The city of the Prince of Thieves - Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historic complex considered to be the largest medieval complex of this type in Europe. His beauty captivated Kevin Costner so much that he decided to make the film "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" in it.

The most beautiful fortified city in Europe is located in southern France, in the Aude department. It has about 47 thousand. residents, and - as an important tourist center - each year receives nearly 3 million guests from various countries. In 1997, its old part was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Carcassonne 's beauty is made up of many factors, ranging from the atmospheric cobbled streets, through huge gates and drawbridges, to the hills covered with hectares of vines stretching in the area. In addition, it is beautifully situated in the immediate vicinity of the Pyrenees.

City of knights

Carcassonne is divided into two parts: upper and lower. The upper one is a stronghold known as the Cité . It is surrounded by a huge double belt of defensive walls with gates, towers and 53 shooting towers. Each strip was built in a different period - the outer walls were built in Roman times, while the internal ones were erected in the 6th century. The center of the complex is a castle built on a square plan and a Gothic temple, Basilica of Saint-Nazaire.

It is an unforgettable experience to visit Carcassonne in July and August. Visitors to the city during this period may not so much get the impression that time has stopped here, but that it flows backwards. In the summer season, there are costume performances and knight tournaments, as well as concerts of music from the Middle Ages. You can also watch falconry shows .

Lower Town

The upper part of the city attracts tourists who are passionate about chivalry, while the lower one offers completely different attractions. Especially noteworthy is the 17th-century Canal du Midi stretching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Its length is 175 miles. Tourists are also attracted by two religious monuments - the cathedral of St.-Michel from the 13th century and the church of St.-Vincent, built in the next century.

On Carnot Square, you can sit in one of the dozens of intimate restaurants, cafes and bars. There are also boutiques, shops and stalls. On the street stalls you can buy vegetables and fruit as well as medieval props such as crowns, scepters, swords and guns. It is fun and colorful here, and the eyes of tourists are attracted by fabulously colorful fabrics. Lavender's calming aroma comes from everywhere - the region is famous for its cultivation.

Campsite in Carcassonne

You don't have to worry about those who love Carcassonne's atmosphere like Kevin Costner. If someone wishes to stay in the city for a longer time, many hotels, private accommodation and 4-star Camping de la Cité , open from 23/03 to 5/10, offer hospitality. It is located 3 km from the Canal du Midi and the main attractions are within easy walking distance. Tourists have at their disposal grassy, partially shaded lots, separated from each other by hedges.

Depending on the season, a parking space for a motorhome and a stay of 2 adults must be paid between EUR 18.3 and EUR 28 per day. Access to electricity costs 4.4 euros a day, while a pet stay - from 2.8 to 3.8 euros a day.

Thanks to its location, the campsite is a great starting point for nearby attractions. There are many possibilities - the Pyrenees in the south, Montagne Noire in the north, Toulouse in the west, Corbières in the east, and further, approx. 70 km away, the beaches of Narbonne and Gruissan. Approx. 20 km to the north is a charming village called Lastours with beautiful bridges and ruins of castles. The area also tempts cave hikers - to the east of the city you will find two that are worth paying more attention to: Limousis and Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine. You can really lose track of time in this region.