Carcassonne Castle is a prime example of medieval European fortresses and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, gaining international acclaim. It not only frequently competes with France's other famous landmark, Mont Saint-Michel, for the title of the most visited French attraction, but it has also become an inspiration for many creators, including the famous German board game Carcassonne and the popular Japanese anime Attack on Titan.
Carcassonne is situated on a hill far from the city center, and from a distance, its distinctive towering city walls can be seen standing tall on the hill, creating an intimidating sense of awe. However, once you pass through the two high city walls, you are greeted by an unassuming, quaint medieval town. Life within the high walls feels surprisingly ordinary and almost imperceptible—only those guarding the walls or those outside truly realize the fortress's towering, inaccessible presence.
Today, Carcassonne has two main entrances. One is better preserved and features a statue of Dame Carcassonne, offering a clear view of the castle’s double-layered wall structure. This entrance is also the most common one for tourists to enter the town. However, I personally recommend the entrance hidden at the back of the castle. Although the road here is more damaged and rugged, I feel it offers the most beautiful view of the castle and will undoubtedly satisfy the medieval knight spirit that lies deep...
Read moreMy wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Cité de Carcassonne, and it was an experience we'll cherish forever. From the moment we stepped inside the medieval walls, we were captivated by the rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
The variety of shops and restaurants within the Cité was truly impressive. It felt like stepping back in time while exploring the charming cobblestone streets, filled with unique boutiques and eateries. Whether we were indulging in local cuisine or browsing for souvenirs, there was something to delight every sense.
The self-guided tour of the ramparts and castle walls was a highlight of our visit. The opportunity to walk atop these ancient fortifications, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, was simply awe-inspiring. We could feel the weight of centuries of history as we followed the well-marked paths, and it provided a deep appreciation for the preservation efforts in place.
Overall, our visit to the Cité de Carcassonne was an enchanting journey through time and culture. We left with hearts full of admiration for this remarkable place and its ability to transport visitors to a bygone era. If you're looking for a destination that combines history, ambiance, and culinary delights, look no further than the Cité de Carcassonne. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly...
Read moreLovely. If you're in the area or simply passing through or by as we have done so many times before then it's a must to visit and stop, if only for a few hours to wander the medieval streets.
If you're in a camping-car, check out my other reviews as you'll find details of an aire which can accommodate about 25 camping-cars and motorhomes with three options of stay; 24, 48 & 72 HRS which is located right next to Camping Citè, which is open all year round. Ok the aire is not cheap and there is no electricity, but if you need to park a motorhome close to the city then it's a great place, super convenient.
Back to the city, beautiful narrow streets, a main square with several restaurants and bars, plus lots of boutiques plus several museums and amusements to visit.
The old city really isn't as large as it looks, yes the fortifications are impressive and are set high up on the hillside, but when you actually get inside the old city walls it really isn't that large. You can easily wander around the streets and find yourself right back where you started twenty minutes later.
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