A magical weekend in Carcassonne (and surroundings)!

A majestic medieval city steeped in history and local culture, Carcassonne is a jewel not to be missed if you wander through the south of France. It also frequently appears in the rankings of the most visited cities in the country. Bounded by the Aude, between Toulouse and Narbonne and on the foothills of the Pyrenees, a weekend will not be enough to discover the many riches to see, smell, hear, touch and taste, of a city unlike any other. Journey to the heart of a guaranteed favourite!

Discover Carcassonne and its medieval citadel

A city blending styles and featuring many original shops awaits you. Above all, it is a dive into history.

The fortress

Let us begin with the wonder visible from afar that will accompany you throughout your visit to Carcassonne: the fortress! Over 2000 years old and the largest in Europe, it forms a medieval citadel at the heart of the city, whose double walls stretch almost three kilometres in length and are enhanced by the 52 towers that punctuate them.

Many historical events, sometimes tragic, have shaped its history from the small Roman settlement of Carcaso to the medieval wars of which it was the theatre. Fortunately saved from destruction in the 19th century and entirely restored, it will give deep historical meaning to your weekend in this region. Do not hesitate to opt for the two-hour guided tour, which will provide anecdotes making the site even more vivid.

The Comtal Castle

Let us continue with this imposing building located at the heart of the medieval citadel and whose height offers an unobstructed view over the entire city, the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees. In addition to the various rooms typically found in a castle, you can admire an impressive collection of objects in the museum housed within it, notably renowned sculptures.

The most famous is certainly the bust of Lady Carcas, who according to legend managed to repel the armies of Charlemagne for several years through various stratagems. The last of these was the throwing of a pig filled with wheat from the walls, intended to convince Charlemagne that the siege would be long as the citadel had significant food reserves. It was in fact the last animal, but the conqueror was fooled and lifted the siege. The bells tolled in the citadel to celebrate the victory, and the city took the name of Carcas-sonne.

The Saint-Nazaire Basilica

Do not leave the medieval citadel without entering this majestic place, first built in Romanesque style in the 11th century, to be partly rebuilt in Gothic style as various degradations and destructions occurred. Initially a cathedral, its status was reduced to that of minor basilica in 1898. You can notably admire fabulous stained glass, including one on the axis dedicated to the Childhood and Passion of Christ and dating from the year 1280.

Finish your walk with the various museums of the fortified citadel, on themes of chivalry, inquisition or the old school. Without missing the haunted house that will give you goosebumps…

The Saint-Louis Bastide

Back in the lower city (as opposed to the fortified citadel), the Saint-Louis Bastide will offer you many riches, architectural in some cases, culinary in others. This district built in 1260 was intended to complement the shelter of the fortified citadel becoming too small for the growing population of the city. Splendid places of worship, doors and passages with immense charm, Tasting Halls, an 18th-century town hall will delight young and old.

Take a stroll!

Carcassonne as a whole is charming, and for the more adventurous the visit can be supplemented with walks along its waterways. The Aude and the Canal du Midi, both crossing the city, offer multiple possibilities on foot, by bike or by boat, for an immersion within natural or citadel landscapes. A way to recharge before departure!

Around Carcassonne

If you are travelling by car, keep time for some trips within half an hour of Carcassonne: there are beautiful discoveries to be made.

The Cabrespine gorge

Do not hesitate to visit this developed cave, among the largest in the world and into which the Eiffel Tower could fit! Only 25 kilometres from Carcassonne, multiple crystallisations line the cavity 250 metres deep by 80 metres wide. The Devil’s Balconies await you for sensations that will be further multiplied on the glass walkway!

Lake la Cavayère

Sunbathing on the beach or thrills, passing through recreational activities, the lake la Cavayère will delight all its visitors! In an exceptional setting of greenery and reliefs, this body of water is the ideal place for a family moment only 5 kilometres from the walls of Carcassonne.

The truffle house

Do not forget the gourmands who wish to know (and taste) more about this delicate dish and regional specialty. An interactive museum will introduce you to the characteristics of this sought-after fungus, children will be invited on a treasure hunt. Rest assured: the essentials are on the programme: the tasting!

Villelongue Abbey

Located in Cathar country (where you will find many eponymous historical sites), this abbey is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic style - just like the basilica of Carcassonne. You will find many medieval sculptures, fabulous or real animals that remain witnesses to the superstitions of the era. The garden is a wonder of romanticism, and the ensemble is certainly one of the most charming places in the region.

The village of Montolieu

Not far from the Abbey, do not miss Montolieu under any circumstances, Village of Books and Arts. Booksellers and second-hand book dealers, museums, restaurants, painters’ workshops await you for a moment to savoured as one turns the pages of a book. In the sweetness of a suspended moment, pass through the door of this village perched on the foothills of the Montagne Noire and discover an ancient book, dream of real or fictional adventures, learn about the trades of the book through the museum’s workshops. A detour you will not regret!

Beyond the citadel of Carcassonne which is a strong and sublime historical symbol, it is an entire region filled with varied riches (and renowned vineyards) that offers itself to you for a weekend, or two! No doubt that at the end of the first, you will still have many things to see and superb places to explore. They will only form a good alibi excuse to the reality: your desire to return! One can only understand you…

You should also read: “The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a Nantaise wonder”