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| Carcassonne, France |
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France's Fortified City Carcassonne is a Great Vacation Destination
Carcassonne in southwest France is one of the most unique and delightful vacation destinations in France. It may not have the sparkle of other French cities, but it is a very warm and charming place with fascinating attractions.
Carcassonne Attractions
The most unique feature of Carcassonne is La Cite, the upper city that lies within a walled fortress. Construction of the fortified Viscount's Castle began in the 12th century, and it served as an important defense for many years. The Castle features 52 fairy-tale like towers, and you can walk along the lofty ramparts for a spectacular view of the city below.
In La Cite, you can see the impressive Basilica Saint Nazaire at Place de l'Eglise, a Romanesque and Gothic church that dates from the 11th and 14th centuries. Beautiful stained glass and ornate carvings including the famous 1209 Siege of Carcassonne adorn the Basilica Saint Nazaire.
You can also see Les Aigles de La Cite (the Eagles of La Cite) at Place de l'Eglise. This is a unique exhibit focused on birds of prey trained in the tradition of Medieval Falconry. From March through November, you can see demonstrations of the birds flying.
In addition to the medieval castle and all of the Old City's cobblestone streets and charm, there are other interesting attractions to visit in Carcassonne in the "modern city," or Bastide Saint-Louis. This part of Carcassonne was built in 1260, so "modern" is a relative term!
La Cathedrale Saint-Michel is a 14th century gothic Cathedral that has a unique octagonal shaped bell tower. There are many other interesting and beautiful architectural sights to see in Bastide Saint-Louis, including several grand hotels. The Hotel de Saint Andre and Hotel du Saint-Martin, both feature extremely old medieval courtyards.
There are two major shopping areas in Carcassonne. In the lower city area, Rue Clemenceau and Rue de Verdun are the main locations for shopping. In the upper city, there are many local arts and crafts, antiques and clothing items for sale throughout the entire area.
You may wish to rent a car and explore the area just outside of Carcassonne. Nearby Le Lac de la Cavayère or "Carcassonne Beach" is a fun place to hang out during the summer. This is a small, man-made lake where you can play volleyball, mini-golf, go horseback riding or just swim and sunbathe. There is an island in the middle of the lake that attracts waterfowl. If you like to golf, you can play at the beautiful Domaine d'Auriac just outside Carcassonne.
Exploring the villages around Carcassonne such as Rennes le Chateau and Limoux is also a fun and entertaining way to spend a day. Vineyards are also within short driving distance, as Carcassonne is located in the center of Languedoc wine country.
If you visit Carcassonne during the months from April to December, you may be present during one of the city's many festivals. Elaborate and exciting theater, music and art festivals involve a large number of performances and shows.
Accommodations in Carcassonne
When you look for accommodations in Carcassonne, you will have plenty of options to consider. There are many luxurious deluxe hotels such as the De la Cite Hotel at Place de l'Eglise. This hotel is renowned for its gourmet restaurant La Barbacane, but also features two other restaurants where you can enjoy a medieval banquet complete with minstrels and jugglers. You will enjoy full amenities and services at this lavish hotel, including an outdoor heated pool and convenient car rental.
There are also mid-range priced hotels that offer plenty of comfort, charm and convenience. One thing to consider is whether you wish to stay in the fortified medieval upper city or the newer, lower modern city.
Hôtel du Soleil Le Terminus is an excellent choice for a hotel in the lower city of Carcassonne. It is close to all major attractions, including the medieval city. You can take advantage of their indoor swimming pool, fitness equipment, Jacuzzi and sauna during your stay. There is also a restaurant and a lounge bar on site.
Restaurants and Nightlife
You can enjoy some very delicious food during your stay in Carcassonne including cuisine from all over the world. For an extra special treat, opt to try the regional French Catalonia fare. One local dish you won't want to miss is Cassoulet, a stew featuring duck, ham, sausage and white beans. Cassoulet is readily available in cafes as well as restaurants throughout Carcassonne.
Nightlife in Carcassonne centers on Rue Omer-Surraut in La Bastide and Place Marcou in La Cite. You can hear live music or dance at techno clubs until dawn if you like. There are plenty of bars where you can enjoy delicious French wine or a cold beer in a quieter setting, too.
Carcassonne is compact, and you can walk to most areas you will want to visit. Taxis are also readily available, or you can use the city's bus system for travel within the city. For visiting areas outside Carcassonne, a rental car is your best option. |
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