Key Facts About Carcassonne, France

📍 Location

• Country: France

• Region: Occitanie

• Department: Aude

• Nearest Major City: Toulouse (approx. 90 km away)

🌟 Why Visit?

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval fortress, fairytale turrets, and double-walled defenses.

• Rich in history, from Roman origins to the Cathar Crusades.

• A stunning blend of history, gastronomy, and southern French charm.

🏛 Top Attractions

• Cité de Carcassonne – The walled medieval city with 52 towers and drawbridges.

• Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus – Gorgeous Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

• Château Comtal – The fortress within the fortress, offering guided tours and rampart walks.

• Pont Vieux – A picturesque 14th-century stone bridge over the River Aude.

• Canal du Midi – Perfect for boat trips, picnics, or riverside cycling.

🍷 Local Specialties

• Cassoulet – A hearty slow-cooked bean stew with duck and sausage.

• Blanquette de Limoux – A sparkling wine said to be older than Champagne.

• Local cheeses and charcuterie from Aude’s fertile countryside.

🚶 Outdoor Activities

• Rampart walks for breathtaking city views.

• Cycling or strolling along the Canal du Midi.

• Wine tasting tours in the Minervois and Corbières vineyards nearby.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Hôtel de la Cité – Luxurious, inside the medieval walls.

• Domaine d’Auriac – Country estate hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

• Budget options in the lower town for easy access to both the Cité and modern amenities.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

• July for the Festival de Carcassonne, with concerts and cultural events.