Carcassonne - a holiday in two cities

 The main city,the Ville Basse,with it's boulevards and cafes (picture below) has two markets, plenty of shopping and lots of character. It is fairly easy to find your way around as the old town is built on the traditional bastide grid pattern.

The house is only a 10 minute stroll from the centre and it is very pleasant to watch the canal barges drift along the Canal du Midi and through the lock at pont Marengo.

Eating out is relatively inexpensive and there is plenty of choice.The one way system can get a little congested with traffic but this keeps the cars away from the pedestrain areas!

Local churches include

Cathedral St- Michel, 14th century

Eglise St-Vincent, 14th to 15th century

and Halles from the 18th century

Carcassonne has a population of approximately 46500 people

The walled city is a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest medieval city in Europe. You can walk around the ramparts and then stroll down the narrow streets. During high season there is jousting and other attractions.

The walled city ( La Cite ) does get very busy during the day and it is often better to visit in the cooler evening. The night lights and carnival atmosphere make for an unfogettable experience.

All year round there are guided tours leaving from the Chateau Comtal ( 12th century) ..except for these dates 1st January, 1st May, 11th November and Christmas day.In addition to the Chateau there is also the Basilique Saint-Nazsaire ( 11th to 14th C),Musee de L'Ecole,Imaginarium ( Croisade albigeoise), Musee de la Chevalerie and of course a walk around the ramparts.

La Cite is 30 minutes walk from the holiday house. Alternatively only 10 minutes by car.

Historically the separation of the Ville Basse and the walled Cite goes back to 1240. The townspeople had tried to restore their ruling family, the Trencavels. Louis IX promptly expelled everyone and only allowed them back on the condition that they built and lived on the low ground by the River Aude.

Gastronomically Cassoulet is the most famous dish. However the region is also known for Fois Gras,Daube,magret et jambon de canard.

Wines come from the Corbieres, Minervois and Fitou.