Visit South of France - Medieval Carcassonne
An Ancient Fortified City in the Languedoc-Roussillon Region
Aug 6, 2009
It is a 13th century walled city that could be right out of a fairy tale. Perhaps that is why Charles Perrault, the 17th century French writer of many famous fairy tales, used Carcassonne as the setting for his story “Puss in Boots”. Today 80 percent of Carcassonne is authentic in origin and what you see is much as it was six hundred years ago.
History of Carcassonne
In pre-Roman times there was a fortified settlement on the same hill that Carcassonne stands on today, The Roman armies invaded the area in 122 BC; they fortified the hill and it it became a Roman settlement that lasted for five hundred years or so. Then, in 462 AD, along came a German tribe, the Visgoths, who ousted the Romans and stayed until 725 AD, a period lasting 263 years.
Other invaders and crusading armies became a part of Carcassonne’s history. The English, led by Edward the Black Prince, had a go in 1355, without success, and eventually Carcassonne passed into French hands. By the 19th century it was in such a state of disrepair that it was almost demolished. Fortunately this did not happen and the whole place was extensively renovated. This restored city is what visitors see today.
Carcassonne – Medieval Town
Inside the inner walls are narrow cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. Take time to relax and explore. Attractive squares are full of cafes and restaurants. A ‘must do’ is walking the three kilometres of ramparts which surround the city and are dotted with fairytale turrets and towers.
If you prefer to explore on foot, try doing it in the evening when the fortress is illuminated. It’s very romantic to roam the ancient streets under the soft glow of the the street lamps. Or why not clip-clop around the city by horse-drawn carriage?
The cathedral, Basilique St.Nazaire was built between the 11th and 14th centuries, It has beautiful stained-glass windows, a pair of rose medallions and a 17th century organ. A mass is celebrated every Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
Carcassonne's soring turrets and towers, is every child's idea of a time when knights rode on white chargers to rescue beautiful damsels. But it is much more than that.
The Canal du Midi runs alongside Carcassonne. Why not take a short boat trip and see the pretty surrounding countryside for Good photo opportunities?
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the most-visited attraction in France. Admission is free. The pay parking lots are well organized and only a short walk to the entrance.
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