A VISIT TO CARCASSONNE
So, you have decided to explore the beautiful medieval country of France. With its numerous breathtaking tourist destinations, it becomes confusing to what places should be added to the top of your exploration list.
So, let us help you out!
Have you ever pictured yourself standing inside an old medieval Hogwarts like castle that would take you centuries back and into a completely new world and a different era? In that case, France has just the right destination for you.
“The Carcassonne City” is a historical and an ancient city famous for its prehistoric citadels and the historic fortified castle of La Cité. Let’s dive in to find out places are worth visiting when Carcassonne kasteel bezoeken in Frankrijk and details about ticketing.
History Of Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a fascinating city with its history going back to over 2500 years ago and is located in the Occitanie region of France. With the course of time, the city underwent many wars and became a home for many rulers and civilizations, which is clearly depicted through the architecture of this place. It was acquired by the Romans, the Visigoths, the Saracens, and the Franks.
After the many invasions, the castle of Carcassonne was completely destroyed during the Napoleon period. It was rebuilt to its former glory by the architect Eugene Violett-le-Duc in the mid-1800s.
Famous Points To Explore While Visiting The City Of Carcassonne
Once you set your foot in the wonderful city of Carcassonne, you will find the place full of archaeological and historical wonders. Let’s see how to visit this fort-like city.
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Explore La Cité de Carcassonne
The first place to start your tour is La Cité de Carcassonne. The famous fortified castle with its double walls features a beautiful wooden structure and 52 towers, making it a must place to stop by. Due to its strong history, the castle was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997.
The long alleys, passages, and old wooden drawbridges give you a deep sense of history. The castle has a tower called The Inquisition Tower that is famous for the 13 century Catholic Inquisition. Carcassonne kasteel bezoeken in Frankrijk!
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The Pont Vieux
You would definitely not like to miss the splendid view The Pont Vieux has to offer. The bridge originally constructed in the 14th century was the major link between the lower city and the fortified castle. This bridge has impressive arches that allow you to view the beautiful scenery around the city on foot.
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The Canal Du Midi
Another site to explore while touring the Carcassonne is the UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites of The Canal Du Midi. The canal was once used for transporting goods and people into Carcassonne, and today, many people rent boats to travel through the canal and explore the several spots and eat along the way.
The Best Way To Take A Tour Through Carcassonne
So, how to explore the entire city at a much reasonable price and in the most efficient way? You can explore the city for free but need a ticket for the magnificent castle. Since it is a tourist destination with almost 4 million tourists around each year, you will find long queues at the entrance.
To avoid wasting your time in the long waiting line, book your tickets online. The online ticket may cost you €1 more than the original price, but you won’t have to wait under the sun. Another option is to take a 2-hour guided tour that will allow you to seek more knowledge about the castle and the city around.
And while you are there, don’t forget to visit the lower part of the city, founded in the 13 century, which is a major business market of Carcassonne today. You can visit various shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants there.
So, are you ready to Carcassonne kasteel bezoeken in Frankrijk?