La Chapelle sits perfectly between the Cité of Carcassonne, the Canal du Midi and the Lauragais hills. Here is our suggestion for two full days, with approximate driving times from Alzonne.
Day 1 — The Canal du Midi and Carcassonne
Morning: the Canal by bike
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs 500 metres from the estate. Follow the towpath by bike or on foot, between the trees and the locks, to Bram, a remarkable circular village built in rings around its church. The concierge can book your bikes.
Lunch: market or lunch in Alzonne
On Thursday mornings, Alzonne's open-air market runs from 8 am to noon. On other days, the village butcher-deli and restaurants are a two-minute drive away.
Afternoon: Carcassonne, from the Bastide to the Cité
About 15 minutes away by car, start with the Bastide Saint-Louis, the lower town with its squares and shopping streets, then cross the Aude on the Pont Vieux and climb to the medieval Cité, also a UNESCO site. Ramparts, the count's castle, cobbled lanes: allow the whole afternoon.
Evening: the Cité lit up
Stay for sunset: at dusk the ramparts light up and the day visitors leave. Dinner in the Cité, then back to the quiet of La Chapelle.
Day 2 — The Lauragais and the Montagne Noire
Morning: Montolieu, the book village
About fifteen minutes away, Montolieu, perched above its gorges, is full of bookshops and craft workshops. Perfect for a wander before lunch.
Lunch: Castelnaudary and its cassoulet
Head to Castelnaudary, about 20 minutes away, the home of cassoulet. Have one for lunch, then stroll around the Grand Bassin, the largest body of water on the Canal du Midi. Prefer to eat in? The concierge offers a homemade cassoulet.
Afternoon: your choice
- Lake Bram, 5 minutes away, to cool off in summer.
- The Seuil de Naurouze, the Canal du Midi's watershed, beyond Castelnaudary.
- Saissac and its castle, on the slopes of the Montagne Noire.
Evening: drinks beneath the vaults
A platter of local cheese and charcuterie, a bottle of local wine, and the chapel softly lit: the best way to end your stay.
If you stay longer
- The castles of Lastours: four Cathar castles on one rocky spur, north of Carcassonne (about 35 minutes).
- The caves of the Montagne Noire, such as the Grotte de Limousis or the Gouffre de Cabrespine (about 40 minutes).
- Mirepoix and its medieval timbered arcades (about 45 minutes).
- The Mediterranean and the beaches of the Aude coast (about 1 hour).
- Toulouse, the pink city (about 50 minutes).
Approximate driving times from Alzonne. Please check opening hours before you visit.