Best restaurants in Carcassonne

La Table de Franck Putelat

★★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative

The medieval city is emblematic of the time-honoured heritage of Carcassonne and its region… and the same could almost be said of Franck Putelat. Established at the foot of the city’s famous ramparts, this native of the Jura who has made the Aude his home, spins a succulent tale of land and sea in his contemporary, designer lair. Much of the produce comes from his large vegetable garden, as he cleverly reworks regional hits according to his mood and inspiration of the day. Attractive plating, lashings of flavour and suave finesse embody his spot-on repertory. Three examples that have become ic

Brasserie à 4 Temps

€€Traditional Cuisine

A modern brasserie extended by a shady terrace, where you can enjoy classics that have been given a new spin by Franck Putelat's former sous-chef. House pâté en croûte, beef tartare, vol-au-vent or cassoulet… Rustic, wholesome fare throbbing with flavour. Book ahead to be sure of a table.

La Barbacane

€€€€Classic Cuisine

Set deep in historic Carcassonne, the Hôtel de la Cité is a superb example of neo-Gothic architecture, built in 1909 on the site of the former episcopal palace, whose magnificent gardens abut the ramparts. Inside, stained-glass windows, coats of arms and wainscoting lend it an ambience worthy of 19C French architect Viollet-le-Duc. Based on top quality ingredients, notably Mediterranean fish and seafood, as well as game and mushrooms in autumn, the menu champions the region’s terroir in dishes that add a new spin to classical recipes.

La Table d'Alaïs

€€regional

Within the medieval walled city, this is your best bet if you want to avoid the tourist traps. Up the stairs, you'll find the pared-back dining area leading onto a courtyard terrace for dining in fine weather. On the menu, traditional and modern go hand in hand: 64-degree egg, truffle and button mushrooms; cassoulet with Castelnaudary beans and duck confit; pavlova with seasonal fruit and vanilla mascarpone cream.

🕐 Mo, Tu, Fr-Su 12:00-14:00, 19:15-22:00

Domaine d'Auriac

€€€french

A magnificent 19C property steeped in history sets the elegant scene and provides the perfect foil for classical recipes, enhanced by the odd modern twist. When the weather allows, make a beeline for the terrace overlooking the grounds. The epitome of good taste in a quintessentially French country estate.

Le Moulin de Trèbes

€€regional

This old mill is steeped in charm, illustrated by the terrace directly overlooking the Canal du Midi. The food is simple and modern, with a speciality of caramelised calf sweetbreads with sesame and stewed endives. A real pleasure to be sampled with one of the carefully selected local vintages.