At this time of year thoughts naturally turn to holiday plans. Although we have some incredible destinations right on our doorstep, sometimes you can’t beat travelling abroad and going somewhere new.
It can be tricky to plan a trip away if you’re sticking to a budget. Prices are going up everywhere and with the increased cost of living everyone is looking to save money where they can.
But it is possible to go away and keep costs down, if you know where to look. There’s one incredible place which has been described as a ‘bucket list’ destination you can fly to direct from Manchester Airport - and you can get a ticket there from as little as £25, one way.
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Carcassonne is an ancient, hilltop fortified city in the south of France, around 50 miles east of Toulouse. Ryanair offers direct flights to the city from Manchester.
The city is actually split into two parts, the medieval hilltop city - known as Cité de Carcassonne and the lower town, Bastide Saint-Louis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mediaeval city features 3km of defensive ramparts and 52 turrets, making it one of the largest surviving walled cities in Europe.
You can step inside the walled city for free and explore its cobbled streets and admire the ancient buildings, although you will need to pay to walk around the ramparts and guided tours are available. It’s a magical location and even more special at night when the old walls are lit up.
In the heart of the city is Comtal Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and has been described as a fortress within a fortress. The Narbonne Gate serves as the main entrance to the city and features two massive towers standing at 30m high.
Carcassonne is certainly a must for Game of Thrones or Harry Potter fans and has received thousands of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, with many visitors describing it a “must-visit”. One review wrote: “Fairytale castle and city. This is one for the bucket list, what an amazing place. There are views from every corner.” Another said: “Such a magical experience. If you loved Game of Thrones, I absolutely recommend visiting this medieval city.”
Around a 25-minute walk from the medieval city is Bastide Saint-Louis, the commercial and residential centre of Carcassonne. Here you’ll find a bustling market, cafes and restaurants. There’s a range of accommodation options with plenty of hotels available in and around Carcassonne for less than £50 a night.
You can fly from Manchester Airport to Carcassonne on June 21 for £24.44, return tickets start from a similar fare. For more details on the flights and to book, click here.
You can also book flights and hotels on Booking.com
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