Explore Languedoc Roussillon with Carhire3000

The Coast	Cathar Country	Historic Villages & Towns

Carcassonne

Carcassonne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully restored fortified town, particularly famous as a Cathar stronghold during the Albigensian Crusades.

Visitors to the Languedoc cannot fail to be fascinated by the area’s history. In the early 13th century the Catholic Pope launched a crusade against the Cathars. Languedoc was targeted as a Cathar stronghold and local people sought sanctuary in the impregnable hilltop fortresses where they endured many months of siege before succumbing. Many of the “heretics” were killed or burnt at the stake and the surrounding region was devastated. The proud ruins of many of these legendary fortresses, such as Quéribus and Peyrepertuse can be seen to this day, offering visitors an intriguing glimpse back in time as well as striking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

A strategic site since Roman times, Carcassonne was heavily fortified. The property of the Trencavel family since the early 11th century, the city became famous for its role in the Albigensian Crusades as a Cathar stronghold, falling to the crusading army of Simon de Montfort in 1209. Despite this defeat, the fortress was rebuilt and strengthened as a key defence on the border between France and Spain.

The medieval “Cité” of Carcassonne was lovingly restored in 1853 and today would not look out of place in a fairytale with its drawbridges and pointed towers. Most visitors follow the signposts to park at one of the large car parks just outside the Cité. Their first impressions are the splendid double ramparts surrounding the town, interspersed by 53 towers. From the main entrance “Porte Narbonnaise”, visitors can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride between the ramparts or take a ride on the “petit train” around the city walls.

The tourist office is also situated just inside the Porte Narbonnaise and is an ideal first port of call for details of local attractions and a plan of the town. Places of interest include the Museum of the Middle Ages where visitors can enjoy a scale model of the city as well as interactive exhibits, the Haunted House inhabited by the ghosts of Carcassone past and the School Museum.

Not to be missed within the walls is the Château Comtal, built in the 12th century as home to the Trencavels, vicomtes of Carcassonne. Today there are guided tours as well as permanent exhibitions and a large model of the Cité. The château is open until 18h30 during the summer, but book your guided tour early in the day to avoid disappointment in high season. Should you prefer to wander at your own pace, allow yourself at least 45 minutes to explore. The short film show inside will shed some light on the early history and restoration of the city and informative plaques will guide you around the château.

Nearby, in the Place de l’église, is the Basilica of St-Nazaire. Described as “the jewel of the Cité” the cathedral was founded in the 11th century. Originally built in a Romanesque style, the gargoyles and more recent alterations give the building a more Gothic appearance. Many visitors simply come to admire the colourful and intricate stained glass windows, reputed as the best in the region.

The city is particularly impressive at night, the ramparts atmospherically lit. Enjoy an evening meal at one of the many restaurants within the city walls and then head for the open air Grand Théatre for an impressive Son et Lumiere show.
Below the medieival “Cité” is the commercial “Ville Basse” and, across the river, the Bastide Saint Louis. The latter, commissioned by St Louise in 1260 and laid out in a particular checkerboard layout, boasts a number of historic architectural buildings and churches as well as the restored port for the Canal du Midi.

Other local family-friendly attractions include the Parc Australien and the Cité des Oiseaux

Peyrepertuse

The dizzying heights of Peyrepertuse have been occupied since Roman times. Under the control of the Viscount of Narbonne it was held during the Cathar war by Guillaume de Peyrepertuse. Following the fall of Carcassonne, he surrendered and the chateau was returned to French possession in 1240. In subsequent years the castle was expanded, holding an important strategic position on the border with Spain. The treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 meant the castle retained little strategic importance but a token garrison remained until it was finally deserted during the French Revolution.

Today the chateau is open to visitors, offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside and a unique insight into the history of the Languedoc region. There is ample parking and audio guides are available from the ticket office. The lower part of the castle is reached by a partly shaded trail uphill from the ticket office whilst the highest part of the castle (donjon de San Jordi) is accessed by steep steps cut into the rock face. Although the final climb is not for the fainthearted, the stunning views from the very top (including across to the neighbouring Château of Quéribus) should not be missed.

Should you need nourishment following your exertions, there are a selection of tourist cafes and restaurants on the winding road leading up to the chateau. For genuine French cuisine and a taste of the local vines, try the “Auberge de Peyrepertuse” in nearby Rouffiac-des-Corbieres.

	Minerve
This medieval town, accessible only by a high bridge, was the refuge of the Cathars following the massacre of Beziers. The town was well protected due to its position, perched high and overhanging the river, but as the walls of the well crumbled the town surrendered and the sheltering cathars were burnt at the stake. Today little remains of the fortified castle apart from a single tower (the “candela”) and the town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, topped by a small stone church.