Cité de Carcassonne
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Cité de Carcassonne - by Jacqueline Macou from Pixabay





Description
The Cité de Carcassonne is arguably the most impressive medieval citadel in France thanks to the excellent state of preservation of its double layer of ramparts totalling 3km and the 52 towers interspersed within that perimeter. There are also several city gates, a basilica constructed in the 12-14th centuries embellished with large stained glass windows, and a castle built around the same period (the château des comtes de Trencavel) that really is a fortress within the medieval town, complete with a drawbridge and chapel. Historically, Carcassonne grew as a trading settlement during the Roman period between Narbonne and Toulouse but it came to prominence during the 13th-century Albigense crusade when it was besieged and submitted (1209). Afterwards, it was further strengthened under Louis IX to resist the Cathars and the Kingdom of Aragon.
Access & Transport
The citadel is across the Aude river from the modern town, between Toulouse (90km) and Narbonne (60km). It is skirted by the A61 expressway and the train station is on the high speed line between Toulouse and Montpellier. Parking info: https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/en/useful/parking/
Instructions & Recommendations
You may want to consider booking a guided visit (available in French, English and Spanish). Link: https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/preparer/visites/visites-guidees/
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Preserves this regional architectural heritage but way over-commercialized, which has a negative influence on the community (mercantile behaviours)
Conclusion
There aren't many like this, not just in France but in the world, so we strongly recommend making a detour if you happen to be travelling somewhere around Toulouse or Narbonne but be aware that during the summer months it won't be just you admiring those defensive walls & towers.
Key positive
Stunning size and state of preservation
Family-friendly activity and free admission for children
Key negative
Busy and over-commercialized
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility may not be able to explore the rampart sections
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
March 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 18:15
TUESDAY10:00 - 18:15
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:15
THURSDAY10:00 - 18:15
FRIDAY10:00 - 18:15
SATURDAY10:00 - 18:15
SUNDAY10:00 - 18:15
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 16:45
TUESDAY09:30 - 16:45
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 16:45
THURSDAY09:30 - 16:45
FRIDAY09:30 - 16:45
SATURDAY09:30 - 16:45
SUNDAY09:30 - 16:45