Extra savings for CL subscribers with Country Living Rewards. Find out more.

Tour the Occitanie region with the international bestselling author, as you see the key locations that inspired her novels

The city of Carcassonne has been the inspiration behind many of Kate Mosse's works and you'll uncover its unique history on this seven-day tour for bookworms and history buffs alike.

From your base at the Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell, explore the Château Comtal, the Basilique St-Nazaire and go for a walk along the ramparts to take in the panoramic views. Spend free time losing yourself amongst the narrow streets before diving in to the Old Town's artisan shops and colourful cafés.

Enjoy an exclusive literary tour of Carcassonne with Kate, visiting key locations from Labyrinth and discuss the historical significance of the city in her novels. Kate will also host welcome drinks and give an exclusive talk and Q&A at your hotel, before joining you for dinner.

Further highlights include a full-day tour of Toulouse, known as 'La Ville Rose', where you'll explore the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and Les Jacobins Monastery; a walking tour of Narbonne, a cruise down the tree-lined Canal du Midi and a guided visit of Montségur Castle, the last stronghold of the Cathars.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kate's novel, Labyrinth, with a free signed copy (one per booking) - this tour is ideal for both bookworms and history buffs, as you find out the city's fascinating secrets in the company of an expert.

Essential information

FLIGHT TIMES
05th Oct BA0372 LHR - TLS 07.15 - 10.00
11th Oct BA0373 TLS - LHR 11.10 - 12.15

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
£615pp

Please note this information is indicative and subject to change

To read more about this trip:
PDF

Tour Highlights

Share this trip

You'll be joined by

Kate Mosse
Author

Kate Mosse is a number one international bestselling novelist, playwright and non-fiction writer. Her works include the multimillion-selling Languedoc Trilogy (Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel), an acclaimed collection of short stories, The Mistletoe Bride & Other Haunting Tales and The Sunday Times No.1 bestseller, The Burning Chambers. Her most recent novel, The City of Tears, is a breath-taking novel of revenge, persecution and loss, sweeping from Paris and Chartres to the City of Tears itself - the great refugee city of Amsterdam. In June 2013 Kate was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to literature.

Price includes

  • Six nights at the Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell, Carcassonne, with breakfast included
  • One dinner at the hotel's brasserie restaurant with Kate
  • Tour of Carcassonne with Kate
  • Talk, and Q&A and book signing with Kate
  • A signed copy of Kate Mosse's 20th Anniversary edition of Labyrinth (one per booking)
  • Excursion to Rennes-le-Château and Rennes-Les-Bains
  • Guided tour of Toulouse
  • Walking tour of Narbonne
  • Cruise along the Canal du Midi with lunch and explore Beziers
  • Guided tour of Montsegur Castle
  • The services of an art historian guide
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Toulouse and private transfers

Book now

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 5, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, Oct 11, 2025
Duration
7 Days
Price per person
£2,249*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £615pp. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Signed copy of Labyrinth is one per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

Please select a date to continue.

Standard

Price (per person) £2249.00 * Single Occupancy Supplement £615.00

Standard 1:

Standard 2:

Standard 3:

Standard 4:

Deluxe

Price (per person) £2564.00 * Single Occupancy Supplement £410.00

Deluxe 1:

Deluxe 2:

Deluxe 3:

Deluxe 4:

Deluxe 5:

Deluxe 6:

Deluxe 7:

Deluxe 8:

Deluxe 9:

Deluxe 10:

Deluxe 11:

Deluxe 12:

Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Carcassonne
    Carcassonne, France

    Fly from London to Toulouse. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell for your six night stay.

  2. Day
    2
    Discovering Carcassonne
    Carcassonne, France

    After breakfast this morning, go on a guided walking tour of Carcassonne's medieval citadel. Visit the medieval fortress Château Comtal (known as Count's Castle) and walk along the ramparts for panoramic views. You'll also visit the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, a stunning example of Gothic-Romanesque architecture. After free time for lunch in the Old Town (not included), you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure, join an optional visit to local artisan workshops. This evening, return to the hotel for welcome drinks and an exclusive talk by Kate Mosse, before dinner at the hotel's brasserie restaurant.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Literary Carcassonne & Rennes-le-Château
    Carcassonne, France

    After breakfast this morning, join Kate Mosse for an exclusive literary tour of Carcassonne - taking in the key locations from her novel Labyrinth, and discussing the historic significance of Carcassonne in her works. Kate will then host a book signing and Q&A session. After free time for lunch (not included), visit Rennes-le-Château, which has links to Kate's novel Sepulchre, and Rennes-les-Bains, a spa town known for its ancient healing waters. After returning to Carcassonne, you'll spend the rest of the evening and have dinner at leisure.

    Meals - Breakfast
  4. Day
    4
    Toulouse: La Ville Rose
    Toulouse, France

    After breakfast this morning, transfer by private coach to Toulouse for a full-day tour. Known as La Ville Rose due to the city's unique architecture made of pinkish terracotta bricks, you'll first go on a guided walking tour of the city. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, explore Les Jacobins Monastery and also discover Toulouse's Renaissance architecture, including its hidden courtyards. After free time for lunch in Place du Capitole (not included), you can either choose to join a visit to the Aerospace Museum to discover all the secrets of an aircraft. Or you spend time at leisure, taking in more of the sights and glorious architecture. After returning to Carcassonne, you'll spend the rest of the evening and have dinner at leisure.

    Meals - Breakfast
  5. Day
    5
    Narbonne & Béziers
    Beziers, France

    After breakfast this morning, transfer by private coach to Narbonne. A city full of art and history, go on a walking tour - visit the Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur and stroll through the Archbishop's Palace. After, enjoy a cruise on the Canal du Midi, the beautiful tree-lined waterway, considered one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century. You'll enjoy lunch while on board. This afternoon, travel by private coach to Béziers. Here, you'll explore the city, visiting the 14th-century Cathédrale St-Lazare and learning about the Cathar Crusade massacre of the 1200s. After returning to Carcassonne, you'll spend the rest of the evening and have dinner at leisure.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
  6. Day
    6
    Mirepoix Market & Montségur Castle
    Mirepoix, France

    After breakfast this morning, transfer by private coach to the medieval village of Mirepoix. You'll spend time visiting the medieval square and its iconic market, one of the biggest in the region and home to delicious fresh and local produce. With free time for lunch, you could choose to take in some authentic French delicacies from the market, or head to a local café. After lunch, transfer to Montségur Castle and during a guided visit, learn about the last stronghold of the Cathars, before walking up the steep path to the ruins. After returning to Carcassonne, you'll spend the rest of the evening and have dinner at leisure.

    Meals - Breakfast
  7. Day
    7
    Departure
    Toulouse, France

    After breakfast this morning, transfer to Toulouse airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.

    Meals - Breakfast

Brought to you by

TS Tours
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
TS Tours Ltd is the UK's leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.

For general information, click here.

To view TS Tours’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 5, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, Oct 11, 2025
Duration
7 Days
Price per person
£2,249*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £615pp. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Signed copy of Labyrinth is one per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

Toulouse (TLS)
Call now to book 02039934304
Quote ref: CARCASSONNEMOSSE