Carcassonne Travel Guide

Carcassonne

The City

Carcassonne has been influenced by over 2000 years of conquests, crusades, and the prosperous period of Catharism’s religion. Before its restoration, the Cité was an abandoned place in an outlying area in a town made wealthy by the wine trade and the clothes manufacturing industry. Today Carcassonne offers a unique historical and architectural asset. In the absence of any heavy industry tourism is undoubtedly the city’s strength both because of its geographic position and its exceptional heritage. The medieval walled town, the “Cité”, lies on the right bank of river Aude, and is still home to its population of around 120, with a large number of shops and craftsmen. On the left bank, the modern city Bastide Saint Louis has kept its historical roots. You will be amazed by its outstanding variety of architectural styles, including buildings dating from the 14th to the 18th century such as the Saint Michel Cathedral. The mix of modernity and historical wealth offers a very rich cultural life. Within a unique scenery and authenticity, the city has managed to provide all amenities for both tourists and business travellers. If you have time, the whole region has much more to show, like going on a “péniche” or barge on Canal du Midi or explore the huge vineyards’ hectares.