Details for Carcassonne
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Carcassonne has been influenced by over 2,000 years of conquests, crusades, and the prosperous period of Catharism’s religion. Before its restoration, the Cité was an abandoned place in an outlying area in a town made wealthy by the wine trade and the clothes manufacturing industry. Today, Carcassonne offers a unique historical and architectural asset. In the absence of any heavy industry, tourism is undoubtedly the city’s strength both because of its geographic position and its exceptional heritage. The medieval walled town, the “Cité,” lies on the right bank of river Aude, and is still home to a population of around 120, with a large number of shops and craftsmen. On the left bank, the modern city Bastide Saint Louis has kept its historical roots. You will be amazed by its outstanding variety of architectural styles, including buildings dating from the 14th to the 18th century, such as the Saint Michel Cathedral.
49,600
Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Emergency: 112
Police: 17
Ambulance: 15
Fire Brigade: 18
Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am-7 pm, but smaller shops may be closed at lunchtime from 12 pm-2 pm. Stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, except for annual sales events.
Acrobranche O2 Aventure
Acrobranche O2 Aventure
In the area of Lac de La Cavayere you can find this acrobatic park. There are different trails of different levels with monkey bridges, wall climbing, Tarzan jumps and much more. For parents or anyone who is not fond of heights and adrenalin kicks of this sort there are also picnic areas to watch the spectacle from.
Basilica Saint Nazaire
Basilica Saint Nazaire
The “Jewel of the Cité” (11th-14th centuries) is a prime example of Norman and Gothic architecture existing comfortably side by side. It is home to the tomb of Bishop Pierre de Rochefort (14th century) and one of the oldest and most important organs of South of France. This national monument offers masses every Sunday at 11 am.
Bastide Saint Louis
Bastide Saint Louis
The Bastide Saint Louis is the heart of Carcasonne, built in 1260, to a checkerboard layout around the Place Carnot and its colourful market. Wandering in rich southern French charm, you will see beautiful religious buildings like Church Saint Vincent, private mansions as well as restful parks and gardens. Among top attractions is the Gothic-styled Saint-Michel Cathedral, which features a wealth of objects of worship and art work.
Canal du Midi
Canal du Midi
Nearby Bastide Saint Louis, you can continue your visit along the famous Canal du Midi that is suitable for its fine trekking, but there are also several boat trips to choose from. The canal was built in the 17th century and together with some other waters it connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Canal du Midi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carcassonne Croisière offers plenty of fun and relaxing boat trips:
Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante
Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante
This small museum is located very close to the medieval city walls. Its exhibition with photos, recollections, uniforms and memorabilia focus on the French military history and it has a section that shows the local area during World War II. There is also a small library featuring journals and books that deals with this topic.
Château Comtal
Château Comtal
Originally the dwelling of powerful feudal lords, the The Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) has undergone many changes over the centuries. This very well looked after and repaired 12th century Medieval castle is part of Cité de Carcassonne (the medieval city). Learn more about its history by taking an informative audio tour. The castle also houses a small museum with historical painting, statues and relics.
Cité de Carcassonne
Cité de Carcassonne
This impressive UNESCO world heritage medieval fortress is unique in Europe for its beauty and size and walking along its 3 kilometres of ramparts is a must. There is no entrance fee, unless you would like to take a tour on the small train which means a small fee. The site was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.
La Maison Hantee
La Maison Hantee
This haunted house is good fun for everyone that likes being scared. Ghosts, dark rooms and scary noises will get your heart beating faster. After entering this building all you will wish for, is to get out from it as fast as possible.
Au Four St. Louis
Au Four St. Louis
Situated right in the centre, Au Four St. Louis offers their guests French cuisine that comes straight from the heart and made with fresh ingredients. The attentive and prompt service, the cosy ambiance and of course the delicious food are some of the reasons why tourists as well as the locals are coming back for more.
Au Jardin de la Tour
Au Jardin de la Tour
This restaurant does not look like much to the world from the outside, but after you have passed through the door and the bar, a beautiful garden appears. Au Jardin de la Tour has lovely outside tables and a menu containing both regional and Mediterranean food.
Auberge de Dame Carcas
Auberge de Dame Carcas
Auberge De Dame Carcas is a great venue to taste traditional regional dishes. You can try the home made Cassoulet with leg of duck, grilled piglet with honey sauce, and panned foie gras with red fruits.
Auberge des Ducs d’Oc
Auberge des Ducs d’Oc
This inn is situated on a quaint castle square, true to its medieval heritage, with stone walls and wooden beams. Auberge des Ducs d’Oc is open all year round for dinner and lunch with French specialities such as duck breast and foie gras.
Auberge des Lices
Auberge des Lices
Recommended by the locals, this restaurant is located in a narrow street, off the beaten path and housed in an elegant and medieval building. The menu provides the typical cassoulet, but also other dishes such as the ‘parillada’ which is made with fresh fish and is definitely worth a try.
