Carcassonne is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France because this walled city retains its former glory and is incredibly beautiful, especially at night. Carcassonne is divided between the fortified city of Carcassonne and the lower village or Ville Basse.
The city was built with a concentric ring of outer walls to prevent siege attacks. Nearby is an old bridge and other sights in the city worth seeing include the church and basilica. If you plan to rent car hire in Carcassonne during the busy summer months then be aware that vehicles get booked up very quickly.
Carcassonne Mini Guide
Carcassonne is a town within the Aude Departement and is thought to have historically been a trading town around the 6th century BC. Located on Rue de Verndun is the Museum of Fine Arts which is open every day year round. Inside you can find paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries. It is a great attraction for all and is free to get in.
With your hire car you can take a short drive to the Basilica of Saint Nazaire which is a cathedral located on Place de l'eglise. The site dates back to as early as the 11th century and is open to visitors everyday but does tend to close early evening during winter months.
Rue Trivalle is where you will find an exhibition inside the Cultural centre containing a memorial for former soldiers. Open Monday to Saturday you can view items such as documents, costumes and objects all relating to soldiers of the country.
For a unique way to view the city you can opt to take a boat trip or guided tour. There are many trip providers that can offer tours such as Independent Tours located on Rue de Verdun, who will focus on the country estate. The trips typically take up to 2 hours and can be conducted in a range of languages such as Spanish and English.
For a special experience you can hire a boat from Quai Riquet throughout the week which will accommodate up to 12 people and gives the option of an overnight stay on-board. Hence this is a great fun option for couples, families and groups.
Other popular sites include Ponte Marengo bridge which at night looks spectacular with its magical lighting. The bridge is built across the Canal du Midi providing great photo opportunities.
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