La Cité and the lower town
The hilltop citadel, known as La Cité, has a double ring of high walls, the earliest dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Inside the walls, the streets are cobbled and lined with medieval stone houses, both beautifully restored and housing many boutiques and cafés to linger in. In the heart of La Cité, you will find the 12th century castle built by the famous Trencavel family.
On the other side of the River Aude lies the lower town, La Ville Basse, also known as La Bastide Saint-Louis. Mainly modern in feel, it is a bustling working town with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Actually it is by no means a ‘new’ town, having been founded way back in 1240, by citizens banished from the citadel, but only some of its historic buildings survive, notably the St Michel Cathedral and St Vincent’s Church.
Museums
The Château Comtal in La Cité houses a museum with archaeological exhibits and includes a tour of the inner ramparts.
In the lower town there is a Fine Arts museum, with European paintings and ceramics art from the 17th century to the present day, as well as a museum dedicated to the Surrealistic poet Joë Bousquet who was born in Narbonne.
Festivals
Running throughout the month of July, the Festival de Carcassonne is a varied programme of concerts, theatre and dance performances. The principal ticketed events take place in the Chateau Comtal and the Jean-Deschamps Theatre, both extremely atmospheric venues in the medieval cité. There are also many free ‘fringe’ events which are held in various venues around the town.
In August, a Knights Tournament is held in the citadel featuring medieval jousting and horsemanship.
To see and do in the area
The River Aude flows between the lower town and the citadel, and the Canal du Midi also skirts the edge of the lower town. The canal path is perfect for an easy bike ride, whilst the river and the gardens on each side are a lovely setting for a stroll.
