France and Beyond Holidays

Carcassonne is made up of 2 areas - the medieval cite and across the River Aude the bastide. It's history dates back to Roman times, but Carcassonne is best known for the part it played during the Crusade against the Cathars. The viscount of Carcassonne during this period was Roger Raymond Trencavel, whom not only tolerated the Cathars he protected them. The Crusaders arrived in Carcassonne on 1st August 1209, after the sacking of Beziers. The young Roger Raymond was, at 24 yrs old, a dynamic leader, but due to lack of water Carcassonne was forced to surrender after 2 weeks. Roger Raymond died later that year in a dungeon.

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The cite is Europe's largest fortress, and is still home to approximately 120 inhabitants. Protected by 2 defensive walls, it has 52 towers and 3km ramparts. Within the walls you will find La Basilique Saint-Nazaire and le Chateau Comtal, and of course many facilities for tourists including museums, shops and restaurants.

The bastide was built in 1260 in a grid layout. Take a walking tour and discover the different architecture and to appreciate the private mansions, monuments and churches.

The Canal du Midi passes through Carcassonne with it's port just 100m from the bastide

Carcassonne hosts many festivals throughout the summer, with many big name acts performing.

Not to be missed is the 14^th July firework display, attracting over 700,000 spectators

Things to do In Carcassonne

Take a boat trip along the Canal du Midi

Shop! Modern shops in the bastide, artisan/souvenir shops in la cite

Soak up the atmosphere of the market and people watch at Place Carnot. Markets on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings

Eat - you will find a great choice of restaurants, creperies, tea rooms and bars throughout Carcassonne

Cool off at the nearby Lake with it's beaches, pedalos, mini golf and Go Ape style adventure park

Take the children to the Australian wildlife park

Play a round of golf

Recommended read - Labrynth by Kate Mosse BUY HERE

The Languedoc Getting here What's On Buy Books Activities Photo Gallery Walking Cycling Windurfing Accommodation Beziers Canal du Midi Pezenas Lamalou les Bains Lac Salagou Minerve Rennes les Chateau Cathar Castles Knights Templar Excursions Kitesurfing Golf

Fairytale Carcassonne captures the romance in all of us. With over 2000 years of history, it's medieval walled cite, Chateau Comtal and the lively bastide area Carcassonne makes a great day out for all the family.

In 1569 Carcassonne was abandoned and went into decline. This was due to the French-Spanish border being moved south. It wasn't until 1844 the restoration works began by Viollet-le-Duc, and in 1997 the cite of Carcassonne was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.