Carcassonne

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Introducing Carcassonne

From afar, Carcassonne looks like some fairy-tale medieval city. Bathed in late-afternoon sunshine and highlighted by dark clouds, La Cité, as the old walled city is known, is truly breathtaking. But once you’re inside, La Cité loses its magic and mystery. Luring an estimated 3.5 million visitors annually, it can be a tourist hell in high summer. This said, you’ll have to be fairly stone-hearted not to be moved.

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But Carcassonne is more than La Cité. The Ville Basse (Lower Town), altogether more tranquil and established in the 13th century, is a more modest stepsister to camp Cinderella up the hill and also merits a browse.

Last updated: 23.09.2008

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. Buffalo_jon avatar
    Carcassonne restaurant

    by Buffalo_jon 09 Сентябрь 2011

    Hi all, We went to a nice restaurant in Carcassonne instead of the LP recommendations. Le Cathar, on Rue Jean Bringer. Always enter…
  2. zoqy12 avatar
    RE: Chilled out, sociable place to stay in southwest France

    by zoqy12 02 Сентябрь 2011

    Perpignan or Carcassonne are both good places. If you go a little further east then Montpellier is brilliant. A young vibrant city, which…
  3. micolett avatar
    RE: Train from Carcassonne to Rennes

    by micolett 01 Сентябрь 2011

    One option without any booking is a very early train (6h07...) to Toulouse, then change to Nantes, then, to Rennes. Total time over 9…

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