The beautiful medieval castle at Carcassonne is the second most-visited historical monument in France. Carcassonne has an international airport on the North-Western edge of the town, which serves as the gateway to the Aude, Tarn and Ariege departments of Southern France. This area of France is commonly known as Cathar Country, on account of the number of Cathar castles like Aguilar, Montségur, Peyrepertuse and Quéribus and ancient Cathar settlements (such as Minerve, Fanjeaux and Laurac).

Our article on the Cathars in Languedoc, provides you with some background history on this remarkable religious community and some of the best sites to visit.

This selection of villas in South France are within 30-40 mins drive of Carcassonne airport and offer some great deals on 2024 holidays. With the large number of Ryanair low cost flights into Carcassonne from the UK and Ireland, the local area is a good choice as a base for a family holiday in France.

The rolling countryside around Carcassonne is dominated by vineyards, rocky outcrops and the slow meandering path of the Canal du Midi - lined by its tall Plane trees.

Villas to rent near Carcassonne France

I travel around Carcassonne quite a bit visiting the holiday villas and long term rental properties that we advertise on Go Languedoc. I would say that the following are my favourite towns and villages if I was to recommend places to stay.

There are some unremarkable towns and villages in the Aude department (like Bram, Limoux and Trebes) and even Carcassonne itself - aside from the Castle and Bastide - doesn't really offer a lot for visitors. But there are some pretty hilltop villages, market towns and  beautiful places along the Canal du Midi:

• Mirepoix - is a beautiful medieval town with one of the most beautiful market squares in France. There are plenty of shops and good restaurants. The market is held every Monday and the town gets very busy. Mirepoix is 30 mins drive from Carcassonne.
• Fanjeaux - a lovely hilltop village just 15 mins from Carcassonne airport. You get some lovely views of the Pyrenees on clear days. The village has an excellent restaurant, a shop, award-winning boulangerie/patisserie and a cafe.
• Ventenac-en-Minervois - this is a beautiful village built on the banks of the Canal du Midi and surrounded by vineyards. The village has 2 restaurants and an excellent local wine cellar. 
• Le Somail - is another pretty village on the Canal du Midi
• Caunes-Minervois - a charming medieval village with a large artistic community
• Homps and Olonzac - are two small market towns, both of which are very popular with visitors
• Montouliers - is a stunning hamlet, set on a hill and surrounded by the vineyards of the Minervois wine region. The former Cathar village of Minerve is close-by.
• Ferrals-les-Corbieres - is a popular large village close to Carcassonne. The village features an excellent wine bar run by a former French Rugby international. The village also has a restaurant, shop and boulangerie.
• Cesseras - is a pretty village, close to the beautiful old Cathar village of Minerve. It is also just a short drive from Olonzac and Homps.
• Canet d'Aude - is a popular village with a plane tree-lined main street and plenty of facilities (bar, restaurant, shops, boulangerie, butcher and hotel with fine-dining restaurant).

Cheap flights to Carcassonne airport

You can fly to Carcassonne airport from the following airports in the UK and Ireland. These are the departure/return flight days for 2024. Ryanair tends to increase the volume of flights to Carcassonne during the summer holiday months, as well as increasing the number of routes (Cork, East Midlands and Edinburgh airports only operate flights to Carcassonne during the summer).

Return flights to Carcassonne airport are currently being advertised on Ryanair from €115 return during August (from Manchester). 

Carcassonne airport has recently undergone a major facelift, with a brand new frontage to the airport entrance and upgrades to the passenger facilities. The renovations cost €11 million euros and took 3 years to complete. It is still a very small airport, with just four departure lounges (previously there were just 2 lounges) and a team of staff who still seem to get taken by surprise when a plane lands.

During 2023, Carcassonne airport handled 340,000 passengers, which was an increase of 20% on 2022. The passenger numbers are expected to increase further during 2024. Carcassonne airport actually runs flights to 5 different countries, including UK, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Morocco. The main operator remains Ryanair, although there are rumours that additional routes from different airlines may begin to appear in 2025.

