Travel Guide to Carcassonne: Explore the Citadel, Carcassonne, France
In February 2024, I finally made it back to one of my dream destinations: La Cité de Carcassonne-a sprawling medieval fortress in Southern France, as outlined in this travel guide to Carcassonne. Nestled in the heart of the Occitanie region, this UNESCO World Heritage site truly transports you to a different era with its three miles of double-walled ramparts and 52 towering watchtowers.
Having first glimpsed this historic citadel during a hitchhiking adventure at age 21, I had always yearned to return. This time, I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with some dear travel companions, including my husband Gavin, and two friends: Mark and Brian, from Charlottesville, Virginia. Together, we explored the towering fortifications and wandered through Carcassonne’s cobblestone streets, bathing in the tranquil quiet of an off-season visit.
As an avid traveler, I can guide you on a journey of your own to Carcassonne. My love for this medieval wonder runs deep-from my familiarity with its historic legends to my nerdy enthusiasm for the Carcassonne board game (yes, it’s even better played with the real citadel as your backdrop!). Read on for tips to create an enchanting and seamless adventure. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Having first glimpsed this historic citadel during a hitchhiking adventure at age 21, I had always yearned to return. This time, I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with some dear travel companions, including my husband Gavin, and two friends: Mark and Brian, from Charlottesville, Virginia. Together, we explored the towering fortifications and wandered through Carcassonne’s cobblestone streets, bathing in the tranquil quiet of an off-season visit.
As an avid traveler, I can guide you on a journey of your own to Carcassonne. My love for this medieval wonder runs deep-from my familiarity with its historic legends to my nerdy enthusiasm for the Carcassonne board game (yes, it’s even better played with the real citadel as your backdrop!). Read on for tips to create an enchanting and seamless adventure. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Guide Name: Travel Guide to Carcassonne: Explore the Citadel
Guide Location: France » Carcassonne
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Agni Larsen
Read it on Author's Website: https://questfordurian.com/travel-guide-to-carcassonne/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: France » Carcassonne
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Agni Larsen
Read it on Author's Website: https://questfordurian.com/travel-guide-to-carcassonne/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- La Cité de Carcassonne
- Pâtisserie Bimas
- La Boulangerie de la Cité
- La Demeure du Cassoulet
- Le Bistrot d’Alice
- Place Carnot
- La Briocherie Arpin
- La Cantine du Saint- Roch
- Saturday Market off Rue Jean Bringer
- Carcassonne Bed and Breakfast du Palais
Insider Tips for Carcassonne, France
Walking the Ramparts of Carcassonne
After the docent tour, I pay for a self-guided tour that will give me access to Carcassonne’s ramparts.
There are two walls – the inner wall built during the Roman era, and a taller outer wall built after the Albigensian Crusade of 1209. The two walls together include 52 towers and barbicans, placed at 15 meter intervals. It takes nearly two hours to circumnavigate the city, and a great many... view more
There are two walls – the inner wall built during the Roman era, and a taller outer wall built after the Albigensian Crusade of 1209. The two walls together include 52 towers and barbicans, placed at 15 meter intervals. It takes nearly two hours to circumnavigate the city, and a great many... view more
One Amazing Day in Carcassonne
Carcassonne, located in the Aude department of the Occitanie region in southern France, is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone fascinated by medieval architecture. With its cobblestone streets, towering walls, and historic buildings, the city offers an incredible glimpse into the past.
The Medieval Splendour of Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne is a marvel of the Middle-Ages: an entire city completely fortified with its narrow cobblestoned medieval streets, its imposing castle, and gothic basilica.
Carcassonne Begins
I arrive in Carcassonne after dark and an hour before the hotel closes. It’s not the most interesting hotel of the trip and the concierge does not speak English. But the room is adequate and it’s a 4 minute walk from the train station, which will make a smoother 6 AM departure on my final day here.
Bastide Saint Louis, Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a city in two parts, divided by the Aude River. After visiting the Medieval City, I poked around the Bastide Saint Louis, which had its own historical notes to mention here.
Insider Tips Overview
