If you like history but also lovely countryside then Carcassonne is a delightful holiday destination. Both Carcassonne Citadel and new town very interesting and picturesque, with good rail and bus links to other cities from train station, also Canal du Midi passes through centre of new town where you can get cruisers or pick up a bike to do your own exploration including to nearby Lac de Cavayere with its own beach and water activities. Plenty of scope for lots of walking in the area. Plenty of good restaurants serving local specialities, mostly at reasonable prices.
