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Carcassonne

Carcassonne is found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It is certainly one of the finest, and most interesting, towns in the region, if not in the whole of France. The town has a history dating back to the Cathar Wars, in which the town played a very important role.

Carcassonne is located 90 km (56 miles) south-east of Toulouse. It stands in the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central of France. Carcassonne is at the crossing of two major traffic routes in use since Antiquity: the route leading from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and that from the Massif Central to Spain, skirting the Pyrenees.

Carcassonne is separated into the fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city, the ville basse. The fortress was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

The main Cite is a fortress town, with double walls and strong fortifications surrounding the perfect medieval town, entered by sturdy gateways through the thick stone walls. Several towers within the walls add to the romantic appeal.

Carcassonne today is a tourist trap, attracting great hordes of visitors in the summer, and rightly so. Despite all the tourist paraphernalia it remains a beautiful place. Ironically it was left to disrepair for centuries, and an order was given in 1849 that it should be demolished. This mobilised support for the town and restoration began a few years later, under the watchful (if haphazard) supervision of Viollet le Duc.

The Counts castle, from which you can reach the ramparts, is at the heart of the town. Carcassonne castle dates from the early 13th century, although parts are more ancient still, and the fortifications were added a couple of decades later.

Carcassonne as seen from a distance

The town also contains the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire, an impressive 11th century roman-style building, with extensive 13th century gothic modifications. The external part of Carcassonne cathedral was further modified (renovated) during the 19th century city renovations, and it is perhaps the interior that is now most interesting - as well as the sculptures be sure to see the lovely stained-glass windows.

Otherwise the main pleasure is simply exploring the ancient streets of Carcassonne, admiring the lovely buildings and the little details they contain, and help bring it to life - be sure to note the Maison de l'inquisition, and speculate on what terrible events might have taken place in a medieval inquisition house...

The renovation work is often accused of being 'overly perfect' and also out of keeping with the original structure, but that will only trouble you if you an an architectural enthusiast. For the rest of us, walking around the narrow streets of the town is a fascinating experience and step back in time.

The Bastide Saint-Louis, Carcassonne

Across the Aude River from the fortified city, and reached by a lovely arched stone bridge, is the bastide town of Saint-Louis. An interesting contrast with the old town above, there are some interesting 19th century grand houses and buildings to admire, some with interesting wrought ironwork decorative features.

Carcassonne: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Carcassonne

- Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)

Places to visit near Carcassonne

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Carcassonne.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Carcassonne are shown below (if found).

Limoux Small town at 23 km
Montolieu Pretty town of bookshops at 19 km
Saissac Town and cathar castle at 26 km

See also Carcassonne (version Francais)

Airports near Carcassonne

Carcassonne airport at 5 km Perpignan airport at 77 km Rodez airport at 132 km Toulouse airport at 118 km

Photos of Carcassonne - click a photo to see larger version

See Carcassonne airport