Stepping into a Medieval Fairytale: Discovering the Castle of Carcassonne
Sunday, 25 May 2025
11000 Carcassonne, France
If you ve ever dreamed of wondering through a real life medieval fairytale, the fortified castle of Carcassonne might just be your dream come true. Nestled in the heart of Southern France, this stunning fortress town is like something straight out of a fantasy novel-complete with towering stone walls, dramatic turrets, and winding cobbled streets that echo with centuries of history.
Carcassonne isnt just a castle, it's an entire fortified city, officially known as the Cité de Carcassonne with roots stretching back to the gallo-Roman period and a breahtaking restaoration story, this UNESCO World Heritage site feels liek a time machine back to the age of knights, and epic battles. Wheter you're a history buff, a lover of architecture, or just someone chasing that magical medieval vibe, Carcassonne will capture your imagination.
Fun Facts about the Cité de Carcassonne:
Its beauty captivated so much Kevin Costner that he decided to make the film "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves" in it. If you re a millenium you know by heart that 1991 movie not only it was a blocbuster hit but also the soundtrack that hit top of all charts parade in 1991: By Bian Adams. "I do it For You". The movie like the soundtrack were in 1991, everyone favorite go check the Cité de Carcassonne scene by following below YouTube link:
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves - The trailer :
Now back to Cité de Carcassonne.
Here my top tips for visiting Carcassonne's medieval City:
Time your visit.
Arive early! The medieval City of Carcassonne gets bsy regardless of teh time of the year, but with an increased during summer holidays when visitor numbers are at their highest. Early morning offers teh best opportuniy to find a good parking spots ( on site ) and best opportunity to explore the 'quiet', atmospheric streets before the most of teh crowds arrive.
Dining Recommendations:
While restaurants within the city walls might look charming and inviting, most are tourist traps t.aht quality is questionable in comparaison of their high charging price. Instead grab a pic-nic find a spot (plenty of sitting areas) where you can rest your feet and enjoy the views.
Enjoy a drink or an ice cream:
All the terraces (main squae) offers drink hot or cold for all taste, prices are resonnnan=ble but what is more exciting its to see the surrouding fortress walls, the beautiful trees that often offers a welcoming shade .
visit Le Bar a Vin: With its charming courtyard under ancient oak treest, this is a perfect spot during hot summer days. Its frequently visited by locals (always a good sign) and provides welcome shades.
Shopping:
Being a major tourist destination, shops selling all sorts of souvenirs are abundants and at every corners. From traditional sweets, jewelleries, brick and brack, souvenirs of all sorts, cakes, clothes etc. whatever you like i am sure yo'll find
Walking the ramparts:
I highly ecommand paying the extra fee (13Euros, free for kids) to walk along the battlements or better knows at The Ramparts. The complete circuit is a few miles long with many steep step, so wera proper walking shoes\! The paranomic views of both the inner medieval city and the surrounding countryside make the absolute worth the price of admission.
Remember that the entrance to the medieval city itself is completly free- you only pay for specific attractions like the rampart walk and museums.
Museums:
Several museums are scattered throughout the city, but if you only have time for ones, I'd recommand the School Museum. (4.5 on Tripadisor) This charming little gem allows you to step back (only 4 Euros the entrance) in time over 100 years and expereince what education was like in France a century or so ago.
Would you love to visit the Cité de Carcassonne? Tell e all by commenting below.
Post a Comment