Chez Fred
Chez Fred
Located just a short walk from Canal du Midi, opposite the train station, Chez Fred serves sophisticated, traditional Mediterranean food as well as French cuisine. The great buzz, efficient staff and the freshly prepared food are some of the reasons people are coming back for more.
L'Escargot
L'Escargot
If you have not tried the typical French dish "L'Escargot" (snails), this is a good restaurant for your premiere. At L'Escargot, you order French "tapas" and you and your company share several small French dishes, so if you happen to not like the delicacy, it will not end with you having to leave the restaurant hungry.
La Jonque
La Jonque
If craving for Asian food, then La Jonque is a great choose to head for. This little hidden gem serves top notch Chinese food and for sure well worth a visit. Make sure to book a table since this is a busy small restaurant with not that many tables.
Café Saillan
Café Saillan
Head for Café Saillan, in the centre of the city, close to the market, for breakfast, lunch or just for a coffee or a cold drink. This welcoming cafe is visited by many regulars but also by people who are just passing by. Sit down and have a relaxing moment on the outside terrace and watch the world go by while enjoying your meal and coffee.
Crêperie le Blé Noir
Crêperie le Blé Noir
At this extremely popular venue you will find excellent crêpes, both sweet and salty ones. They are deliciously served with fruit, chocolate or what your heart desires. When here expect outstanding service and the prices are reasonable as well.
L'apar Thé
L'apar Thé
Located inside the La Galerie Géant Salvaza, L'apar Thé offers a warm and modern setting where you can discover a world of great variety of coffee and tea. A combined shop and cafe, the store offers a wide selection of coffee, tea, crockery and gift ideas. This is a great place where to refuel between all the shopping.
La Petite Cuillère
La Petite Cuillère
Whether you are craving for salty or sweet, La Petite Cuillère for sure offers a great mix of food and desserts. Pies, salads, soups, bagels, sandwiches, cakes, smoothies, pastries and yogurts are all on the menu, just waiting for you to pick.
Le Chaudron Cathare
Le Chaudron Cathare
Simple cafe with a breakfast and lunch menu, Le Chaudron Cathare serves great paninis, sandwiches, soups, snacks and savoury pancakes, waffles as well as a wide variety of ice creams. There is a shaded courtyard where you can cool down on a very hot day while enjoying your food and drink.
Le Marcou
Le Marcou
Le Marcou is located in the beautiful Medieval Cité and is very busy place. This is a popular cafe among tourists who come to enjoy ice cream, tea and cocktails or simply a good coffee.
Le Petit Moka
Le Petit Moka
Le Petit Moka is a charming venue with a good location near the river Aude and offers a wide range of coffee and tea for a reasonable price. Great for a break between tours in the Cité and Bastide Saint Louis.
Méery Cake
Méery Cake
The name says it all, if you have a sweet tooth then this is the place to head for. Méery Cake is a beautiful shop with a large variety of lovely cakes and cupcakes with all sorts of yummy flavours. If this was not enough, they have a great assortment of sweets available and displayed in large glass jars. You can either stay in or take away, but if you do stay in, they have free WiFi so take the opportunity and get connected with your friends.
Bloc G
Bloc G
Bloc G is a hotel and is located in the medieval part of Carcassonne. Its modern and charming wine bar attracts a mixed clientele. Here you can enjoy delicious food and carefully selected wine from the oldest vineyards in the world. If the weather permits, enjoy your drink on the terrace.
Brasserie du Dôme
Brasserie du Dôme
Brasserie du Dôme is a popular venue to start with an aperitif in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The home-made sangria is famous, and it is a great place to watch concerts! If you are feeling hungry, they serve French food.
La Métairie
La Métairie
At La Métairie, you can enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by a fabulous panoramic view of Carcassonne. This is a great place to hang out with friends or that special someone.
Le Bar à Vins de la Cité
Le Bar à Vins de la Cité
Situated off the main tourist street, you will find this buzzing little hideaway. Le bar à vins is a lovely tapas bar with causal music, friendly service and with a relaxed ambiance, making it a great place to visit after a day of sightseeing. The menu provides a good range of beers and wines and it all can be enjoyed on the shaded courtyard.
Le Verre d'un
Le Verre d'un
Discover and enjoy some fine wines with friends or your loved ones at Le Verre d'un. The interesting wine selection is varied and cater all budgets and it all can be enjoyed inside or on the terrace. If you would like to try wine tasting, then make sure to check the program on the website or book a private tasting.
O’Sheridan’s
O’Sheridan’s
This is a typical Irish pub serving a wide range of beers accompanied by great live music. O’Sheridan’s Pub is a place for those who miss the British style pubs and Guinness! If you like singing, don´t miss out the karaoke nights.
Plugg d
Plugg d
Plugg d is a tapas bar where you can relish homemade tapas accompanied with a good wine. The decor is perfectly combined with contemporary, industrial and rustic style with a big bar and custom made bar tables. When the evening falls, the lights get dimmed and Dj puts the record on to get the vibe going. Also hosting live entertainment.
