The myths and majesty of Carcassonne with Kate Mosse

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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Reasons to book

Talk with Kate Mosse

The best-selling author will join you in Carcassonne, the city that has featured so vividly in her writings, for an exclusive tour.

Tour of Carcassonne

See many of the places that feature in Kate's best-selling Languedoc trilogy: “Labyrinth”, “Sepulchre” and “Citadel”.

Visit to Rennes-le-Bains

A backdrop to Kate’s book, Sepulchre, Rennes les Bains is a tiny village that was known for its natural hot springs.

Spectacular Languedoc

You will also explore the region beyond Carcassonne, including many other places that feature in the historical novels written by Kate.

Hotel stay

Stay at the four-star Best Western Hôtel Le Donjon in Carcassonne, where you'll receive drinks and dinner upon arrival.

The Burning Chambers

Each booking includes a copy of Kate’s novel, The Burning Chambers, a story of love and betrayal which is set in 16th-century Languedoc.

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Tour brochure

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Your expert guides

Kate Mosse

Kate Mosse is an international bestselling author with sales of more than five million copies in 38 languages

Her fiction includes the novels Labyrinth (2005), Sepulchre (2007), The Winter Ghosts (2009), Citadel (2012), and The Taxidermist's Daughter (2014), as well as an acclaimed collection of short stories, The Mistletoe Bride & Other Haunting Tales (2013). Kate's latest novel is The Sunday Times No.1 bestseller, The Burning Chambers (2018). The Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Women's Prize for Fiction, in June 2013 Kate was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to literature. Kate divides her time between Sussex and Carcassonne, the hilltop town in southern France that has featured as a vivid backdrop to several of her novels. Kate was presented with a Médaille d'Honneur by the City of Carcassonne in June 2019.

A glance at the citadel was all it took - I've been head over heels in love with Carcassonne ever since. I hope you can join me here in this dazzling city, with so many stories to tell.
Kate Mosse

Price includes

Return Eurostar/ TGV from St Pancras to Narbonne (upgrade to First Class from £160pp)
Transfers
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
Services of a tour manager throughout

Availability

From

Wed, Wed, Oct 27, 2021

To

Tue, Tue, Nov 2, 2021

Duration

7 Days

Price per person

£1,599*

* Price based on two sharing a room. Subject to availability. Single supplement: £360. Standard Premier/First Class train upgrade: £160pp. Deposit: £100pp. Our travel partner, Travel Editions, is ABTA- bonded and this trip is ATOL-protected. Please call for more details and to book.

Call now to book +442081318975

Quote ref: TMOS MOSSE

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Itinerary

Day
1

Arrive in Carcassonne

Carcassonne, 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
Day
2

Explore Carcassonne & talk from Kate

Carcassonne, France

A guided day on foot with your tour manager, 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
Day
3

Tour Carcassonne with Kate, visit Rennes-les-Bains

Carcassonne, 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
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
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
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
Day
7

Return Home

Carcassonne, 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

Brought to you by

TS Tours as agent for Travel Editions

This tour is operated solely by TS Tours

TS Tours Ltd, which specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours, is working in partnership with Travel Editions which was set up 26 years ago to offer a range of cultural short breaks and extended tours which would appeal to ‘travellers’ not ‘tourists’. TS Tours Ltd is acting as an agent for Travel Editions ABTA V3120, ATOL 3525.

For general information, click here.

To view TS Tours as agent for Travel Editions’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following: