If you like visiting ruined châteaux, head north to the valley of the Orbiel. Just twenty minutes from Carcassonne is the village of Lastours. High on a ridge above the village, four separate châteaux stand in a line: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertinheux.

Valmy park is open to the public. Trails, fountains, waterfall, play and picnic areas along with a fabulous view down to Argelès, the Mediterranean and the Roussillon plain.