The best 10 must-see places in Carcassonne in 2023
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Located in the south of France, not far from Spain, Carcassonne seduces visitors. It must be said that this city has managed to preserve its rich historical heritage. Here are the places that caught our eye.
Carcassonne is one of the five most touristic cities in France. It owes its global influence on the extraordinary nature of its historical heritage. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the medieval city and the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne fascinates. From its medieval ramparts to its natural spaces, Carcassonne reconciles culture and the relaxed way of life.
The count’s castle and its ramparts: medieval vertigo
With no less than 500,000 annual visitors, the enthusiasm for the count’s castle and its ramparts is undeniable. Undertaken by Bernard Aton IV Trencavel during the Romanesque period, around 1130, this construction initially aimed to replace a primitive castle.
Although it has undergone many modifications over the centuries, it remains particularly well preserved thanks to the restorations by Viollet-le-Duc.
The castle has nine towers, including the Pinte tower, a square watchtower which happens to be the tallest in the city. The ramparts consist of a double enclosure, part of which dates from the Gallo-Roman era (III-IV centuries).
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The Saint-Nazaire Basilica and its dual architecture
Located near the ramparts, the Saint-Nazaire Basilica is a church of Romanesque origin, so construction began in the 11th century. Blessed by Pope Urban II in 1096, the Romanesque cathedral was destroyed in the 13th century and replaced by the Gothic style. The current coexistence of the Romanesque and Gothic styles constitutes the particularity of this basilica. Thus, we can observe on the one hand the great Romanesque nave, on the other hand the ogival transept and the Gothic chapels.
Saint-Michel cathedral, episcopal seat of Carcassonne
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is the former cathedral of Carcassonne. It was not until 1803 that the episcopal seat was moved to Saint-Michel Cathedral. Built by order of Saint Louis in 1247, the latter displays a rather austere facade, only ornamented with a rose window eight meters in diameter. Classified as a historical monument since 1886, the cathedral forms a single nave with a span of twenty meters. We will linger in particular on the superb stained-glass windows dating from the 14th century, restored by Alfred Gérente after the fire of 1849.
Fresquel Locks
Impossible to evoke Carcassonne without mentioning the Canal du Midi and its famous locks. Completed in 1681, the Canal du Midi, which connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean, is the oldest canal in Europe still in operation. Passing through Carcassonne, we will not forget to go to the gates of the city to contemplate the locks of Fresquel.
The Pont Vieux and its magical view
The Pont Vieux connects the bastide Saint-Louis to the medieval city of Carcassonne. 210 meters long, this bridge was built in the Middle Ages. It is one of the most touristic places in the city, and it offers an incomparable view of the whole city. Everyone from Carcassonne will advise you to go there in the evening when the walls are lit. The panorama will only appear more bewitching!
Place Carnot and its fountain
Place Carnot is the obligatory point of passage during a visit to Carcassonne. Adorned with its sculptural marble Neptune fountain, the square is worth a detour both for its architecture and its dynamism. Located in the heart of the lower town, Place Carnot is home to a large number of shops and small businesses. This is the perfect place to have a drink. Note that this is also where the fruit and vegetable markets are held.
Beaux-arts museum
Located in the bastide Saint-Louis, the Museum of Fine Arts of Carcassonne was created in 1836. It is here that art lovers can go for an overview of the collections of Italian, French, Dutch paintings and Languedoc from modern times to the present day. Earthenware, tapestries and works of art are also part of the program!
Lac de la Cavayère: on the way to “Carca plage”
The Lac de la Cavayère will be a relaxing alternative to the thousand and one cultural visits of the city! Here, it will be a question of relaxing and enjoying the green landscape. Near the medieval city, it is part of the Raymond Chesa leisure complex. Still called “Carca plage”, it is a place conducive to relaxation and games: golf, pedalo, beach volleyball…
The Australian park: see kangaroos!
It is certainly the Carcassonne site which will reconcile young and old. The Australian Park, located close to the medieval city, is a small eccentricity in the city, where you can approach kangaroos, wallabies, ostriches. A guided tour will allow the youngest to learn more about the life of the aborigines while having fun. A zoo particularly suitable for families!
Carcassonne specialties: wines and local products
The Carcassonne wine valley is to the east of the city and contributes to Carcassonne’s notoriety. We will therefore not fail to taste a local wine. A tasting of the gastronomic specialties is essential afterwards with the inevitable cassoulet let’s not forget that Castelnaudary is only 30 minutes from Carcassonne!
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