Victoria Hull looks forward to a week of French food and philosophy at the Idler Carcassonne Retreat
Love, food and philosophy are the themes of the new Idler Carcassonne Retreat, 29 September — 6 October 2026.
In the company of chef Rowley Leigh, philosopher Mark Vernon and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson we’ll learn about the medieval Cathars and troubadours of Occitanie, and about the food of southern France.
We’ll visit the world famous Cathar citadel of Carcassonne, the little known Chateau de Saissac, and the medieval covered market of Revel. We’ll stay in a stylish eco manor house with a permaculture garden and natural pool.
The Cathars of Occitanie were the victims of the first official genocide during the Albigensian Crusade. To escape the persecution of the Roman Catholic church they built castles on high mountains to avoid attack. Carcassonne, beautifully restored, reveals how they would have lived. Chateauvde Saissac is a small, lesser-known example with its own story, one small part of the Cathar history.
The week features talks and demonstrations by chef Rowley Leigh on the food of Occitanie.
Dates are 29 September – 6 October 2026.
Find out more about the Idler Carcassonne Retreat here.
A Drink with the Idler
Join us for our next “A Drink with the Idler” when we’ll be chatting with farmer and writer about farming, wool and nightwalking. 6pm Thursday 22 January. Book tickets here.
It’s FREE to subscribers – otherwise £7.50.
Our January/February 2026 issue Idler #107 is available in Waitrose, Smiths and TG Jones.
Click here for your nearest stockist.
You must be logged in to comment on this article.
For unlimited site access, join us as a member here or login