Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully restored walled city, especially famous as a stronghold of the Cathars in the Albigensian Crusade.
Visitors can not help but be fascinated by the history of the area. In the early 13th Century, the Catholic Pope launched a crusade against the Cathars. Languedoc was a stronghold of the Cathars and targeted local people have sought refuge in the impregnable fortress of the hill, where they suffered many months of siege, the firstStandstill. Many of the "heretics" were killed or burned at the stake and the surrounding region was devastated. The majestic ruins of many of these fortresses as legendary Quéribus Peyrepertuse and yet you see, is offering visitors an exciting glimpse into the past as well as panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Rooney Skills 2011
Carcassonne was restored in 1853 and today would not be out of place in a fairy tale, with its pointed towers and drawbridges.The city is actually divided into two, the heart of the medieval fortified Cité and the commercial "Ville Basse" below. Most visitors come only for the City and their first impressions of the beautiful double walls are around the city, punctuated by 53 towers. Within the walls of the castle Comtal in the 12th Century as a place of considerable prosperity built, Viscount of Carcassonne. Today there are guided tours and educational activities and a permanent exhibitionthe restoration of the Cité.
Close to the Place de l'Eglise, the Basilica of St-Nazaire. has been described as "the jewel of the Cité" of the 11th Century Cathedral was founded. Originally built in Romanesque style, with gargoyles and recent changes in the structure of a gothic look.
"Petit Train" leaves regularly from Narbonnaise to give visitors a tour of the towers and ramparts. And nearby, just outside the city wallsMuseum of the Middle Ages, where visitors can enjoy a city model and interactive exhibits.
Other family attractions include the Parc and the Cite des Oiseaux Australia
Why Carcassonne