Carcassonne with Kate Mosse
7 Days
From £1,599
In association with TS Tours
Book now
Call now and book +442081311426 Quote ref: FANE MOSSE
Book now
Call now and book +442081311426
Quote ref: FANE MOSSE
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Discover Carcassonne's unique history with a special appearance from the author Kate Mosse, who has brought the region to life in her best-selling books

A replacement 2021 departure date has been announced. For up-to-date advice on travel and COVID-19, see our homepage.

British author Kate Mosse fell under Carcassonne's spell almost three decades ago, and it has been inspiring her work ever since. On this tour, based in the historic heart of the city, you'll explore its unique history and the area around it. There will also be a special appearance from the award-winning novelist, who has done so much to bring its astonishing history to life. This will be a brilliant tour for anyone who has enjoyed Kate Mosse's work, as well as any fans of this magnificent part of France.

As she has previously written:

"It's my passion for the history and landscape of the Languedoc region, and Carcassonne's medieval citadel in particular, that inspires my storytelling. Whenever I see its 52 turrets and towers, the mellow stone against the blue sky, I can hardly believe it is real."

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Kate Mosse
Author

Kate Mosse is a number one international bestselling novelist, playwright and non-fiction writer. Her works include the multimillion-selling Languedoc Trilogy (Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel), an acclaimed collection of short stories, The Mistletoe Bride & Other Haunting Tales and The Sunday Times No.1 bestseller, The Burning Chambers. Her most recent novel, The City of Tears, is a breath-taking novel of revenge, persecution and loss, sweeping from Paris and Chartres to the City of Tears itself - the great refugee city of Amsterdam. In June 2013 Kate was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to literature.

Price includes

  • Return Eurostar/ TGV from St Pancras to ­­­Narbonne and hotel transfer
  • Six nights' accommodation with breakfast at the four-star Donjon Hotel, Carcassonne
  • Welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel
  • Exclusive talk and Q&A from Kate Mosse
  • Cruise on the Canal du Midi with lunch in Béziers
  • Tour of Carcassonne, including an appearance en route by Kate

  • Copy of Kate's book, The Burning Chambers (one per booking)

  • All excursions as detailed in the itinerary

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Total cost of trip

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+442081311426

Quote ref: FANE MOSSE

Choose date

When do you want to go?

Choose room

Select your room type(s)

Total cost of trip

£00.00

Deposit (payable today)
£00.00

Or call to book

+442081311426

Quote ref: FANE MOSSE

Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Carcassonne
    London Gatwick, France

    Travel by Eurostar to Paris and onwards by TGV to Narbonne. Transfer from Narbonne Station to Hotel Donjon in Carcassonne (approx. one hour).

    ST PANCRAS 1024 PARIS (NORD) 1347
    PARIS (LYON) 1614 NARBONNE 2039

  2. Day
    2
    Explore Carcassonne & talk from Kate
    London Gatwick, France

    A guided day on foot with your tour manager, Alex Patrimonio to introduce you to the delights of this spectacular citadel town. Highlights include the Chateau Comtal and Basilique-St Nazaire. Return to the hotel with time to freshen up before we enjoy a welcome drink and talk by Kate Mosse, followed by dinner in the hotel's brasserie.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Tour Carcassonne with Kate, visit Rennes-les-Bains
    London Gatwick, France

    This morning we continue our exploration of Carcassone with an appearance from Kate, who will elaborate on its significance in her writing. Afternoon excursion to Rennes-le-Chateau & Rennes-les-Bains, the spa town that featured in the best-selling "Sepulchre."

    Meals - Breakfast
  4. Day
    4
    Spend the day in Toulouse
    Toulouse, France

    Toulouse was once the home to the resplendent court of the count of Toulouse who controlled much of southern France and it continues to be an important city today, particularly in terms of aviation. The old city, the Ville Rose, is compact and easy to explore - the two churches St-Sernin and Les Jacobins, together with some Renaissance townhouses are architectural gems.

    Meals - Breakfast
  5. Day
    5
    Discover Narbonne and Beziers with lunch on the canal
    Beziers, France

    A major city during Roman times Narbonne's delightful, restored, medieval centre is where you'll find the majority of its sites. These include the impressive 13th century Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur and the Archbishop's Palace. Famous for bullfights, rugby and wine, Beziers is dominated by its massive 14th century Cathedrale St-Lazaire. In 1200, several thousand of its citizens were massacred in the crusade against the Cathars. The papal troops were told to "Kill them all. God will recognise his own!" Here we will enjoy a canal cruise on the Canal du Midi with lunch served on board, before free time to explore the town and returning to Carcassone.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
  6. Day
    6
    Mirepoix market and Montségur Castle
    Montségur Castle, France

    A morning visit to Mirepoix on market day offers a wonderful flavour of southwest life. Its huge square, lined with ancient houses, is packed with stalls. This afternoon is spent at the ruins of the Cathar castle of Montsegur, the last stronghold of the Cathars, situated atop the hill above the town, reached by a steep path. In 1243, 10, 000 papal troops laid siege to the castle for 10 months. When captured, 205 Cathars refused to convert and were burnt alive.

    Meals - Breakfast
  7. Day
    7
    Return Home
    London Gatwick, France

    Transfer to Narbonne station for return TGV and and Eurostar to Paris and onwards to St Pancras.

    NARBONNE 1122 PARIS (LYON) 1548
    PARIS (NORD) 1813 ST PANCRAS 1939

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

Donjon Hotel

4
Donjon Hotel,

The four-star Donjon Hotel is one of very few located within the city walls

This hotel offers a high standard of accommodation in an ideal position to appreciate the atmosphere of one of France's most appealing towns. Features include an adjacent brasserie, bar and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.

Donjon Hotel

4
Donjon Hotel,

This lovely four-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Carcassonne's medieval old town

One of only two hotels within the city walls, Le Donjon dates back to 12th century and the exposed stone walls, tranquil courtyard garden, smart rooms and excellen brasserie make it an ideal base from which to explore.

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TS Tours as agent for Travel Editions
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
TS Tours is acting as agent for Travel Editions. TS Tours Ltd specialises in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people. All trips are ATOL protected and financially bonded.

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Call now to book +442081311426
Quote ref: FANE MOSSE
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