Carcassonne

The Cathar country

In a mild climate, set above the vineyards and scrublands, stands Carcassonne, the only fortified town in Europe which is still inhabited.
A land heavily marked by 2500 years of known history, this ancient fortress is divided by the canal du Midi and the river Aude. Found in the heart of the Barcelona-Montpellier-Toulouse triangle, Carcassonne is the link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It offers its many visitors a variety of possible activities from savouring its many gastronomic delights, to admiring its vines which produce delicious wines and appreciating its many historical attractions. This glorious city will appeal to those fans of history, culture and of course good food and wine.


To See: The medieval city, the St Pierre Bastide, the Memories of the Middle Ages Museum, the city of birds

To Taste: the cassoulet with red partridges, candied chicken intestines, chocolates from the city, the shank of ham, the confit of goose and duck

To Know: the city of Carcassonne is doubly classified as a World Heritage Site of the UNESCO since 1997.

Most Important: The Im@ginarium (a virtual theatre which re-enacts the Cathar period of Carcassonne’s history)

Navigating the Canal du Midi :

This canal was constructed by Pierre-Paul Riquet during the 17th century. With its famous round locks it was classified as a ‘world wonder’ by the UNESCO in 1996. A real life hydraulic museum, the Canal du Midi is overflowing in cultural richness and beautiful scenery. From Toulouse to Lake Tahu it is 240km long and has 64 locks, 55 aqueducts, 7 canal bridges and 126 bridges

Discover the maps of information and tourist attractions of your route from Carcassonne

Departures from Carcassonne:

One week:
Carcassonne – Castelnaudary – Carcassonne: 80km – 46 locks – 25 hours
One Way: Carcassonne – Agde: 125km – 36 locks – 25 hours

Two weeks:
Carcassonne – Montgiscard – Carcassonne: 160km – 88 locks – 42hours