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Carcassonne,
Le Pont Vieux |
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Le Pont Vieux (the old bridge) that replaced the medieval structure previously built
upstream, where the roman bridge lay, dates back to the early 14th
century. Work was already underway in 1315, and was probably completed
no earlier than 1320. A special tax was evied to cover the expense.
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The twelve, full-centre arches of the Carcassonne bridge have opening
diameters of unequal lengths ranging from 10 to 14 metres. This is evidence
that the work was completed arch after arch, depending on the resources. The
bridge was divided in two by a stone arch based on an upstream and
downstream cutwater, which marked the limit between the two communities of
the Cité and the Lower Town. In this spot were signed peace treaties
following internal divisions which often stirred the population of both
towns of Carcassonne. The appearance of the bridge changed only after 1820.
In those days, some fine railings were still visible there, flanked with two
elegant sidewalks. We know for a fact that two arches collapsed in 1436, but
in addition to repairs performed then, several other sections were reworked
in 1559 and even later, without the bridge being deprived, however, of its
primitive appearance. It was the restoration of 1820 that most altered its
former shape.
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It was originally defended on the left bank by a huge headblock which
surrounded nearly all of today's suburb.
On the Cité side, it was
connected to the fortress defences through a line of flanked curtain
walls. |
In 1999, a study was conducted by the
Town of Carcassonne and the Architect
from the Monuments de France in
connection with the French public
services. A project to rehabilitate the
eastern end of the Old Bridge and the
entry to the rue Trivalle was elaborated.
The ramp, once remodeled will clear the
magnificent façade of the old cloth mill
which became a royal factory in 1696.
The 13th arch located east of
the bridge has been cleared; the
ramp between rue de la Barbacane
and rue Trivalle, as well as the
area between the front of the
buildings and the garden of
Pierre et Maria Sire have been
surfaced and graded, thus
clearing the ground for an
esplanade used as a car-park in
the shade of freshly planted
plane trees. When you enter the
bridge, the chapel of Notre-Dame
de la Santé (Our Lady of Good
Health), is the only remaining
trace of the Town's oldest
hospital. Although restored on
the outside and reworked on the
inside, it remains a fine
specimen of 15th century
architecture.
More than 700.000 spectators are
huddled together on the banks of
the Aude to see the amazing
fireworks. During more than 25
minutes you can admire flames of
blue, white, yellow, green red,
gold and a grandiose crowning
piece. More than 1200 impacts in
6 seconds over 600 metres of
frontage.
In 1998 the Town of Carcassonne
celebrated the centennial of the
setting ablaze of its legendary
Cité: on 14 August 1898, the "Cadets
de Gascogne", a company composed
of some of the most prominent
members of the worlds of
literature, art and politics,
had arrived in Carcassonne. On
this occasion the Town had
organised a big celebration to
honor these prestigious visitors,
including a historical
reenactment, concerts, balls,
illuminations, parades,
artillery gun salutes, a
torchlight march, banquets, etc.
To conclude the celebrations, at
nightfall the entire Cité was
set ablaze and became one huge
incandescent block of stone. The
flaring-up of the Cité using
Bengal lights was originally the
idea of Achille Rouquet
(1851-1928), founder of the
Revue Méridionale. He was also a
painter, an engraver, a poet and
a félibre, i.e. a writer of
langue d'oc. After the Cité's
first flaring-up, he requested
from the Mayor of Carcassonne,
Monsieur Jules Sauzède, that
this action be repeated each
year. This event now takes place
every year on the night of July
14th ' "Le Quatorze Juillet', and has achieved worldwide
fame.
J.P. Cros-Mayrevieille
– Les monuments de Carcassonne
La Cité de Carcassonne
– History and description by Joseph Poux
René Descadeillas
– Carcassonne – Editions SAEP Colmar-Ingersheim
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Opened in March 2013, the 4-star Le Parc hotel and its several elegantly and soberly designed bedrooms offer visitors to Carcassonne a journey to savour. Take time out of the daily routine to relish in a unique and emotionally rich experience provided by the restaurant’s delicious, inventive cuisine in a delightful calm setting.
In the hotel, located in its 600m² grounds at the foot of the ramparts, wood and slate combine in warmth to provide perfect harmony. The establishment offers great comfort and rich emotions, the perfect setting for guests to savour the experience of dining at La Table de Franck Putelat. The 4 suites and 3 luxury bedrooms give a feeling of fluidity, enhanced by the open bathrooms and the large bay windows that blur the boundaries between the interior, with its contemporary design, and the exterior, with its flourishing vegetation. After a day visiting Carcassonne, guests can relax in a chaise longue on the outdoor wooden terraces or balconies, or relish in the bubble-jet comforts of a jacuzzi...
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Come and discover our urban, contemporary style hotel located at the foot of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, a town steeped in history.
This monument to a feudal past has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy a wonderful break at this elegant, designer hotel.
The 19 rooms have air-conditioning, TV and telephone.
Parking available.
Spa, pool and steam room just 200 metres away.
Easily reached from exit 24 of the motorway following the signs for 'centre ville' (town centre)...
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Perfectly located at a few feet of the medieval city of Carcassonne, La Cité, the Hotel du Pont Vieux is a beautiful eighteenth century building and offers comfortable rooms in a rustic style, some of them have a view over the walls.
We welcome you in a warm and family atmosphere. On sunny days, we invite you to enjoy our indoor garden.
Delightful hotel at the foot of the citadel. Rooms with views overlooking the ramparts of the Cité. Air-conditioned rooms...
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