Carcassonne Fortress – Carcassonne : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Carcassonne – a captivating city in the south of France that fascinates visitors with its charming medieval atmosphere! This incredible fortress town, nestled atop a hill, is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most iconic tourist destinations. Carcassonne dates back to the Iron Age and , as well as being a top tourist destination, it is also a magnet for history buffs, architecture and art lovers, and anyone looking for an adventure in the French countryside. In this blog we will delve into the history of Carcassonne, explore its fascinating sights and attractions, and learn about the city’s interesting culture and traditions. We’ll also offer some essential travel tips, and discuss a range of other fascinating facts about this enchanting French city. So, let’s dive in and learn all about Carcassonne!

Interesting Facts About Carcassonne Fortress – Carcassonne

is the only intact fortified medieval city remaining in Europe. – It is around two thousand years old and has a complex 3-mile wall that is guarded by 52 towers and over two thousand towers. – The walls of Carcassonne are said to never have been breached by an enemy attack. -The city is divided into two parts, the Cité and the Bastide. The Cité is the ancient inner city whereas the Bastide is the outer walled part which was added in the 13th century. -The city is home to two of the oldest bridges in the world, the Pont Vieux (old bridge) built in the 12th century and the Pont Neuf (new bridge) built in the 17th century. -The city’s nickname ‘la Cité’ is due to the fact that it has remained intact over the centuries and is considered a living museum of medieval history. -The city was the setting for Monty Python’s 1975 movie ‘The Quest for the Holy Grail’. -Carcassonne is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Carcassonne Festival of Music and Poetry in June, the Carcassonne International Film Festival in October and the Christmas Market in December.

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History & Information About Carcassonne Fortress – Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fortified city in southwestern France, located in the Aude department in the region of Occitanie. It can be dated back to the Neolithic period and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe and is renowned for its two concentric walls and 53 towers.

The first traces of settlement in Carcassonne date back to the Neolithic period between 3500 and 2700 BC. The ancient city was rebuilt by the Romans during their regime in the region and it was later taken over by the Visigoths. In the early Middle Ages, the Franks built the fortress walls and towers to protect the city and Carcassonne became a strategic site during subsequent wars. The fortress was besieged and taken over several times during the Crusades of 1095 and 1209.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Carcassonne developed and prospered due to its strategic location as a transit hub between Spain and France. Its walls, towers and fortifications also made it an important stronghold that served as a model for other fortresses of the area. During the Hundred Years War, the city walls and towers were strengthened in order to further protect the city from attacks.

In 1790, the French Revolutionary government dismantled the walls and most of the fortress, turning it into an open city. However, as a result of the efforts of French architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, the city was restored to its medieval form in the 19th century. In 1997, Carcassonne became a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical importance and aesthetic beauty.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Carcassonne Fortress – Carcassonne

Carcassonne is one of France’s most famous landmarks. It is a fortified city with an immense medieval castle and city walls. It’s a great day trip from Toulouse, just a one hour drive away. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit to Carcassonne.

Getting There

By Car: You can take the highway from Toulouse to Carcassonne, and it should take around an hour. There is a huge parking lot near the castle in the city center.

By Train: There is a direct train from Toulouse to Carcassonne that takes around 1.5 hours. You can usually get tickets for around 12 euros.

Things to Do

The city itself is very picturesque, with cobblestone streets, old houses, and city walls.

Take a tour of the fortress: You can take a guided tour of the fortress, which is a great way to learn about the history of the city. You can also wander around the walls and visit the towers and scenic overlooks in the surrounding area.

Visit the Chateau Comtal: The Chateau Comtal is a medieval castle within the city walls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important places to visit in Carcassonne.

Visit the Basilique Saint-Nazaire: The basilica is an important religious site located in the castle and is still being used today.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Carcassonne is in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, so make sure to enjoy some of the local dishes, including cassoulet, ratatouille, and local cheeses.

Shop at the Market: There is a market in the city square on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels in the city, as well as camping sites and villas to rent.

Campsite La Vallee de L’Aude: A great option for campers.

Hotel l’Ancien St Jean: An elegant 4-star hotel located in the city center.

Villa Bambou: A charming villa located near the castle walls.

When to Go

The best time to visit Carcassonne is in the spring or fall. It can get quite busy in the summer months, so it’s best to avoid those months if possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Carcassonne Fortress – Carcassonne

1. What is the history of Carcassonne Fortress?
A: Carcassonne Fortress is an ancient fortified city that was founded in the 5th century BC. The ancient city was walled entirely by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and boasts an impressive 52 towers and two sets of walls, one from the 13th and one from the 16th century. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. What kind of attractions can be found at Carcassonne Fortress?
A: Carcassonne Fortress provides a wealth of attractions including guided tours, restaurants, cafes, shops, art galleries and museums. It also holds a vast array of seasonal and annual events ranging from seasonal markets to opera performances.

3. Are there any camping sites nearby?
A: Yes, there are a number of camping sites and facilities close to Carcassonne Fortress. These provide access to showers, washing machines, camping equipment hire, organised activities and more.

4. Is entrance to Carcassonne Fortress free of charge?
A: Entrance to Carcassonne Fortress and its walls is free of charge. However, some additional attractions and facilities may require an entrance fee.

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