5 days in Carcassonne & Barcelona Itinerary

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Fri): take in the views from Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge), take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, then pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then explore the historical opulence of Chateau Comtal, and finally learn about winemaking at O'Vineyards.

For more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Carcassonne trip itinerary builder website.

Montpellier to Carcassonne is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. You will leave for Barcelona on the 3rd (Sat).

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Barcelona is known for sightseeing, parks, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Barcelona Cathedral, admire the striking features of Casa Mila - La Pedrera, and explore the world behind art at Museu Picasso.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Barcelona online itinerary planner.

You can take a train from Carcassonne to Barcelona in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Carcassonne in December, expect nights in Barcelona to be about the same, around 7°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Tue) so you can drive back home.