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2 500 years of history !!
The imposing fortifications of the citadel of Carcassonne occupy a rocky outcrop overlooking the course of the River Aude. At the foot of their walls stretches the lower town, a bastide founded in 1248 by Louis IX.
Carcassonne has been a settlement since the 6th century BC and was a Roman town, fortified during the later imperial period, before becoming a medieval citadel. It has examples of 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,600 years of history.
A rich and varied tour is available and includes many areas not otherwise visited: ramparts, hoardings, projection room, lapidary museum. Guided tours, lectures or audio-guides available, subject to booking. |
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Specialties
Inhabited from ancient times, the site was
protected at the time of the Lower Empire by a
Gallo-Roman enclosure. This did not however
prevent Visigoth, Saracen and Frankish assail-
ants from each taking possession of it in turn
From independence to annexation
The Middle Ages were dominated by the power-
ful Trencavel dynasty. The city played an
important role in the South
of France in the 12th century.
The Cathar religion became
very influential, and in 1208
Pope Innocent III called for
a crusade against the
Albigensians*. Carcassonne
was besieged and surrendered.
Annexed to the royal
domain in 1226, the town became the fortified
site that can still be seen today.
Rediscovery and restoration
Before the signature of the Treaty of the
Pyrenees in 1659, Carcassonne protected the
border between France and Aragon. In the 19th
century, the architect Viollet-le-Duc restored the
city and its mediaeval look. It was listed as a
U
NESCO
world heritage site in 1997.
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Opening Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne:
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02 january to 31 march - From 09:30 to 17:00
- 01 april to 30 april - From 10:00 to 18:30
- 02 may to 30 september - From 10:00 to 18:30
- 01 october to 31 october - From 09:30 to 17:00
- 02 november to 10 november - From 09:30 to 17:00
- 12 november to 24 december - From 09:30 to 17:00
- 26 december to 31 december - From 09:30 to 17:00
Equipments and Services: |
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* Public Parking
* Group guided tours
* Pedagogical visits
* Shop
* Unguided group visits |
* Groups accepted
* Unguided individual visits
* Disabled reception
* Projection room
* Individual guided tours |
The Medieval city of Carcassonne, 'La Cité'...
Carcassonne, la Bastide Saint-Louis
Carcassonne, Le Pont Vieux
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The Corbières is one of the wildest areas of France with one of the lowest population densities. It is picturesque with wine growing areas alternating with garigue and mountainous countryside. It is located mainly in the Aude département and partly in the Pyrénées-Orientales département. The River Aude borders the Corbières to the west and north. To the south is the River Agly and to the east the the Mediterranean Sea. The name Corbières comes from "cor" a pre-Celtic word meaning "rock" and "berre" from the River Berre which runs through Durban. The eastern part of the Corbières with its Etangs, borders the the Mediterranean Sea and is called the Corbières maritimes. It has its own distinctive climate and characteristic vegetation known as thermomediterranean vegetation...
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The Minervois is one of the most ancient vineyards of the Mediterranean region. Indeed, its land was chosen by the Romans as providing ideal conditions for the first vines they planted in Languedoc Roussillon. Its name comes from the ancient city of Minerve, a stronghold built by the Romans and dedicated to the goddess Minerva. Since that time, many amphora shards and vestiges of cellars have been discovered, testimony to the importance of this vineyard. The region, austere in winter and redolent with sunshine in summer, has survived over the centuries its invasions by barbarians, Arabs and Christians. The essence of Minervois la Livinière, as in so many Midi appellations, is the blend; a marriage of different grape varieties that adds subtle nuance of flavour to the whole. Natural alcohol level must reach a minimum of 12% without enrichment (so no chaptalisation) and maximum yield is a modest 45 hl/ha. Ageing may be in barrel or vat, and unlike basic Minervois, the wine must be bottled at source, so cannot be sent off to a négociant elsewhere in France...
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Located at the heart of the beautiful medieval city of Carcassonne, the Auberge des Lices is an authentic gem and its charm gets to everyone. It is located precisely in the narrow Raymond Roger Trencavel street and it gives the tone straight away: a little shady inner courtyard hidden behind pretty stone walls. This Inn is a reassuring cocoon with a family spirit to it. You will find the same generosity, the same human warmth inside the pleasant dining room, decorated in ochre and golden tones. The tables are prettily set and new flowers are to be found on them every day. You will find paintings on the wall only enhancing the authenticity and friendliness of the establishment....
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Located inside the walls of the Cité, Brasserie Le Donjon is within 100 meters of Château Comtal and Basilique Saint-Nazaire. Carcassonne Cathedral, the train station, and Ville Basse are 2 km away. The Brasserie Le Donjon, specializes in regional cuisine, while the lounge Le Comptoir des Vins et Terroirs features regional wines and small plates. On site meeting space accommodates up to 100 guests, and wireless Internet access is complimentary in public areas. Parking is available for a surcharge, and hotel staff can arrange airport shuttle service (surcharge)....
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Discover the restaurant Dame Carcas, located in the center of the medieval village of Carcassonne, with our regional recipes in a warm atmosphere. Enjoy your trip in our city by discovering our regional dishes: - Home made cassoulet with leg of duck - Grilled piglet with honey sauce - Pan fried duck liver with bernies layed on a mixed salad....
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The atmosphere in La Barbacane is one of charm and elegance –from its beautiful wood panelled interior and stained glass windows to the enchanting view. La Barbacane offers a wide range of tempting dishes, created with imagination, flair and artistry. Executive Chef, Jérôme Ryon and Pastry Chef, Régis Chanel, put forth a sophisticated and skilful re-thinking of traditional French cuisine while using ingredients of the highest quality. La Barbacane received its first Michelin star in 2002, and maintains the same level of excellence today. It remains the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the medieval citadel....
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If you bring a visit to the Cite of Carcassonne you must visit this restaurant. Chef Pierre Mesa is well know in the region because of his famous Cassoulet, but of course all the rest is also very good. Good food, enough wines on the list and the Blanquette de Limoux. Comte Roger is an intimate restaurant with an exceptional menu and is a must for dining well. Located in the core of he medieval center, this is one of the only establishments that has not been touched by tourism. Enjoy fresh, regional fare and excellent wines....
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We are pleased to welcome you to our walls. The Restaurant Bar Les Cours de la Cité aims to offer their customers a maximum of fresh and regional food in a quiet and very cozy setting in the heart of the medieval city of Carcassonne. Our menus are limited, our main concern is to focus on product quality. The restaurant accept individual and group customers while respecting their privacy. Enjoy your visit to our restaurant bar...
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