From grilled chicken at a locals’ favourite to port tasting by the river, and even a birthday dinner in the Douro Valley, our time in Porto was full of good food and memorable moments. It wasn’t about chasing the fanciest plates, but about enjoying honest flavours that made the trip feel special.

Two nights in Carcassonne gave us more than medieval walls and cobblestones. The real highlight was diving into traditional French dishes that felt like a warm hug on a plate. From accidental bakery refuge to hearty cassoulet dinners, here’s what we ate and loved in this historic town.