When people think of a European city break, they often assume it will cost hundreds of pounds before you’ve even had your first coffee abroad. We recently proved otherwise with a fantastic three-night getaway to Carcassonne in the south of France, spending just £266.64 in total for two adults on travel and accommodation.

Travelling Light

One of the biggest savings came from avoiding cabin baggage charges. We travelled with nothing more than a personal item each, which was surprisingly easy with a little planning.

We used these compact travel bags

To maximise space, we packed our clothes in mini compression bags:https://amzn.to/4e86Uya

A set of travel-sized toiletries meant we stayed within airline liquid limits while taking everything we needed, you can either pick up a selection of travel size toiletries (don’t forget all items need to be 100ml or less)  from larger chemists or supermarkets or for ease order a ready made set.

Ladies mini toiletries set 

Men’s mini toiletries set 

Travelling with only a personal bag not only saved money but also made the airport experience much quicker and less stressful.

The Costs

Here’s exactly what we spent for our three-night break:

Ryanair flights from Stansted to Carcassonne for two adults: £73.97

Three nights Airbnb accommodation: £136.84

Airport parking booked through My Parking Space: £25.98

Train fare to the airport: £3.10

Airport bus: £6.00

Return airport shuttle bus: £20.76

Total cost for two adults: £266.64

That works out at just £133.32 per person for flights, accommodation and transport.

Where We Stayed

We chose a comfortable Airbnb located within easy walking distance of both the medieval cité and the lower town.

Accommodation link: https://www.airbnb.com/l/1xxphfgI

The location gave us the best of both worlds. We could spend the day exploring the spectacular medieval fortress before wandering into the newer town for restaurants, cafés and evening drinks.

Why Carcassonne?

Carcassonne is one of those places that almost doesn’t seem real when you first see it. The enormous medieval walls, towers and cobbled streets look like something from a film set, dominates the skyline and is easily one of the most impressive historic sites in Europe. Yet despite its popularity, it remains a surprisingly affordable destination, particularly outside the peak summer months.

During our stay we enjoyed:

Exploring the castle and narrow streets of the Medieval Cite and walking the medieval ramparts.

Located on the right bank of the Aude, the City, a medieval town still inhabited, has 52 towers and 2 concentric walls totalling 3km of ramparts. Access to the Medieval Cite is free, day and night, through the Narbonnaise Gate and the Aude Gate.  Inside the Cite you will find plenty cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets along with a collection of touristy shops, where you can buy anything from to swords to nougat.  If you wish to visit the Castle of The Counts and walk the Ramparts tickets can be purchased here – the current cost is €19 peak season and €13 low season, which was well worth it.

Relaxing in cafés around the old town – there is good selection to choose from in Rue Trivalle which is where our Air BnB was situated.  If you fancy a change of of scenery a stroll over Pont Vieux will lead you into the lower town, Bastide Saint-Louis, where you will find

• The main shopping streets
• Restaurants and cafés
• The central square, Place Carnot, great for place for un café ou un verre de vin whilst partaking in a spot of people watching.
• The market hall, Halles Prosper Montagné
• Église Saint-Vincent de Carcassonne
• The railway station
• The Canal du Midi – we spent a pleasant few hours gliding down the canal.  Trips can be booked from the kiosk by Pont Marengo

Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely.

For less than the cost of a typical weekend in many UK cities, we enjoyed three nights in one of France’s most beautiful historic destinations. Travelling with only a personal bag kept costs low, and Carcassonne itself offered plenty to see and do without spending a fortune.

If you’re looking for a short European escape on a budget, Carcassonne is hard to beat. With a little planning and some smart packing, a memorable French city break doesn’t have to cost the earth.