For those who would like to see more than just the beach during their holiday, Carcassonne is the perfect place. No, this time not the game you may be familiar with. In the south of France, not too far from the coast, there is a beautiful medieval fortified town that is worth a visit.
The Cite of Carcassonne, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is visited by more than 3 million visitors every year and that is not without reason.
Geography
The city is located in the south of France in the Aude department, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Toulouse. The city is surrounded by the Aude River and bisected by the Canal Midi.
Broadly speaking, the city is located between the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees. Upon arrival at Carcassonne airport, they themselves indicate that they are the country of the Cathars, a religious movement that was designated as heretical by the Pope, causing many funeral pyres to be erected and crusades to be organized.
For those who have a car at their disposal in this region, it is worthwhile to visit the remains of these Cathars nearby.
A brief history
Carcassonne has been a trading center for the region since the 8th century BC and was part of a network of various trading centers between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Romans also became interested in this area in the 2nd century BC and noticed Carcassonne’s function as a trading center. The city was given city rights and city walls were built, the inner city wall still largely dates from this time.
Subsequently, in the Middle Ages, the city fell into the hands of the Franks, the Visigoths, the Moors and various viscounts, including Bernard Aton Trencavel who had the current Chateau Comtal built and started the construction of the cathedral.
Due to the crusades against the Cathars, the city eventually fell into the hands of the French. The French also carried out extensive construction work on the city in the Middle Ages, adding many walls and towers.
The peace of the Pyrenees (1659) put an end to the city’s prosperity and the Cite fell into decline. Historian Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille and writer Prosper Mérimée led a campaign around 1940 to preserve the fortified city as a monument and eventually Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was allowed to carry out the restoration.
Although many say that this restoration is more of a reconstruction at their own discretion and too slick, Carcasonne is today one of the few cities where the atmosphere of the Middle Ages can be tasted.
The atmosphere today
Anyone who drives towards the Cite today can see from afar the 53 towers that surround the city. Although it has become a huge tourist attraction and a visit outside the high season is recommended, you can still experience the atmosphere that must have prevailed here in the Middle Ages.
The narrow streets, the beautiful churches and the small squares, nowadays topped with a sauce of souvenir shops and hotels. In July and August there are often events in the Cite that are definitely worth seeing.
Not only can you enjoy knight fights, but also fireworks (July 14) and many concerts. If you are planning a visit in the high season, it is certainly worthwhile to check whether there is a specific event during your holiday at www.carcassonne.org/carcassonne_ne.nsf/vueTitre/docVisiterSaisonsCulturelles.
The stay
Although there are many hotels in the city of Carcassonne and the surrounding area, staying within the Cite is a treat. There are various hotels in different price ranges that can be found and booked via the Internet. It is very special to stay in the Cite, even in high season, when all the tourists leave the Cite and then, when the city has fallen asleep, to find a room in one of the old buildings.
The terraces become quiet in the evening and you can enjoy a real three-course French meal at a very reasonable price (approximately 15.00 pp). There are also various options for people who want to enjoy a luxurious meal. For anyone who prefers to use a campsite, these are also available in Carcassonne.
The journey
It is of course an option to visit the Cathar area by car. About 1400 kilometers from the Netherlands. By car you can travel unlimitedly through the area where there are many sights, you can also easily go to the beach to enjoy everything the French coast has to offer.
For those who prefer a quick trip south, you can fly. It is possible to fly directly to Carcassonne from Brussels with Ryanair. This airport is located just outside the city, but the shuttle bus takes you to the center.
Another option is to fly from Amsterdam to Toulouse with, for example, KLM (direct 3 times a day) or Lufthansa (connection in Munich or Frankfurt). In this case, a rental car can provide a solution for further transport within France. However, for adventurers it is also possible to hitchhike, something that is regularly done in France, even by the population itself.