Once a mighty fortress, Carcassonne is now a fairy-tale city that entices visitors from all over the world. The old city is encircled by imposing medieval walls and towers, and within the walls, the narrow streets and squares are lined with picturesque houses and buildings. The Basilica of Saint Nazaire, with its intricate carvings and beautiful stained-glass windows, is a must-see, as is the Château Comtal, the former home of the counts of Carcassonne.
There are also a number of interesting museums, including the Carcassonne Museum of Medieval Arts and the Narbonnaise Museum, which tells the story of the region’s Roman past. And, of course, no visit to Carcassonne would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, especially the cassoulet, a delicious stew made with white beans, sausage, and duck.