2024 flights to Carcassonne airport France

There is a busy schedule of flights to Carcassonne airport in South France during 2024. Some routes only operate during the high season, others are all year around:

• Bournemouth airport, UK (Ryanair) - Wednesday & Saturday flights (1 May to 31 October 2024)
• Porto airport, Portugal (Ryanair) - Tuesday & Sunday flights  (1 April to 31 October 2024)
• Tangier airport, Morocco (Ryanair) - Wednesday and Sunday flights (1 May to 31 October 2024)
• London Stansted, UK (Ryanair) - Friday & Sunday flights (All year); Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday flights (1 April to 31 October 2024)
• Charleroi airport, Belgium (Ryanair) - Monday & Friday flights (All year); Wednesday & Thursday flights (1 April to 31 October 2024)
• Dublin airport, Ireland (Ryanair) - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday flights (1 April to 31 October 2024)
• East Midlands airport, UK (Ryanair) - Wednesday & Saturday flights (1 May to 31 October 2024)
• Cork airport, Ireland (Ryanair) - Monday & Friday flights  (1 May to 31 October 2024)
• Manchester airport, UK (Ryanair) - Monday flights (All year); Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday flights (1 April to 31 October 2024); Saturday flights (Winter only)

For all the latest Ryanair flight costs and availability, please check the Ryanair website: FLIGHTS TO CARCASSONNE AIRPORT

There is a regular bus service from Carcassonne airport into the city. The bus times are coordinated with the flight arrivals and departures. In the centre of Carcassonne. There is also a mainline train station in the centre of Carcassonne, where you can pick up train services to both Narbonne and Toulouse. There are connecting TGV trains to Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille and Barcelona. The A61 motorway runs right past the town and connects Narbonne in the east with Toulouse and Bordeaux in the west.  

Car hire rental at Carcassonne airport

Carcassonne airport has a couple of departure lounges and one arrival lounge. You can usually be out of the door within 15 mins of landing. There are 5 main car hire companies at Carcassonne airport: Hertz, National, Europcar, Enterprise and Avis. The car hire office is just a 2 minute walk from the arrival hall. 

There is also a shuttle bus service from Carcassonne airport to the centre of Carcassonne and the train station. The bus services coincides with the arrival of the flights.

There are 4 main car hire rental companies at Carcassonne airport. The rental car pick up and drop-off zone is located directly opposite the main arrivals terminal, less than a 60 seconds walk.

Avis car hire rental
Tel : +33 (0)4 68 25 05 84
www.avis.fr

Rent-a-car at Carcassonne airport
Tel : +33 (0)4 68 71 69 97
www.rentacar.fr

Hertz rentals cars at Carcassonne airport
Tel : +33 (0)4 68 71 00 55
www.hertz.fr

Europcar rental at Carcassonne airport
Tel : +33 (0)4 68 72 23 69
www.europcar.fr

9 Cheap villas to rent near Carcassonne airport France

Here is a selection of 9 cheap villas in France to rent close to Carcassonne airport for budget family holidays in 2024. Please check the property pages for the latest availability and prices: 

1. Large 5 bed holiday rentals property, South France, private pool (Ref: 1676)

This lovely farmhouse for holiday rentals is ideal if you want to find accommodation to rent for a large family group in Southern France. The property can easily accommodate up to 14 people and is a great space for children and adults alike.

The farmhouse is located near the wonderful city of Carcassonne, with its famous castle; and provides easy access to both Carcassonne and Toulouse airports.

The farmhouse is also conveniently located to explore the wonderful market town of Mirepoix, as well as the Pyrenees, the Canal du Midi, Cathar castles and the Mediterranean beaches. 

This large holiday rentals property near Carcassonne, South France, comes with 5 bedrooms and is conveniently located in between Carcassonne and Mirepoix.

The Farmhouse is equipped to a high standard and is very bright and airy inside. The farmhouse comes with a private pool and stunning views. The Farmhouse provides total peace and quiet, yet is only a 2 minute drive to the medieval village of Fanjeaux, where you will find an excellent boulangerie/patisserie, cafe/tabac, restaurant and shop.

