Carcassonne Essentials

Carcassonne Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Euro
Flight Time	UK 1 Hour approx
Time Zone	GMT = +1 hour
Language	French
Voltage	240 V (European two-pin plugs)

Carcassonne Tourist Attractions
Do visit the fortified Chateau Comtal located on the highest point in the city and dates back to the 12th century. Admission price of €6.50 includes an hour tour of the ramparts and it’s the archaeological remains and makes for a most inspiring history lesson. Travel back even further in time to Dinosauria - a children's activity park dedicated to the history of prehistoric dinosaurs. There are palaeontology workshops for all ages and interactive displays and it costs €6 per child.    

French Phrases For Tourists  

Hello	Bonjour		Do you speak English?	Parlez vous Anglais?
Goodbye	Au revoir		Excuse me	Excusez moi
Good Evening	Bonsoir		How much is it?	Ça coûte combien?
Yes	Oui		Where is...?	Ou est …?
No	Non		Hotel	L'hotel
Please	S'il vous plait		The bill pease	L’addition s’il vous plait
Thank you very much	Merci beaucoup		Beer	Une Biere
How are you?	Comment allez vous?		Coffee	Un café

Carcassonne Opening Hours
Opening hours for shops in the medieval old town are slightly different than elsewhere in the city as they cater mainly to tourists and usually operate longer hours opening earlier and closing later seven days a week. Some close down during the quiet winter off season. Elsewhere, stores open from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturdays with the majority closed on Sundays and some also shut until lunchtime on Mondays when many attractions are also closed. 
   
Tipping & Etiquette in Carcassonne
The culture of tipping is more relaxed here than many parts of France however it is still practised throughout the city especially in restaurants catering to its visiting tourists. Most eateries will already include a service charge amount on the bill, usually 10%, so no further tipping is required. Tour guides and taxi drivers are likely to expect a small gratuity for their services.  

Carcassonne Food & Drink
The area surrounding Carcassonne is a fertile one that produces excellent seafood such as shellfish and its famous cured meats, venison and trout. Cuisine is rich and flavoursome and features many familiar dishes known throughout France. Local specialities include goose and duck confits, roast ham, escargots and cassoulet bean stew. There is a bouillabaisse styled fish soup which is popular called bourride de Bages and many varieties of bean fricassées. Desserts are unsurprisingly rich and tempting with flan de Saint-Jean du Minervois a special treat made with white wine, honey and fresh fruit compote. Cooking standards are high and expect to receive meals prepared with creativity and flair using unique ingredients even in the most homely local eateries.   
 
Carcassonne Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Carcassonne – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112

Disabled Access in Carcassonne
As an UNESCO World Heritage site, Carcassonne offers many obstacles for reduced mobility visitors and wheelchair users, yet there are dedicated transport services and tours which reduce the impact, although it can become quite crowded during busy summer months. The marina on the Canal du Midi offers wide and flat pathways for pleasant waterfront strolls and features many pavement cafes suitable for wheelchairs. There are many hotels and semi rural gites which cater to disabled guests and offer the usual adapted facilities.

French Embassies
• British Consulate-General 353 Boulevard du President Wilson 33073 Bordeaux Telephone: (33) (5) 57 22 21 10
• France Embassy - 58 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7JT Tel. (44) 207 073 1000