Standing on a mound on the right bank of the river, this huge medieval fortress whose mighty 52-tower ramparts tower over the valley, was entirely restored by Viollet-le-Duc during the 19th century.
Wander along the cobbled streets to discover the boutiques. Armed with swords and shields, your children can play at knights and conquer the medieval citadel. The ramparts, gates and arrow slits make it a children’s playground… To discover with the family!!!
Cross the Pont Vieux, a 14th-century medieval bridge. For centuries, this was the only link between the Bastide Saint-Louis and the Citadel. This footbridge has to be one of the town’s most romantic spots. A spot for daydreamers to admire the surroundings, including a breathtaking view of the entire length (nearly one kilometre) of the Citadel towering before them.
For the ultimate experience, visit after dusk when the citadel walls are lit up… A magical vision awaits you, any day of the year, even outside the holiday season… because the people of Carcassonne admire their Citadel just as much as holidaymakers do! You never get tired of it!
Continue your walk towards the lower town of Carcassonne, also known as the “Bastide Saint-Louis”. You’ll enter the bastide amid the greenery of Square Gambetta which is dotted with rose bushes, sculptures, water mirrors, a food kiosk, a merry-go-round, the ideal meeting place for adults and children, and the Musée des Beaux Arts…
Walk up Rue de Verdun and explore the streets lined with shops, not forgetting to look up to admire the colourful façades of the 17th- and 18th-century private mansions.
You’ll eventually reach the shady Place Carnot with its lively café terraces, its Caunes-Minervois red marble from the nearby quarry (a stone’s throw from the Citadel), and the Neptune fountain at its centre…
Remember, Saturday is market day when you’ll find flowers, fruit, vegetables and local products, as well as a very special atmosphere! A short walk takes you to Les Halles, where local producers proudly showcase their savoir-faire and the quality of their goods: delicatessen, meat, fish, etc…
Between the train station and Square André Chénier, discover the Canal du Midi, a waterway created by Pierre-Paul Riquet to link Toulouse and the Mediterranean Sea.
From the marina, go exploring the banks of the Canal, walking or cycling along the towpath which offers an easy itinerary that anyone can follow.
Climb aboard a canal boat for a trip on the Canal with commentary on its history and management, plus a chance to enjoy the experience of passing through a lock.
Discover our Facebook Page Canal du Midi dans l’Aude.