Check prices & availability

2. French holiday homes, Aude, Languedoc with pool (Ref: 589)

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in South France, then these French holiday homes at Domaine de la Flotte are perfect.

Domaine de La Flotte, is a country estate situated on a wooded hillside where you can enjoy the unspoilt nature and the beautiful views of the Pyrenees mountains in the distance. Domaine de Flotte is located just south of the medieval town of Mirepoix and is close to the Lac de Montbel and the small town of Chalabre.

There are 4 holiday homes to rent at Domaine de la Flotte, each of which has been tastefully renovated to provide high quality holiday accommodation. Each holiday home has its own terrace, so your privacy is guaranteed. You can make use of the shared swimming pool, or you can follow magnificent walks or explore the surrounding hills on a mountain-bike. You can hire one of the horses and go for a ride in the hillside.

If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful holiday in South France, then Domaine de la Flotte French holiday homes are the perfect choice. This really is an ideal spot to explore the rural countryside of Southern France.

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3. Gites for rent near Carcassonne, Southern France (Ref: 876)

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in the South of France, then these gites to rent just north of Mirepoix are perfect to enjoy this beautiful part of Southern France. There are 3 properties to choose from at this location, each of which comes with 2 bedrooms.

The gites are within easy driving distance of Carcassonne airport and are located just 15 mins from the A61 motorway - which provides access to the Mediterranean beaches and to Toulouse.

These gites share a swimming pool and grounds, but each rental property has its own private terrace with lovely views over the open fields.  The gites are very well equipped and come with fully-fitted kitchens and spacious lounges. This is an ideal spot for a family holiday in the South of France. The gites are in a good location for exploring Carcassonne Castle, the Canal du Midi, the Cathar monuments and the Pyrenees.

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4. Pet-friendly holiday home near Carcassonne, France (Ref: 2062)

Le Marandou is a 5 bedroom farmhouse for rent close to the popular town of Carcassonne in South France. The farmhouse comes with a private swimming pool, large grounds, games room, 5 bathrooms, 2 living rooms and plenty of parking. You can walk out from the garden onto some beautiful country walks.

Le Marandou is easily accessible via the airport in Carcassonne and is a good base for exploring the famous castle in Carcassonne (the second most visited historical monument in France) and regional sites such as the ancient towns of Mirepoix, Minerve and the Cathar castles. The Mediterranean beaches are 50 mins drive.

This secluded farmhouse is located just outside the village of Labastide d'Anjou in the Occitanie region of the South of France. The farmhouse is perfectly laid-out for a large family or a group of friends holidaying in the South of France. The holiday home also benefits from:

• Wi-Fi
• Large covered terrace
• easy access (200m) to fields and vineyards for morning/evening walks
• Pets accepted through prior arrangement 

This large holiday home is available for weekly rentals from May through to October at a high season price of €3,550. The prices include linen, towels and end of stay cleaning.

Holiday home details

5. Maison du Bijou - holiday home with private pool in South France (Ref: 1734)

This beautiful stone farmhouse is the perfect place for a relaxing family holiday in Southern France. The house provides total peace and quiet, a lovely swimming pool and plenty of space both inside and out. This spacious holiday home in Southern France comes with 4 bedrooms and can comfortable accommodate 8 people. It has its own private pool, walled garden and private parking. 

The holiday home is decorated in a traditional French boutique style, with original artwork adorning the walls. Located in the idyllic village of Gimois it offers a spectacular location for exploring the region and sampling the fabulous wines and French cuisine. Maison du Bijou is located in the heart of the Minervois wine region, which consistently provides the best wines in South France. You can buy excellent local wines direct from the vineyards in the neighbouring villages.

The house is also well-located for exploring the local sites including Carcassonne castle, the Canal du Midi and the ancient Cathar village of Minerve.

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6. Maison de la Roche gites in France with pool sleeps 4 (Ref: 1504)

Maison de la Roche gites in France with pool are situated in the quaint wine making village of Ferrals-les-Corbieres, in between the mountains and the coast. The beautiful city of Carcassonne is just down the road.

