Carcassonne is the capital of the Department of the Aude. The modern town is separated from the old “Cite”, the largest fortress in Europe. Carcassonne is situated on the junction of the east to west and north to south trading routes, and first became important under Julius Caesar. The Visigoths made it a stronghold, and the Saracens besieged it from the 11th c to the 13th c. It suffered greatly during the crusades when Simon de Montfort made it his headquarters in his fight against the Cathars. The Black Prince looted and burned the town in 1355 and it was an important strongpoint during the 17th c war with Spain. After peace was restored in 1659 the fortifications were allowed to fall in to disrepair but were restored in the 19th c.

            
            
Carcassonne.As it now stands the fortifications are the best example of medieval fortifications in existence, although it is agreed that they have been heavily renovated.            
The town has been used in numerous films, the latest being “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves”. The walls consist of a vast circle of double battlements enclosing medieval streets, that today, contain many boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants, it relies heavily on tourism.             
On the 14th July there is a massive firework display to celebrate Bastille Day, in which the whole of the Cite appears to go up in flames.             

During the past two years Carcassonne has become a popular gateway to the South West of France with the arrival of inexpensive flights by Ryanair from London(Stanstead) in England. We can recommend their service.