CARCASSONNE
Festive Day at the “Belvédère d’Auriac” Highway Rest Area
Organized by Vinci Autoroutes and the Grand Carcassonne Tourist Office on July 14th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, this event lets you wait for the Cité de Carcassonne fireworks in a relaxed, joyful, and good-spirited atmosphere before heading home safely.
Free activities for children and adults:
Face painting stands
Non-alcoholic tastings
Circus performances
Creative workshops (clay modeling, calligraphy)
Selfie station
Nap area under the pines
Live music (piano, pop-rock, batucada)
Local artisan market
Climbing wall
Archery…
Food & drinks:
Local food trucks and producers offering ice cream, coffee, refreshments, and more.
How to reach the Belvédère d’Auriac rest area:
No early arrival before 9:30 AM – You will be asked to leave by the gendarmerie if you arrive earlier.
Coming from Narbonne (toward Toulouse):
Stop at the Belvédère d’Auriac rest area, located between the Carcassonne East (Trèbes) and Carcassonne West (Salvaza) exits.
To leave in the evening: Take the West exit, go around the roundabout, and head back toward Narbonne.
Coming from Toulouse (toward Narbonne):
Take the Carcassonne East (Trèbes) exit, go around the roundabout, and re-enter the highway toward Toulouse to reach the first rest area: Belvédère d’Auriac.
Good news: You’ll already be heading in the right direction to go home!
The rest area closes once parking is full (usually between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, depending on the year).
The area is spacious and shaded – don’t forget to bring folding chairs, blankets, etc.
Pedestrian access:
You can enter the rest area on foot via the service gate (Route de Saint-Hilaire). A gendarmerie post will guide you.
This also means you can leave the rest area on foot to visit the Cité or the town and return later in the day.
