Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Official website of the City of Carcassone
Tourism office of Carcassonne
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
carcassonne.monuments-nationaux.fr

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 11 ha
- Buffer zone: 1,358 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,359°
Latitude: 43,211°

Summary

Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.

Location on Map

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Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Department of Aude, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. This medieval fortress is renowned for its well-preserved defensive walls and its strategic location atop a hill overlooking the Aude River.

History

The history of Carcassonne dates back to the Gallo-Roman period, but it was during the Middle Ages that the city flourished. The strategic importance of its location made it a coveted stronghold, and it became a key frontier fortress between France and the Kingdom of Aragon.

In the 13th century, Carcassonne underwent significant expansion and fortification under the rule of King Louis IX of France. The construction of the outer walls and the inner castle, known as the Château Comtal, transformed Carcassonne into an impregnable fortress.

During the 19th century, Carcassonne fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition. However, the efforts of the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc saved the city from destruction. Viollet-le-Duc meticulously restored the fortifications, giving Carcassonne its iconic appearance that we see today.

Current State

The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture. The city is divided into two main parts: the Cité, which is the fortified inner city, and the Ville Basse, the lower town that developed outside the walls.

The Cité is a labyrinth of narrow streets, fortified towers, and impressive ramparts. The double-walled fortifications, with 52 towers, encircle the entire city, creating a formidable defensive structure. The Château Comtal, located within the Cité, is a well-preserved castle that offers visitors a glimpse into the medieval way of life.

Walking through the streets of the Cité, visitors can admire the beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the numerous churches and buildings. The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate sculptures, is a highlight of the city.

The Ville Basse, located outside the walls, offers a contrast to the medieval charm of the Cité. Here, visitors can explore a vibrant town with shops, restaurants, and bustling markets. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right, passes through the Ville Basse, adding to the charm of the area.

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
3, rue du Moulin d'Avar
11000 Carcassonne
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Feux d'artifice Cité de Carcassonne - 14 juillet 2013 (en intégralité et en HD)

Published: July 17, 2013
Length: 56:47 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Frédéric FABRE

Voici un montage vidéo du spectacle pyrotechnique que j'ai filmé et photographié le 14 juillet 2013 à la Cité de Carcassonne, dans l'Aude. Le thème proposé par les artificiers de Lacroix-Rug...

Feu d'Artifice Carcassonne 2008.

Published: July 20, 2014
Length: 55:16 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Oblivion336

Feu d'artifice de Carcassonne du 14 Juillet 2008.

Bicycle delivery Carcassonne Canal Du Midi Trip

Published: December 21, 2014
Length: 02:30 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Relax Bike Tours & Rentals (Canal Du Midi Bic

Bicycle delivery in Carcassonne for clients starting a Canal Du Midi trip. These clients booked their own hotels. The hotel we use for our full package tours is even closer to the famous...

Embrasement Carcassonne 2010 - Bouquet Final

Published: July 15, 2010
Length: 43:01 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Jondu11

Embrasement de la Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne du 14 juillet 2010 lors de la Fête Nationale. Final 700 000 personnes ont assisté au 100e embrasement !!! Fireworks in the Medieval...

Embrasement Carcassonne 2010 - 1ère Partie

Published: July 15, 2010
Length: 23:07 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Jondu11

Embrasement de la Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne du 14 juillet 2010 lors de la Fête Nationale. 1re partie 700 000 personnes ont assisté au 100e embrasement !!! Fireworks in the Medieval...

14 juillet 2009 à Carcassonne - 3e partie (Bouquet final)

Published: July 17, 2009
Length: 54:36 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: Jondu11

Feu d'artifice et Embrasement de Cité Médiéval de Carcassonne le 14 juillet 2009 - 3e partie (le Bouquet Final) Fireworks and Embrasement of the Medieval City of Carcassonne on 14 July...

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Near airports

Carcassonne Airport
Medium airport - 3 mi (5 km)

Castres-Mazamet Airport
Medium airport - 24 mi (39 km)

Perpignan-Rivesaltes (Llabanère) Airport
Medium airport - 42 mi (67 km)

Albi-Le Séquestre Airport
Medium airport - 50 mi (81 km)

Béziers-Vias Airport
Medium airport - 51 mi (82 km)

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Large airport - 58 mi (93 km)

Montauban Airport
Medium airport - 75 mi (121 km)

Rodez-Marcillac Airport
Medium airport - 83 mi (134 km)

Barcelona International Airport
Large airport - 133 mi (214 km)

Brive-La Roche Airport
Large airport - 141 mi (228 km)