The City of Carcassonne

Carcassonne leaves you speechless the first time you see it. Its huge medieval defence system, the perfect restoration by Viollet le Duc, the castle, Gothic cathedral and narrow streets fill you with admiration.

Unesco World Heritage site - Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Carcassonne - Walled City France

Originally a Roman settlement, then a medieval walled city, Carcassonne was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and restored in the 19th century by Viollet le Duc. The River Aude and the Canal du Midi separate the citadel from the lower town.

Two great lines of communication, used since the earliest days of antiquity, cross in Carcassonne. As a frontier town, Carcassonne became a true fortress, taking on its present day appearance: the creation of an interior protective wall, tiltyards, the rebuilding of the Gallo-Roman enclosure and enlarging of the cathedral of Saint-Nazaire.

Fifty-two towers and two concentric walls were added to the 2 miles of ramparts. The building work carried out during the reign of Philippe III ‘le Hardi’ (the Bold) is easily recognisable due to its use of rustic stone.

Things to see inside the medieval citadel of Carcassonne: the Narbonne Gate, which defended the entrance to the walled city; the Trésau tower; the ‘lists’ - large open spaces where tournaments and jousts were once held; the 12th century Count’s Castle; the Aude Gate; the 11th and 14th century basilica of Saint Nazaire and Saint Celse; the La Vade Tower; the old town where local craftsmen still practice traditional crafts.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT OF CARCASSONNE :

Monuments nationaux
Tel : (33) (0)4 68 11 70 70
Office de tourisme de Carcassonne
Tel : 33.(0)4.68.10.24.30
28 rue de Verdun
11890 Carcassonne Cédex 9 France