- Durata
- Half day, about 4 hours
- Dimensione del gruppo
- 10–80 pers.
- Destinazioni
- Tolosa e Occitania
- Budget indicativo
- Da 110 € a persona
La Cité de Carcassonne is one of the largest and best-preserved fortified cities in Europe. Its double ring of walls, its towers and its castle were restored in the nineteenth century under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc, and the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its silhouette, rising above the plain of the Aude, is among the most recognisable in France.
A guided visit covers the ramparts, the castle and the narrow streets of the old town, with an explanation of the siege history, the Cathar period and the restoration. Walking the walls gives a clear view of the medieval layout and the modern city below. The programme is calibrated for a group, with time to stop at the main towers and viewpoints.
The visit is naturally followed by a lunch in one of the restaurants within the walls, with Languedoc wines and regional cuisine, before a return to Toulouse, Montpellier or the coast.
Obiettivi
- Discover one of Europe's great medieval fortresses
- Understand the history of the region, from the Cathars to the Middle Ages
- Combine heritage with a relaxed regional lunch
Svolgimento
- 1The group is transferred by private coach from Toulouse or Montpellier, depending on the programme.
- 2A guided walk takes the group along the ramparts and to the castle.
- 3The visit continues through the old town, with stops on the history and the restoration.
- 4Lunch is served in a restaurant within the walls, with a menu and wine selection chosen for the group.
- 5Free time follows, with transfer back at an agreed time.
Da sapere
- The ramparts involve many steps and uneven surfaces; the route is not fully accessible to wheelchair users.
- Summer afternoons are very hot; we recommend a morning visit from June to August.
- The old town is busy in high season, and some restaurants fill quickly at lunchtime, so we book early.
- Carcassonne is about one hour by road from Toulouse; coach transfers are arranged from there or from Montpellier.
Budget indicativo
Indicative: from about €110 per person for a half-day guided visit of a group of 20 to 40, excluding lunch and transport. Lunch within the walls from about €40 per person additional, on request.
Domande frequenti
How old is the medieval city?
The fortifications date mostly from the twelfth to the thirteenth centuries, on Roman and earlier foundations. The walls were extensively restored in the nineteenth century, which shaped their current appearance.
Can we combine Carcassonne with a visit to the Canal du Midi?
Yes. The Canal du Midi passes close to the city, and a short boat trip or a cycling route along the towpath can be added to the programme.
Is there accommodation within the walls?
A few hotels operate within the walls, with limited capacity. For larger groups we usually recommend accommodation in the new town or in Toulouse, with a private coach for the day.
