carcassonne
Medieval City
Carcassonne is a fortified city located in the south of France, in the Aude department, within the Occitanie region. It is famous for its Medieval Citadel, which has been listed as UNESCO since 1997. First inhabited during the Gallo-Roman period, Carcassonne became a strategic stronghold in the 3rd century, when the Romans built the first fortifications there.
In the 5th century, Carcassonne faced invasions by the Visigoths, who established a kingdom there. During the 12th century, the city became a focal point of religious tensions linked to Catharism. In 1209, during the Albigensian Crusade, Carcassonne was besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. It was later incorporated into the royal domain in 1247.
Today, Carcassonne is a gem of medieval heritage, with its 52 towers, double 3-kilometer ramparts, the Count’s Castle, and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, attracting millions of visitors each year.
A festive city
Carcassonne is like a real-life movie set: a medieval city with towering ramparts, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where history meets a festive atmosphere. Every summer, thousands of visitors come to see its July 14th fireworks display—one of the most spectacular in France—or to enjoy the Carcassonne Festival,which hosts concerts, theater, and performances in a truly unique setting. Medieval markets, night tours, escape games in the castle… the city never really sleeps. Legendary, vibrant, and magical, Carcassonne is the Middle Ages with a 21st-century twist.
Places not to be missed
Historical & cultural sites :
- The medieval city : the town’s emblem, with its ramparts, towers and cobbled streets.
- La Bastide Saint-Louis :
More modern town centre (13th century), with squares, churches and town houses. - Saint-Michel Cathedral : located in the Bastide, in a sober and elegant Gothic style.
- The old bridge :
old bridge linking the Bastide to the Cité, very photogenic.architectural styles.
Museums :
- School Museum : to discover an old-fashioned, 19th-century classroom.
- Museum des Beaux-Arts : paintings, earthenware and temporary exhibitions in an elegant building.
- Museum of Chevalerie : armour, swords and a guaranteed medieval atmosphere.
Parks & walks:
- The Garden of Calvaire : small secret park in the Bastide, perfect for a quiet break.
- The banks of the Aude : a peaceful stroll along the river with a view of the City.
- Le Canal du Midi : listed UNESCO, ideal to walk, bike or cruise.
Vibrants headquarters :
- La Bastide Saint-Louis :
A lively shopping district, with bars, restaurants and markets. - The cité district :
very popular with tourists, lively during the day with craftsmen, medieval restaurants and street shows. - The Trivalle district : at the foot of the Cité, more bohemian, with cafés, galleries and charming little hotels.
