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Europe's largest medieval, fortified city, La Cité in Carcassonne, houses 300 people and is a normally functioning society, not a quiet and dusty museum. The centre of the old town is free of any motor traffic. So you have to walk all day long...:-)
It's like a time-machine, back to the middle-ages.
During the 1st century the Romans entrenched themselves here thus establishing the first camp on the spot until the Wishigoths drove them out 5 centuries later. From here they planned and carried out the conquests of Toulouse and Septimania, but, as nothing lasts forever, the now important stronghold fell into the hands of the Franks in the 8th century. This fortified city with the tall towers, remparts and moats played an important role during the inquisition of the Cathars - the Tribunal of the Inquisition had their headquarters in "La Tour de l'Inquisition" in which many people suffered torture and violent death because of their religion.
Should you be tempted to discover the whole place you may want to stay in a hotel either within the protecting walls or outside just in front from where the view of the fortifications is magnificent after dusk. If possible, try to visit La Cité on the 14th July - an experience for a lifetime!
This is the outside look of the Old Town. A well secured place to stay, even nowadays...:-)
- Pros:A look at the history, it's like an open museum...
- Cons:Sometimes too many people in summer...
- In a nutshell:A must-do in the south of France
Reviews (8)
How to get there...
Favorites
(2)
Because it's the largest medieval city still intact, it's a must-do whenever you are in the region. It's somewhat become... more travel advice
Local crafts
Shopping
(1)
All kinds of souvenirs can be bought in the city. Original clothes in wool, some art,... whatever you like. This is a... more travel advice
Tower of the Bishop
Things to Do
(2)
The bishops residence, well garded and near the castle of the Duke... Maybe he got some influence on the administration... more travel advice
The New Town
Things to Do
(2)
Also the new part of Carcassonne is interesting to visit. Small streets, a central place, and museums... Just walking... more travel advice
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Badges & Stats in Carcassonne
- 8 Reviews
- 9 Photos
- 17 Forum posts
- 7 Comments
- 790PageViews
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Have you been to Carcassonne?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Carcassonne
- Wrote a Review How to get there... in Carcassonne Favorites
- updated a Carcassonne Travel Page "La Cite..."
- Uploaded a Photo to "Local crafts"
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Food and Dining
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Comments (7)
Interesting place. . along with Avignon something that I'd like to see.
Good tips, nice page! We visited here as well, nearly two years ago...
Absoluut eenvan de plekken waar ik nog een keertje naar toe moet. Met de klankentapper ;-)
Nice pix of Carcassonne! Thx
A commemorative coin is a nice souvenier.
Great tips. I agree walking in La Cite is like being transported back to middle ages.
Nice Page & photo's! :o)
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