Carcassonne is not for nothing the most visited city in the south of France with 5 million visitors per year who come to see the largest fortified city in Europe
PROGRAMME
We will start our visit at the Old Bridge which
will allow us to have a magnificent panorama and to enjoy the medieval city in
its entirety. Then we will discover its 3km of double ramparts with its 52
towers. Enter through the Porte Narbonnaise, built around 1280, which is just
one of many examples representing the gigantic architecture of the impressive
ramparts.
Furthermore, let us not miss the county castle of the medieval city and its
former romanesque gothic cathedral, also called „Jewel of the City“, nowadays
known as the Basicila of St Nazaire because of the Pope Léon XIII.
Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, we will discover its rich past. At first, the land of Troubadours, former poets of medieval literature, then marked by the development of a christian sect called Cathar, it was a trigger for the terrible crusade organized by the pope and the king of France in the south of France. Carcassonne was twice besieged by the king of France and his vassals, it became a royal property from the 13th century onwards. The city took advantage of the construction of the famous Canal du Midi to enrich itself, but this same Canal du Midi also triggered the detriment of the city which gradually fell into ruins.
Rebuilt largely in the 19th century by the national architect Violet le Duc, the city of Carcassonne and its famous scenery are used to make many films such as Robin Hood, Jeanne d‘Arc, les 3 Mousquetaires and Les Visiteurs. We will discover its many hidden treasures, a real leap into the past that will make you discover the world of chivalry. Immerse yourself in medieval history! Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the Cassoulet, the city’s famous specialty made from white beans, duck and pork.
