Carcassonne and the Chevaliers
written by kylewis
on September 12th, 2008
, 2 comments
(0 votes)
As you approach the Citadelle it’s fortified mass sprawling across the hills in the region of Languedoc the Aude Department in South Eastern France, your heart may take a leap with the expectation. Step back in time and enter the Cité de Carcassonne, A medieval fortified city with a twist!
There has been a settlement on this site since 3500BC, occupants and ‘visitors’ include Romans, Visigoths, Franks, Saracens, and Cathars, it’s history is long, bloody and troubled by many forms of destruction from wars to the 1849 French Government under Napoleon wanting to demolish it! Thankfully it is here today protected by UNESCO since 1997. If you can cope with the hoards of tourists during the summer months and let your imagination wander it is a fascinating place to get lost in.
Within it’s walls can be found a Cité both modern and medieval hotels; restaurants; youth hostel; tourist information; shops; cultural/ art exhibitions and regular tournaments like ‘Les Chevaliers’ a show not to be missed if you like a bit of medieval fun on horseback!. An acrobat music and birds of prey are also used in the show to great effect. Carcassonne is full of photo opportunities, whether it is images of the walls and architectural heritage, shop fronts, people or events something for everyone and all so different depending on the time of day you go. In the evening the cité is illuminated and looks spectacular.
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