Situated in the region of Languedoc-Rousillon in southwest France, just a short drive from the major tourist city of Carcassone, the smaller town of Castelnaudary has become very popular as a day trip destination for those visiting the region. Although the name suggests the community is home to a castle, the building was destroyed centuries ago, and no sign of the original fortification now remains. The medieval centre is still standing, however, and is a charming and picturesque collection of winding streets, historic houses and chapels. Many windmills can be seen in the surrounding countryside, while Castelnaudary is also the main port on the important waterway, the Canal du Midi. Castelnaudary claims to be the home of “cassoulet”, a bean and meat stew that has been eaten for centuries in this part of France, and there is even a festival dedicated to this culinary delight held in the town each year.
The town's museum is a good place to start when visiting Castelnaudary. Not only will you learn something about the town itself, and the fortress that once stood here, but it also has a good section on the Occitan region itself, especially the culture, history and language of the Cathar people who lived here in the Middle Ages. The 13th century chapel Notre Dame, one of the stops on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim trail, has an impressive collection of wood carvings of religious scenes, while the larger St Michel church is home to the usual religious artworks and an impressive 18th century organ, still used in services today. Windmills are a common site in the Languedoc-Rousillon countryside, and one of the best examples near Castelnaudary is Le Moulin de Cugarel. Built in the 16th century, it was restored in the 1960s so visitors can see it in action.
Most people visiting Castelnaudary arrive by boat on the Canal du Midi. Boating holidays are very popular on this waterway, now that it is no longer used for commercial traffic. The Grand Bassin in Castelnaudary is the largest open body of water contained within the Canal du Midi, over 7 hectares in size. It was here that the Canal du Midi was officially opened in the 17th century, and the Grand Bassin is still home to four locks which holidaymakers on boats will need to navigate before continuing their journey. In the summer, you can take shorter boat trips either on the Grand Bassin itself or on the Canal du Midi.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Castelnaudary? Then below is a selection of gites in Castelnaudary and villas in Castelnaudary that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
