Carcassone is a fortified city inhabited since 3,500 BC, built on the historic trade route linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied Carcassone until the end of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. After that, it was occupied by the Visgoths, then briefly came under Islamic rule several centuries later. In 1659, the Treaty of the Pyrenees transferred the province to France. The medieval fortress dates back to the Gallo-Roman period (1 BC to 5 AD) and is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
We catch the train from Montpellier for a day trip and exit the Carcassone station into the scenic modern town adjacent to the fortress. We cross the Canal du Midi in front of the station and walk into town.
Modern Carcsassonne
We're here to visit the fortress and we cross the River L'Aude into the old town to reach it.
Through the old town to the fortress
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We cross the castle moat and enter, first doing a tour around the fortress just inside the outer wall.
Cross the moat to enter
Walking between the outer and inner walls
Through the gaps in the wall, we get great views of the modern city and the countryside below.
Views out
Entering through the inner wall, we find a charming medieval city just outside the fortress itself.
The city inside the walls
But, we're here to see the fortress and we pay and enter.
Entry to the fortress
The path through the fortress first winds through courtyards and shares historical information, then proceeds up into the ramparts, touring the outer walls of the structure.
Inner courtyards
Models of the fortress
Traditional garments
Weapons and ammunition
But, enough of the inner courtyards and history, it's time to tour the ramparts (next blog, stay tuned)!
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