The well marked route to the tower from the village of Tautavel is an A/R of 3 hours, using the same route up and down. This 4 hour, 8 km walk, with approximately 450 metres of ascent offers an alternative for a day when you would like a bit longer walk and have more time.

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.

The more religious may go to church, but this Bank Holiday is mainly about taking a bit of time to relax with friends and family and enjoy a (nother) long weekend.

The first midsummer fire on Canigou in modern times was lit on 23 June 1955 by Francois Poujade and fellow USAP rugby fanatics – both to celebrate his birthday and Perpignan’s victory over FC Lourdes in the Yves du Manoir Challenge cup.