542 - Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Arrival & Orientation
- Flew into Montpellier. Took an Uber to the hotel in the old historic center.
- Uber and walking were convenient for getting around.
Walking Tour Highlights
- Place de la Comédie (“L’Oeuf”)
- Street art, murals, and bikes in walls
- Arc de Triomphe (look for Camino shell markers)
- Place de Peyrou and views of the Pyrenees
- Jardin des Plantes (oldest in France)
- Faculty of Medicine (oldest in Europe)
- St. Pierre Cathedral (Camino stop)
- Tour de la Babote (parachute tested here)
- Nostradamus connection with tower/tree legend
Cultural Sites
- Musée Fabre (large French art collection)
- St. Roch Church (Camino stop)
Atmosphere & Dining
- Vibrant university town with youthful energy
- Tapas-style culture with French & Spanish influences
- Seafood options due to proximity to the ocean
- Local markets and street photography opportunities
- Dinner at La Canourgue (local favorite for wine pairing meals)
Other Activities
- Bike path to ocean (1 hour each way)

Wine Tour & Medieval Town
- Airbnb experience: Pic St Loup wine tour with Bernard
- Includes winery visits, lunch made by his mother, and a visit to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
- Abbey of Gellone and Camino stop
Countryside & Roman History
- Roman roads and coins found in vineyards
Other Highlights
- Perrier water source
- Hiking Stage 6 of GR 653 Camino (Via Tolosa) using Alltrails

Transportation
- Rental car pickup (15-minute walk from hotel)
Sete Highlights
- Panoramic views from Mont Saint Clair
- Canal du Midi outlet to the Mediterranean
- Halles de Sete market (try tielle sétois)
- Canal stroll with jousting statues
- Quiet beach walk along the spit
Lunch
- Tarbouriech oyster shack at Etang de Thau
- Try tielles, Brasucade mussels, Picpoul de Pinet wine
Evening
- Drive to Beziers and check into hotel
- Dinner at Pica Pica (Michelin tapas)

Morning Exploration
- Plateau des Poètes park and Pierre-Paul Riquet statue
- Canal du Midi history
Town Highlights
- Market at main square
- Place de la Madeleine & Church (Cathar massacre site)
- Historic town stroll with trompe-l’oeil murals
- Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire and panoramic views
Afternoon Activities
- Hike Écluses de Fonseranes (Canal du Midi locks)
- Camino markers throughout town
- Learn about St. Aphrodisius and camel iconography
Evening
- Roman amphitheater and bull ring
- Dinner at Osakaya (award-winning sushi)

Morning
- Visit Lastours Chateaux (Belvedere viewpoint)
Midday
- Lunch at Château de Pennautier
- Explore chateau gardens
Afternoon & Evening
- Check into hotel inside Carcassonne walls
- Explore Carcassonne fortress city
- Highlights: Château Comtal, Narbonne Gate, St Nazaire Church, Hotel de la Cité
- Dinner with cassoulet
- Book recommendation: Kate Mosse trilogy

Optional: Skip Albi if limited on time
Morning
- Drive to Albi (1.5 hours)
- Visit St. Cecile Cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
- Lunch in front of cathedral
Afternoon
- Stop at Notre Dame du Bourg in Rabastens (Camino site)
Evening in Toulouse
- Buy Toulouse City Card if staying multiple days
- Victor Hugo Market & Taste of Toulouse Tour
- Toulouse Guided Walks with Elyse Rivin
- Basilica St-Sernin & Rue du Taur to Capitol Square
- Les Jacobins, Garonne River walk, Pont Neuf
- Dinner at Le Bibent

Morning
- Toulouse Gourmet Tours (chef-led history & food)
Afternoon Activities
- Toulouse Archaeology Museum (Musée St-Raymond)
- Saint Aubin Sunday Market
- Pont Saint-Pierre panoramic walk
- Hotel Dieu St Jacques (pilgrim hospital)
Evening
- Musée des Augustins (currently closed)
- Dinner at Aligot (cheesy mashed potato dish + sausage)
- Funny note: “Original French Taco” spots
- Walk Camino routes around Toulouse and visit St. Sernin

Guest Notes for Episode 542: A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations