CarcassoneDescription: Carcassonne is a perfectly restored, medieval walled fortress town which sits majestically above the River Aude and Canal du Midi. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and features a superbly preserved castle (a fort within a fort) and basilicaa. The medieval lower town is situated on the opposite side of the river.

Location:  Casrcassonne is 60km from the coast at Narbonne, conveniently situated just off the A61 autoroute.

Carcassonne pictureGeneral Info: Tourist office: 04 68 10 24 30.  Office du tourisme website A further information website  on Carcassonne.  Carcassonne festival website. There is an excellent website maintained by Philippe Cuq and Bruno Berniere that is worth visiting.

Our recommendations: The medieval festival takes place during most of July and August whilst the Son-et-Lumière spectacular is held in the second and third week of August (combined tickets available).

For the children:  There is the usual small electric tourist train that will take you around the main sites.  Alternatively it is possible to walk around the ramparts.  Older children may recognise the setting of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves which starred Kevin Costner.

 

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to Languedoc: