Why Carcassonne

by David

There are certain places in the world, where you feel like time has stood still. Carcassonne in the south of France is such a place. Now, the city center itself may not seem too special, but the city's medieval hilltop citadel is another story. Found in the Occitanie region in a plain below the Pyrenees, Carcassonne is also close to the popular city of Toulouse. The town is pretty much in the perfect spot to be included in a vacation through the south of France. If you are not convinced, maybe these pictures of Carcassonne below will help.

I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way. I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way. I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way. I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way.

I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way. I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way, I heard about the medieval citadel of Carcassonne in a rather strange way. Its fortifications date back to the 4th century when the Romans built them to defend the once Gallic city. Thanks to its location along historic borders, Carcassonne has seen many wars, passed hands many times and as such has quite a fascinating history.

The lower town

Before arriving at the citadel in all its glory, first a little about the modern city of Carcassonne. Although the city is quite spread out, downtown is actually compact and easy to navigate. Known as the lower town, there are not too many notes here, beyond several churches, a square or two and the city wall remains. However, lower town is located on the canal du midi, which is part of a popular network of canals joining the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic. Thereby, it tends to support the visitors of the canals as well as for the citadel.

The modern city is separated from the medieval citadel by the river Aude. Joining the two sides is the Old Bridge Bridge, where you are likely to get your first clean look at the citadel. As I was visiting in March, the feeling of winter still hanging in the air, despite bursts of green life occasionally appearing. Beneath the walls of the Citadel is a small residential area, with towers of the citadel springing up everywhere.

Citadel fortifications

After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls. After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls. After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls.

After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls. After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls, After crossing the Aude river and finding one of the paths to the citadel walls. Different parts of these walls date from different eras, with some tracing their history back to the Romans and others from the 13th century. The French government actually planned to destroy the citadel in the 19th century. Fortunately, a local couple fought to preserve it and, Instead of that, the architect Eugène Viollet-le-duc renovated its fortifications

Inside the walls

Once inside the citadel, you realize it was really a walled city in its time. Much of this medieval character has been preserved, from cobbled streets to traditional medieval houses. Because tourism is so important for Carcassonne, you can find a number of hotels, hostels, restaurants and shops. Even still, you can hardly imagine what Carcassonne must have been like during the middle ages.

Probably the biggest change is how the Citadel is now peaceful. As a desirable strategic fortification, Carcassonne belonged among others to the Romans, to the Visigoths and the Saracens. It was also a setting for eventually the crusades against the Cathars in 1209. After a long siege, the inhabitants of Carcassonne were exiled from their homes. Afterwards, the city passed into the hands of the Kingdom of France, where it remained important until the French border extended into 1659. where it remained important until the French border extended into.

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While you can take a guided tour

While you can take a guided tour, While you can take a guided tour. While you can take a guided tour, While you can take a guided tour, While you can take a guided tour. While you can take a guided tour. The walk along the castle walls also includes several watchtowers, some who were important symbols of feudal power. On the walls, you can feel one of two strong regional winds, the freezing Cers off the mountains or the hot alley off the sea.

My choice

Airbnb was rather disappointing, but luckily for you there is a wide range of hotels and pensions available for Carcassonne, most of which are in lower town.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants around Place Carnot in the city center, but if you are looking for delicious pancakes, I recommend black wheat.
Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse. Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse, Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse. Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse Carcassonne station is on a major rail line linking Narbonne and Toulouse.