's newest national parks, home to secluded beaches and hidden coves for snorkelling. Find high design at hostel prices at hip chain Mama Shelter, located in Nice's central Cours Julien district. Suitable for singles, couples and families, perks include free in-room movies, live music sessions and giant table football. How to do it Mama Shelter Nice (0033 428 9511 95) offers a Large Mama Family room with a lounge for four people from £272 per night. Ryanair fly from London Stanstead to Marseille from £97 return. Northern cities If you want to do it all, this whirlwind tour of France's standout northern cities has you covered. Kicking off and ending in Paris, there's time for a fresh croissant and a visit to the Mona Lisa, before winding to Normandy's Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestry. Then move onto Reims for a city tour toasted with a flute or two of champagne from the surrounding vineyards. How to do it Contiki (0808 281 1120) offers the seven-day France in a Week guided tour from £921 per person, including accommodation, some meals, but not international travel. Departures in June and August. Eurostar runs from London Kings Cross to Paris Gard du Nord from £167 return. Paris Finding an affordable bed in the City of Love isn't for the faint of heart. A solution might be Generator Paris, a hostel/hotel designed like a Parisian art-house movie, right in the heart of the 10th Arrondissement and just a 15-minute walk from Eurostar's Gare du Nord. Ideal for friends and families, it's surrounded by hip art galleries and cafés, plus its rooftop cocktail bar has Moulin Rouge -worthy views of Montmartre. How to do it Generator Paris (0033 170 9884 13) offers a five-night stay in an ensuite Deluxe King from £607 per room – use code 20STAY until July 31 for 20 per cent of stays of four nights or more. Eurostar runs from London Kings Cross to Paris Gard du Nord from £167 return. Lyon For bon vivants, Lyon steals the chef's cap from Paris thanks to its distinctive bouchons dishing up local and affordable specialities such as andouillette, quenelles (dumplings) and bugnes (sweet fritters). Foodies will be right at home in the new Cour des Loges, a historic hotel with a gastronomic restaurant led by chef Anthony Bonnet that's competitively priced for its location in the heart of the historic Old Town. June also marks the Lyon Street Food Festival (25 to 29), so prepare to let your belt out a notch… or three. How to do it Cours des Loges offers double rooms from £281 per night, B&B. Easyjet ( fly from London Luton to Lyon-Saint Exupéry from £78 return.
CNET
20-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Make Family Night Fun With the Carcassonne Strategy Board Game, Now Just $31
Board games remain an excellent way to bring friends and family together. We're big fans of family games, but if you're looking for a modern strategy game for more of a challenge, consider Carcassonne for your next get-together. Though you'll need to consider different tactics to win the game, it's still accessible to players aged 7 and up, making it a pretty solid option for groups of mixed ages. And right now it's down to just $31 at Amazon. The game itself is pretty simple to execute. You pick and place tiles in a collective kingdom, shaping the board -- medieval France -- with roads, cities, monasteries and land. You're matching the pieces to build as much as you can -- all of which you will compete to claim, earning points as you go. It's easy to learn and playing time typically ranges from a half hour up to 45 minutes, meaning even beginners can have fun at your next game night. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You'll never have the exact same map, either, so it's one of those games that should stay fresh. Plus, there are some expansion rule options to add game complexity and help it remain in your replay rotation for a long time to come. It's also currently 11% off, which is a nice find, especially as tariffs are hitting a lot of markets and making prices rise, including board games and toys. Why this deal matters Some classic games like Monopoly are a little played out, so if you're looking for a new game to bring home for family game night this is your chance. Down from $35, you can get Carcassonne for $31 right now, squeaking out a modest deal even amid tariffs beginning to shift pricing in the toys and games market. It's an easy-to-jump-into game that still stretches those strategic-thinking skills and should delight children and adults alike.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Win a six-night Carcassonne escorted tour in France worth more than £3,500
Great Rail Journeys is offering you and one guest the chance to discover the charming city of Carcassonne and surrounding region in France in what will be an unforgettable adventure. On the six-night Five-Star Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards tour, you'll be captivated by the timeless charm, landmarks and gastronomy of this compelling French region. You'll explore historic Carcassonne, the Cathar castles and Narbonne on this luxurious five-star break, which includes a private lunch and wine-tasting at a historic château. There will be time to stroll amongst the city's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of its medieval marvels and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside Châteaux de Lastours, before discovering the beautiful city of Narbonne. Then, soak up the atmosphere on a trip to Mirepoix's famed weekly market and savour a delicious lunch and wine tasting at the wonderful Château de Pennautier. Departing from London's King Cross on Eurostar with your dedicated tour manager, you will travel to Paris then connect to Toulouse – travelling first class – then transfer to Carcassonne, where you will stay at the elegant five-star Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell for six nights. Among the excursions, all included on this escorted tour, you will visit the walled medieval city of Carcassonne, which has earned Unesco World Heritage Site status thanks to this beautifully preserved citadel's architecture. Continuing the journey back in time, you'll also tour the majestic hilltop castle of Château Comtal. The Roman port of Narbonne is also on your itinerary, giving you the chance to explore the imposing Gothic cathedral and the main square before diving into Les Halles, the intoxicating indoor food market, which is an explosion of tastes and scents. Here you can sample locally produced delicacies before moving on to the sweeping grand Archbishop's Palace, with its impressive art collection. An excursion to Châteaux de Lastours is another part of this enriching escape. After being wowed by the panoramic views of the glorious landscape of hills and valleys from the Belvedere Viewpoint, you'll head to the scenic Minevois wine region where you can enjoy the local wines over a four-course lunch. The trip will end on a high as you head to Château de Pennaultier, a picturesque 17th-century stately home, set in idyllic surroundings. After a tour of this majestic landmark you'll be given rare access to the wine cellar, where you'll be treated to a private tasting session, followed by a four-course lunch and pairings in the château's charming restaurant. Enter before 23.59 on July 4 2025. UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland residents only. 18+. Submit entries and see full terms and conditions at Visit Great Rail Journeys' website for mobility rating information - Tour rated Level 3 'Comfortable Traveller'. Your prize includes:
