Medieval fortress city with imposing walls and towers. Narrow streets house the Basilica of Saint Nazaire and Château Comtal. Local specialty: cassoulet, a hearty bean and meat stew.
Carcassonne, a town in southern France, is home to La Cité, a medieval citadel encircled by 3 km of stone walls and 52 towers. This UNESCO World Heritage site invites you to walk its cobblestone streets, visit Château Comtal, and look out from its ramparts. Beyond the citadel, you can take a boat ride on the Canal du Midi or sample local wines and cassoulet.
A Brief Look Back
Carcassonne's hilltop location has been important for millennia. Romans built fortifications here in the 1st century BCE, which the Visigoths expanded in the 5th century. During the 13th century, Carcassonne was involved in the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars. After years of neglect, architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the citadel in the 19th century, creating the medieval structure we see today.
Wandering La Cité
As you enter La Cité through its medieval gates, you'll find yourself on narrow, winding streets lined with stone buildings. Cafes, shops, and museums occupy many of these historic structures. Walk to Place Saint-Jean, the main square, to rest and observe daily life in the citadel. As you explore, notice architectural details that reveal the citadel's long history, from Roman foundations to Gothic elements.
Château Comtal and the Ramparts
Château Comtal, a 12th-century fortress, stands at the center of La Cité. Tour the castle to learn about its strategic importance and see archaeological exhibits. Walk a section of the inner ramparts for views of the surrounding countryside and the newer part of Carcassonne below.
Basilique Saint-Nazaire
The Basilique Saint-Nazaire, located within La Cité, features both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Inside, you'll see intricate stained glass windows, some dating back to the 13th century. The basilica's interior is often calm, offering a break from the activity of the citadel.
Beyond the Walls: Bastide Saint-Louis
Cross the Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) to explore Carcassonne's lower town, Bastide Saint-Louis. This area, laid out in a grid pattern in the 13th century, feels more residential than La Cité. Visit the covered market to sample local produce, or sit under the plane trees at Place Carnot, the town's main square.
Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site, flows through Carcassonne. Take a boat ride or rent a bike to pedal along the tree-lined towpath. This 17th-century waterway connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, offering views of the region's landscapes.
Local Cuisine
Try cassoulet, a traditional stew of white beans, duck confit, and sausage that's popular in the region. Consider having a glass of wine from the Languedoc area with your meal. For dessert, taste the croquants de Carcassonne, crunchy almond biscuits that local bakers have made for centuries.
When to Visit
Carcassonne is busy in summer, especially in July and August. You might prefer visiting in spring or fall for milder weather and fewer crowds. If you come in July, you can attend the annual Festival de Carcassonne, which includes music and theater performances with the illuminated citadel in view.
Getting There
Trains connect Carcassonne to Toulouse (about 1 hour away) and other major French cities. The city also has a small airport with flights to several European destinations. If you're driving, you can reach Carcassonne via the A61 motorway.
