ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival in Carcassonne & The World’s Oldest Brut
Your journey begins in the storybook city of Carcassonne, easily accessible via direct flights from major European cities or by train from Toulouse and Paris.
We’ll meet you at the train station for a short, scenic drive in the rolling countryside surrounding Limoux, a region quietly renowned as the birthplace of sparkling wine.
Your first experience is a visit to the historic Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, where monks produced the world’s first brut sparkling wine a century before Champagne. Here, you’ll explore the origins of Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant, followed by a guided tasting that brings this living history to life.
We continue with a relaxed, gourmet picnic set against sweeping views toward the Pyrenees, featuring artisan bread, seasonal specialties, and thoughtfully paired local flavors.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your countryside home away from home, Hostellerie du Grand Duc, a warm and intimate hotel nestled in the hills. Hosted by Sandrine, a talented chef, and Jérémy, a passionate sommelier, this will be your home for the next three nights.
The evening unfolds with a three-course dinner; each course paired with carefully selected Roussillon wines, your first immersion into the depth and character of this remarkable terroir.
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Carcassonne train station
Included / Gourmet picnic lunch, tour of Saint-Hilaire Abbey, Blanquette de Limoux wine tasting, 3 course dinner with three distinct wines from the region
Lodging / Hostellerie du Grand Duc
Day 2 / Cathar History, Hidden Gorges & Organic Wine in Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes
After a relaxed breakfast, we step into the layered history of the region with a visit to the striking Château de Puilaurens, a dramatic Cathar fortress perched high above the valley.
Here, you can choose your pace: take in the views from below or climb to explore ancient stonework that spans over a millennium. The atmosphere is powerful. Wild, quiet, and rooted in fascinating history.
The morning continues with a gentle, grounding experience in nature. A peaceful walk through the enchanting Gorge de Saint Jaume reveals shaded paths, flowing water, and a sense of timeless calm. For those drawn to cultural heritage, a visit to a pre-Roman chapel offers a more contemplative moment connected to the region’s spiritual past.
A second beautifully prepared picnic is enjoyed in a serene natural setting, unhurried and immersed in the landscape.
In the afternoon, we head into the vineyards surrounding Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes for an in-depth wine experience at Domaine Grain d'Orient.
This is not a typical tasting. You’ll walk the vineyards at a comfortable pace, learning how soil, altitude, and microclimate shape each grape. Depending on the season, you may taste directly from the vine. Inside the cellar, you’ll explore fermentation and aging processes, tasting wines at different stages and gaining a deeper understanding of organic viticulture and small-scale production.
Return to Le Grand Duc for time to relax before another beautifully prepared dinner.
Lodging / Hostellerie du Grand Duc
Included / Breakfast, relaxed picnic lunch, cultural walking tour, entry to Puilaurens Castle, tour and wine tasting at Domaine Grain d’Orient, 3 course dinner
Day 3 / Wild Landscapes of Maury & A Farm-to-Table Wine Experience
This morning, we venture into one of the region’s most dramatic natural sites: the Gorge de Galamus.
A winding road carved into sheer cliffs leads you through this spectacular gorge, where turquoise waters flow far below. There’s time to wander, pause, and even dip your feet in the cool river as an invigorating and memorable moment in the wild landscape. Or explore the ancient hermitage built into the rock.
We then continue to a deeply personal and immersive experience at Domaine des Enfants.
Hosted by winemaker Carrie Sumner, this visit blends craftsmanship, storytelling, and exceptional food. You’ll explore the working winery, often with hands-on elements during fermentation periods, and gain insight into biodynamic and artisanal practices.
Lunch is a highlight: a multi-course meal prepared over an open grill, with each course thoughtfully paired with the estate’s wines. In true French fashion, the meal unfolds slowly, with time for conversation, reflection, and enjoyment. These lunches are not rushed and often stretch for hours, offering a deeper experience of the culture itself. The experience concludes with a tasting of Maury, this rare, locally cherished fortified wine seldom found beyond the region.
We return to Le Grand Duc for a relaxed evening. Dinner is not provided this evening to allow guests flexibility following an extended lunch. Often, people choose to pick up local bread and cheese for a light evening meal, and the restaurant will remain available for those who wish to dine.
Lodging / Hostellerie du Grand Duc
Included / Breakfast, cultural tour and sightseeing, family style grillade lunch with 6 wines
Day 4 / Market Morning in Mirepoix & Departure
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the countryside and travel to the beautiful medieval town of Mirepoix.
Its vibrant weekly market is one of the most beloved in southern France, set beneath centuries-old timber-framed arcades, including the oldest half-timbered house in the country. Here, you’re free to wander at your own pace: browse artisan goods, sample regional delicacies, or enjoy a relaxed lunch from the many local stalls.
This final experience offers a perfect balance of culture, flavor, and everyday French life.
In the afternoon, we return you to Carcassonne (arrival approximately 3:00–4:00 PM), where your journey concludes.
Included / Breakfast, cultural walking tour