Thursday 2nd November 2017
On our list of places to visit had always been Carcassonne. Yet again another UNESCO World Heritage site. We had read that it had taken over 1000 years to complete!
In 1849 the city of Carcassonne was nearly demolished. It was struck off the roster of official fortifications under Napoleon and the Restoration. This caused such uproar from the local citizens that a campaign was organised to to preserve it. The architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned to renovate the entire city.
We parked close to the city walls in what turned out to be a very expensive car park! So be warned, check out the prices before you make your decision.
We followed the signs for the citadel, known as La Cité, but our target was not hard to spot. It stands proud on the top a hill and it’s sheer scale is absolutely immense!
Carcassonne
Our walk up to the city walls was a steep one and the closer we got to the outer walls, the more gargantuan this medieval fortress appeared.
Carcassonne Lists, the area between Inner & Outer Walls
We entered Carcassonne on the west side but there are better ways to make the most of your visit. (We wish we had read the website above in hindsight).
Climbing Toward The Ramparts
Carcassonne is apparently the 2nd most popular visitor attraction in France, after the Eiffel Tower and that soon became very apparent as we made our way around the citadel. (Heaven knows what the place must be like in the height of the tourist season!!!!)
City of Carcassonne Walkway
The Château Comptal
Unfortunately our view and enjoyment of the amazing architecture within the city was masked by the vast amount of restaurants, peddling cassoulet, a local dish, and tacky tourist shops selling anything and everything!
Attractive Climbing Plant
We were surprised to find out that there are many permanent residences as well as a few hotels within the walls.
Can’t beat a Best Western
We both concurred that this resembled a ‘Petworth meets Disneyworld’. Such a disappointment. Even our efforts to join the lengthy queue to visit the Château and ramparts were thwarted. We gave up and walked away before we lost the will to live.
Feeling a little deflated we headed off to the Pont Vieux over the River Aude and crossed over to the modern city. From the top of the bridge we were able to admire the citadel in peace and quiet from a distance.
A gentle walk along the river and back over a smaller bridge led to the car park and home.
We would re-visit given the chance. Out of season, if there is one, and taking in the ramparts and the ‘Lists‘ the gap between the two sets of walls.
