Overnight stop between Aix/Marseilles and St. Jean de Luz

[chachalaca]

Hello,

Does anyone have a suggestion for an overnight stop between Marseilles and St. Jean de Luz? (We're actually coming from St. Zacharie in the Var). We could drive it in a day, but we have the time to stop and take the drive slowly. A chambre d'hote? Auberge? Something unique or sweet in a small village or town? We'd be looking for a room, dinner and a walk around the area.

Merci en avance,
Laura

 

[Pauline]

Carcassonne! Have you been there before? The medieval city in the center of the town is beautiful. The town itself is not too large and is very nice. The Canal du Midi goes through the town. My notes on Carcassonne.

 

[chachalaca]

Thanks, Pauline. Yes, we've been there; it's beautiful from a distance and when there are no tourists the center IS beautiful.

 

[Pauline]

Beziers? I haven't been there but have been nearby. I think it might be too large.

You could go inland to Minerve. @Valerie recommended it to me. Or to Penzenas. I thought of going there. I think @Parigi stayed there. Both of these are smaller towns.

The seaside is dreary along that coast, so I can't recommend a seaside town. But maybe Sete on the coast would be interesting. I have read a bit about it.

 

[chachalaca]

Well, the "other half" took matters into his own hands when he saw the Tour 2017 schedule. We'll be staying in Foix! It's just an overnight, so... Right? And it is always fun to see the Tour depart or arrive or even pass by. Thanks, Pauline!

 

[Pauline]

You could drive through Mirepoix on your way to Foix. It is a beautiful town (you could overnight there and still be close to Foix). @Chris recommended it to us and we stopped there when driving from Carcassonne to see the cave art at Niaux (south of Foix). Maybe you can work in a tour of the cave? It was spectacular. More info here.

 

[chachalaca]

Thanks! We've been to Mirepoix and agree that it is incredible. We had a backup reservation there until the Tour info was learned. The cave...I am going to check that out. I love this forum!