Carcassonne City Breaks

Carcassonne City Breaks - A magical walled medieval city
Situated in the South West of France, Carcassonne is one of the finest examples of a preserved medieval city to be found in Europe and its World Heritage listed site is a major tourist attraction that receives over 3 million visitors a year. The city is essentially dissected in two by the Aude River with the right bank known as La Cité containing the medieval fortified ramparts and numerous historic monuments. Across the river is the mainly 17th and 18th century quarter of Saint-Louis Bastide which is home to many ornate churches, market squares and a wide range of attractions such as museums, shopping and dining.

City Breaks to Carcassonne - Numerous museums and historic monuments to discover
The medieval city consists of over 50 towers and 3 kilometres of fortified walls that contain the commanding Chateau Contal and the medieval church of Basilique Saint-Nazaire, both remarkable examples of Middle Ages architecture that house important historical relics and artworks. Leisurely stroll around the city's narrow cobbled streets during a Carcassonne city break where little squares are filled with souvenir shops, cafés and charming terraced merchant houses. On both banks of the river visitors can explore numerous museums and galleries dedicated to Carcassonne history and art or take one of many fulfilling tours of the sights either on foot or by horse drawn carriage.

Carcassonne City Breaks - Explore the beautiful Languedoc countryside
A city break in Carcassonne should not forget to explore the glorious countryside of the surrounding Languedoc region. Timeless rural villages can be enjoyed such as historic Villerouge-Termenès or Lagrasse with its spectacular Benedictine abbey or spend a day at one of the many local wine estates which are renowned worldwide. Combine it with an afternoon cruising the still waters of the Canal du Midi where rolling hills, medieval ruins and orchards can be seen from the water's edge that gives a real sense of everyday rural life in South West France. Enjoy the calm and simplicity of a day onboard a canal cruiser or be more adventurous and explore the waterways by kayak.