Carcassonne is one of the most important and spectacular tourist attractions in Occitanie and should be on everyone’s list of places to visit. There are in fact two Carcassonnes - the Ville Basse or lower town and the Cité or fortified town, the latter being the focus of interest for most visitors and a UNESCO world heritage site. See the Practical Info section below for the best views and photo opportunities!

The citadel dates from the Gallo-Roman period and has been occupied by Romans, Visigoths, Crusaders followed by the French and is renowned for its 3 km/1.9 m double walls with up to 40 towers with as many entrances. During the period leading up to the Albigensian Crusades, the Citadel and surrounding territory was ruled by the Trencavel family whose head was the Vicomte of Albi, Béziers and Nîmes. They also restored the defences in 1130 and this proved to be prescient considering events which were to follow.