Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting? Let’s find out
Carcassonne is a city in the South of France, near the Spanish border. Its main claim to fame is the walled city, which was built in the 12th century and is still largely intact today. If you are wondering if Carcassonne is worth visiting, our answer is yes. We will give you the reasons why to visit this amazing town in Southern France.
Apart from the great Old Town part, the city also has a large number of interesting museums and a bustling market. The best way to get around is to walk, as the city centre is small and most of the sights are within easy walking distance. You can explore the fortified medieval walls that were built in the 13th century, and take a tour of the stunning cathedral.
You Will Travel Back in Time at Carcassonne
The small French city of Carcassonne is considered by many to be the best example of a “Medieval Cité”. Since its establishment in the 12th century, it has been the site of many royal dynasties. Its architecture is a testament to its rich history.
Standing from the medieval period to the present day. Many of its events have been chronicled by the evolving styles of the city’s architects and buildings. This makes it a living history lesson for anyone who visits. Even better, Carcassonne is preserved in an amazing state. You can still experience the city as it was in Medieval times when visiting. As you can see Carcassonne is worth visiting as a historical site.
Carcassonne Has a Great Market
Carcassonne is one of those towns that’s full of life, even during the off-season. The Carcassonne Market adds an extra layer of charm to the city. It attracts people from everywhere.
When planning a visit to the market it’s best you get there early. This way you can mingle with the locals and find the best products. It can get a little crowded as the day goes on.
You’ll find everything from handmade knick-knacks to local produce and fresh bread. You will be able to see and taste everything this region of France can offer. Lucky for you, it’s not only open on Sundays. In fact, the market is closed on Sundays. You can visit it every other morning.
Carcassone Worth Visiting as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Carcassonne was first founded around 100 BC by the Romans. They built the fortress on a hillside to protect a strategic trade route. The fortified walls are modelled after earlier Roman fortifications, and the builders added their own architectural styles to the structure. Through medieval ages, many extensions and upgrades were added to the fortress. These modifications give a unique feeling of the walled city.
Carcassonne, as one of the most famous and best-preserved medieval fortified cities in Europe, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Since then, the small city in southern France has continued to attract droves of travellers each year.
Another Reason to Visit Carcassone: Southern France
Southern France’s clear, balmy weather, mountainous coastline, and fragrant lavender fields make it the ideal summer destination. While it’s impossible to see everything in one trip, you can explore some of the French Riviera from Carcassone.
When the weather is warm, southeastern France’s landscapes are great for travelling. Between the seaside and the mountains are a variety of towns and villages that are worth exploring. If you are looking to explore the surrounding, the question is Carcassonne worth visiting is simple to answer: Yes.
You Can Visit Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park
The Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park is a large protected park in the south of France. It is known for its natural beauty. As such it is a popular tourist destination. There are many activities available to visitors.
There are over 2500 square-kilometres of land. The beautiful park is dotted with hills that are perfect for mountain biking. There are also many paths for hiking and many areas that offer a peaceful view of the beautiful natural park. It’s also home to many waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. The park and surrounding area are great for an outdoor adventure.
Should You Stay in Carcassonne or Visit as Day Trip
The answer to this question depends on what kind of a holiday you are looking for. If you are travelling in summer and you want to spend most of your time on the beach, we recommend a coastal town. However, if you are travelling for an active holiday Carcassonne is a great pick.
In any case, if you are staying in the area we highly recommend a day trip to Carcassonne. You will not regret checking out this amazing medieval walled city. It’s really worth to visit Carcassonne for history and wonderful architecture.
For more guides check out our French UNESCO Sites guide.
