arcassonne
is the "Cité", this very famous and extraordinary
architectural monument, unique in Europe, this miracle of
stones on a hill, looming over the surrounding vineyards
of Minervois or Carcassès, the Black Mountain or
the sinuous outlines of the Corbières with towers
and ramparts that are centuries old.... BUT... Carcassonne
is much more than this ! Carcassonne is a city within two
cities..
The
Lower Town, also called Bastide Saint Louis, hides many
treasures, whose names we mentioned before. All these witnesses
of the History which are generally less celebrated than
the monuments of the Cité, are however even interesting
for those who know how to walk through narrow streets and
get into a courtyard....
Irony
of History, Carcassonne is a town which
seems to show a sort of dualism in its current aspect. Just
like the cathar doctrine which flourished here seven centuries
ago, and which was chased away and destroyed by the Inquisition.
Carcassonne is a brilliant city, a true star, classified
as World Patrimony by the UNESCO. Millions of tourists come
here every year from all over the world. The spectacular
Fireworks on July, 14th attract 12 times the population
of the town in one single day !!! Huuuuuge traffic jams
!!!
But
like all stars, something else hides behind the sun glasses...
Carcassonne is just "Carca" for its 45,000 inhabitants,
the "carcassonnais". At first glance, it seems
to be a sometimes sleepy town, with sad and monotonous streets.
But they are the sun glasses of the star you have to remove
with delicacy, so as to discover what makes Carca : its
narrow streets, its secret gardens, its courtyards, its
fountains, ...We give you three points of access into Carcassonne
: The Portes Narbonnaises (Narbonne's Gate), the Pont Vieux
(Old Bridge) and the Canal du Midi. You will be able to
see everything, passing from one page to another. The little
compass indicates the accessible places from the page you
are on. Then just click your choice ! Canal du Midi The
Old BridgeNarbonne's Gate The Cité The Lower Town
No time to roam through the streets ?? Here you can go straight
ahead to the place you want to see !!
