One of the reasons I came here was to visit ancient walled-city of Carcassonne. There had always been a settlement here since 3500 BC, as Carcassonne was on the trading route from the coast and Perpignan to the interior of France. The Romans were first to establish a proper fort around 100 BC, and parts of their fortifications still exist as foundations to the later fortifications. After the Romans left the it became the stronghold of the Occitan Cathcars, and because their religion differed to that of the rest of (Papal) France, in 1209 there was a Holy Crusade and the stronghold was put under siege. Once the long siege was over, with the previous Viscount put under the sword and all the inhabitants expelled, it was decided to expand and increase the fortifications to what it is today and throughout the middle-ages it was the main stronghold and buffer between France and Spain.
During its time it was classed as one of the most impregnable of all medieval castles, and was classed as the prime example for any future castles built during the middle-ages. With the advent of the bronze cannon and artillery, warfare changed and the castle became redundant. It was de-militarised by Napoleon and in 1849 the Government recommended that the castle and fortifications should be demolished. There was an outcry throughout France and it was decided to restore the stronghold to its former glory, and work started in 1853, taking over 50 years to complete.
The lower-town was established in the middle-ages, and these days is a typical French town with a mixture of old and modern. When I visited I had a brief walk around the new-town, and then rode the bike up to the castle. There is free parking for motorbikes and cycles, but if you have a four-wheeled vehicle – then paid parking is limited. I spent the best part of the day wandering around the walled-city – and it is magnificent. If you come here you DO need a full-day as there is so much to see. And wear strong shoes…! When you buy your ticket, 20eu with an audio guide, this gives you access to the castle keep, as well as the battlements, which allow you to walk all the way around the fortifications. Inside the walls is a whole small city, and there is a cathedral, zillions of places to eat and shops to buy trinkets, artwork, clothing…. There is so much to do and see. I was absolutely exhausted when I got back to the campsite, but it was well worth spending a day there. If you are ever in the area – please go and visit. it’s well worth it.
