Carcassonne is one of the most spectacular medieval towns in France. Even though it can be very busy, there are still plenty of things to see and do.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture or food, there is something to suit every taste. From ruined castles and vineyards to wine caves and soothing banks of the Canal du Midi, you'll find it all within minutes of Carcassonne.
The Citadel
The Citadel of Carcassonne is a stunning, UNESCO-listed medieval walled city in southern France. It is one of the most visited monuments in the country and attracts nearly 4 million visitors a year.
The citadel has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic. Over the centuries the site has been home to a variety of civilizations from the Romans and Visigoths to the Saracens and the Crusaders.
After the fall of Rome in the fifth century the town was taken over by the Visigoths who reconstructed the walls and ramparts. The town remained a Visigoth stronghold until the Saracens invaded in 725.
The fortress was almost demolished, but the local people were determined to preserve the buildings. A campaign was launched, led by archaeologist Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille and historian Prosper Merimee. In 1853 restoration work began, directed by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. This restored the citadel, bringing it back to its former glory and placing it on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Basilica of Saint Nazaire
The Basilica of Saint Nazaire is a beautiful church in Carcassonne that is well worth visiting. It is a designated national monument and is known for its remarkable Gothic architecture.
The building has a harmonious coexistence between Romanesque and Gothic styles and is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. It also features several intricate sculptures and paintings.
Located within the citadel, it is an example of medieval architecture and has been designated a World Heritage Site. It is also a popular tourist destination.
It is one of the most important architectural sites in France and is a must-see for any history and architecture enthusiast. It is also home to the tomb of Simon de Montfort, who was killed during the Albigensian Crusade in 1218.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in France. It is a great place to visit if you are looking for fun things to do in the area.
The Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a 240km long UNESCO World Heritage site that links Toulouse and the Garonne to the Mediterranean Sea. Built during the 17th century, it is one of the greatest construction achievements in civil engineering.
Its features are unchanged from the time of its construction. Its wide-ranging technical and cultural impact inaugurated a period of innovation that influenced the development of river transport in Europe.
You can take a boat trip along the Canal du Midi, bike ride or walk along its historic banks. You can also visit some of the many quaint villages that are located on the banks of the canal.
Carcassonne, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has one of the finest medieval citadels in France. Featuring walls, fairy-tale towers and jousting events, it is a must see on your visit to the region.
The Cavayere Lake
The Cavayere Lake is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and spend some time relaxing. It's just a short drive from the city centre and has a lot of vegetation to admire.
- There are plenty of things to do at the Cavayere Lake, including hiking trails and fishing spots. There are also playgrounds for kids and a forest adventure course.
- It's a great place to visit with children, especially in summer. There are lots of activities to keep them entertained, and it's safe and fun for the whole family!
- It's not far from the town, but it's worth taking a bus to get there. The RTCA runs a bus from Pont Neuf to Combes Migere every 2 hours, and the journey takes 19 min.