There are 3 French gites for rent at Maison de la Roche. The gites come with a lovely heated swimming pool and plenty of shaded space to enjoy a good book or a glass of wine. The layout of the gites ensure that you have your privacy, but it is also possible to rent an adjoining gite if you are two families holidaying together.

These gites in France are the ideal place for a family holiday. The village features an excellent wine bar run by a former French Rugby international. The village also has a restaurant, shop and boulangerie. The local area is covered in vineyards and there are plenty of areas to explore, including Carcassonne Castle, the Cathar ruins dotted across the landscape and the beaches at Gruissan and Narbonne Plage. 

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7. Belcaire Southern France holiday rental pool - Carcassonne (Ref: 877)

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in South France, then these gites near Carcassonne in Southern France are perfect. The surrounding countryside offers you all the peace and quite that you could need. Nearby you will find beautiful towns and villages to visit like the medieval town of Mirepoix, the hilltop village of Fanjeaux, the market town of Revel and the ancient town of Foix.

You can also explore the local Cathar monuments at Chateau Montségur, Peyrepertuse and Quéribus. 

There is a shared swimming pool where you can cool off and wind-down. The gites are located in between Carcassonne and Mirepoix and this is an ideal spot for a family holiday in the South of France.

There are 3 gites available to rent. Each gite sleeps up to 4 people in 2 bedrooms (1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom). The gites are very well equipped with fully-fitted kitchens, spacious lounges and a private terrace with lovely views over the open fields. 

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8. Félines-Minervois 2 bed holiday house for rent with private pool in South France (Ref: 2134)

If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing base for a holiday in the South of France, then this stunning modern property in the hamlet close to Félines-Minervois is an ideal choice. The house is surrounded by some beautiful walks and you will never tire of the views from the terrace towards the Pyrenees mountains 80kms in the distance.

The holiday house was built in 2021, using the latest eco technology to keep the house cool during the summer and warm during the winter. The house comes with a newly-installed plunge pool, large terrace, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and plenty of parking.

The nearby village of Rieux-Minervois has a good range of shops, supermarkets and facilities. A weekly street market in Olonzac is only 15 mins by car. Carcassonne and Narbonne can each be reached in 40 mins drive and the Mediterranean coast is 50 mins. The Cathar village of Minerve and the Canal du Midi are both nearby and are ideal places for summer picnics.

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9. French country house with private pool to rent near Mirepoix South France (Ref: 2126)

If you are looking for a large holiday rental with private pool in the South of France, then this property for rent near Mirepoix is an ideal choice. This renovated stone farmhouse dates back to the 1800's and is located in a quiet hamlet, 4kms from Mirepoix. The house is very spacious inside and comes with a well-equipped kitchen, large living room, 2 bathrooms, 4 good sized bedrooms, games room and a large private garden with pool. There is a very large garden and terrace where you will want to spend all your time. There is plenty of space for all the family.

The popular town of Mirepoix is located right in the centre of Southern France, just 1 hour from Toulouse and 50 mins to the Pyrenees. The town is famous for its picturesque medieval market square and Cathedral-size church. The weekly market in Mirepoix attracts people from miles around and is a great source of local French produce from the Ariège region. The local countryside is very picturesque and wherever you go, the Pyrenees always forms your backdrop. Carcassonne is just up the road and you will find many Cathar castles locally.

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Looking for a great holiday deal to Carcassonne France in 2024 . . . ?

I am Tara Haacke and I manage all the holiday reservations on Go Languedoc. I live in the South of France all year around and I have worked in the vacation rentals sector in France for the last 9 years.

If you would like us to suggest some South France holiday villas or apartments to rent this summer in and around Carcassonne, then please contact us with your requirements. We are in touch with our property owners every day and we are the first to know of any discounted rates.

Just drop us a quick message and we will come straight back to you with a selection of properties offering the best late deals. 

Alternatively, see our full selection of Carcassonne villas to rent France during 2024

Contact Tara by Email or by phone +33 7 89 44 15 14