Carcassonne is famous for the preservation of its old medieval city and double town walls. While the eighteenth century ‘new town’ below it is the modern center of the city, the majestically restored walls and castle of the still-functioning old town are the main draw. (2011)
A section of the fourteenth century walls and towers
The oldest sections of the wall like one this date back to the Gallo-Roman times of France
The old town inside the walls is full of both narrow medieval streets with half-timbered buildings as well as open spaces for a nice bit to eat
Eerie gargoyles dominate the outside of Basilica Saint Nazaire while bright stained glass lights the interior
Within the city, the Chateau Comtal is surrounded by yet another large wall which you enter at the impressive towered gate
A nice tartine au chèvre chaud at a cafe in Place Marcou
From the ramparts of the city wall, you get a view down to the newer town (relatively speaking) of Carcassonne dubbed the ‘Bastide St. Louis’
A portion of the famous Canal du Midi runs right through the town and later connects with the larger Aude
