Between History and Heritage An entire city to admire

Carcassonne unfolds like an open-air history book. From the Medieval City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Bastide Saint-Louis, passing by the Old Bridge and the Canal du Midi, the city boasts an exceptional heritage. Museums, markets, monuments, lively streets, and excellent restaurants complete this exploration.

From the Hôtel du Pont Vieux, you are ideally located to set off on foot to discover the different faces of Carcassonne.

The Medieval City In the heart of the Middle Ages

With its ramparts, towers, fortified gates, and narrow streets, the Medieval City of Carcassonne offers an exceptional setting. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it can be visited freely and invites you to step back in time.

The lower town La Bastide Saint-Louis

On the other side of the Aude River, the Bastide Saint-Louis offers another perspective of Carcassonne. Created in the 13th century according to a planned layout, it reveals itself through its streets, squares, and shops. Place Carnot, the lively heart of the Bastide, invites visitors to linger around the Neptune fountain and the café terraces. Saint-Michel Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Maison des Mémoires (House of Memories) complete this exploration of the historic center and Carcassonne life.

Culture & History The museums of Carcassonne

Carcassonne boasts several museums that offer a deeper exploration of its history and heritage. In the Bastide, the Museum of Fine Arts displays artistic collections, while the Maison des Mémoires (House of Memories) evokes the life and work of the poet Joë Bousquet. In the Cité (City), the School Museum brings to life the world of schools of yesteryear, and the Museum of the Inquisition revisits a pivotal period in medieval history. These museums offer a different way to explore Carcassonne, beyond its monuments.

Local Flavors & Life The markets of Carcassonne

To discover Carcassonne through its flavours and local atmosphere, head to the markets.

In Place Carnot, fruit and vegetable stalls are set up on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, with a particularly lively market featuring local and organic producers on Saturdays. The market on Boulevard Commandant Roumens is also held on Saturday mornings. At the Halles Prosper Montagné, open Tuesday through Saturday mornings, butchers, delicatessen owners, fishmongers, greengrocers, and other vendors offer their products in a friendly atmosphere.

Another way to discover the city The Canal du Midi

After the stones and ramparts, give way to the gentle beauty of the Canal du Midi. Built in the 17th century under the direction of Pierre-Paul Riquet, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

In Carcassonne, the canal can be explored on foot or by bike along its banks, but also by boat thanks to the guided tours offered from the port. A peaceful interlude to discover the city from a different perspective, between nature and heritage.