The Celt
The Celt
If you want to visit another traditional Irish pub you are welcome to The Celt. Each night you can enjoy an activity here, how about The Celt Darts Challenge on Mondays or sports on Tuesday and Wednesdays? Also providing live entertainment on Thursdays from September to May.
Bastide Saint Louis
Bastide Saint Louis
In the modern lower city, Bastide Saint Louis, there is a popular market for clothing on boulevard Barbès. Nearby, rue Georges Clémenceau and rue de Verdun are the major streets for shopping with a vast array of retailers, bookshops with rare or sold-out editions, shoes, cosmetics and perfume. On Place Carnot, the colourful market, with a mouth-watering selection of local delicacies is definitely worth a visit.
Chaussea
Chaussea
Whatever your style in footwear is, you will for sure find it in Chaussea. Here they offer a wide selection of shoes for men, women and children. With the latest collection, the staff are happy to help you to find the perfect shoes whether you need sneakers, boots, heels or dress shoes.
Cité
Cité
Shopping in the walled Cité is more authentic, although most of the shops are dedicated to tourists. There are a large number of tiny stores, boutiques and craftsmen. All kinds of souvenirs can be bought such as original clothes in wool, old maps, or gift items like antiques and local art or crafts. Knives, swords and other medieval weapons are also found in speciality shops. You will find excellent souvenirs and toys for the kids! There are a couple of good souvenir shops at the junction of rue Cros-Mayrevieille and rue Saint Sernin. For genuine articles, try the “Antiquities,” at the bottom of the rue Porte d’Aude. It is the oldest and most reliable shop for antiques.
Jeff de Bruges
Jeff de Bruges
The story of Jeff de Bruges’ chocolate started in the Belgian town Bruges. If you love chocolate, you might have to give these chocolates a go. The cute and stylish shop in Carcassonne offers a lot of nice treats and you will certainly not leave the store empty handed.
La Ferme
La Ferme
For all the foodies, when in Carcassonne, La Ferme is an excellent upmarket deli to visit. With over 6,000 gourmet products and gifts to choose from, you will for sure find something that will suite your taste.
Les Halles
Les Halles
Everything you will need when it comes to food, you will find it in this food hall, which is housed in a beautiful building, built in 1768. Stalls offering fresh produce from the region everything from high quality cheese to fresh vegetables, bakery goods, fruits, meats and fish.
Monoprix
Monoprix
Monoprix is one of the most famous chains in France. Here you can find everything from food, cosmetics and interior design to affordable clothing.
Nailloux Fashion Village
Nailloux Fashion Village
Located about 70 kilometres northwest of Carcassonne, the large shopping centre Nailloux Fashion Village offers well-known brands at factory outlet prices. Here you can find brands such as Desigual, Haribo, Nike, Calvin Klein, Mango Samsonite and Guess.
Aeroport de Carcassonne-Salvaza - Airport
Aeroport de Carcassonne-Salvaza - Airport
Carcassonne is served by an international airport, “Aeroport de Carcassonne-Salvaza”, located 2 kilometres west of the city. The cheapest and fastest way to get into town is the shuttle service. Shuttles run according to flight schedules, departure is every 30 minutes after each flight arrival and take you to the city centre, train station and the Cité. Tickets can be bought on the buss and is valid over the entire urban network for one hour. If you rather take a taxi, the cost from the airport to Carcassonne town centre is normally cheaper than a taxi to the Cité. Carcassonne Taxis +33 4 68 71 50 50
Taxi
Taxi
You can either book a taxi by phone or go to one of the taxi stands which can be found outside the railway station, in the medieval city or in the town centre. One taxi company is Allo Carcassonne Taxi and they are available 24/7:
Bike
Bike
A good way to see the city and the rural surroundings is by renting a bike. Just be aware that the area is hilly. One of the well-reviewed and centrally located companies that provide bike rentals is Alter-ride.
Buses and Shuttles
Buses and Shuttles
The “Aglo’Bus” runs an efficient network of public buses and shuttles. Network of 11 bus routes are serving the city and the surrounding areas. You can purchase tickets on board or at the company hub (Halte Centrale/Parking du Dôme on Square Gambetta). Do not forget to validate your ticket when you enter the vehicle. There are travel cards for longer stays. There are also tourist train shuttle services, that operates between the medieval city and the Bastide Saint Louis. Outward route: Chénier - Davilla – Dôme - Medieval City. Return route: Medieval City - St Gimer - Gambetta - Chénier
Electricity
Electricity
220/240 V AC, 50Hz
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are scattered around the city and can be recognised by the green cross. If you encounter any emergency situation, the duty pharmacy's name and phone number are on the door. Otherwise, you can call 3237 to get more information. Some of the pharmacies that can be found in area are: Sarcos Pierre 9 Place Carnot, Carcassonne +33 4 68 11 99 99 Pharmacie Lozano-Grimaldi 81 rue de Verdun, Carcassonne +33 4 68 25 08 11 pharma.lozano@wanadoo.fr www.totum.fr For all night pharmacy call +33 4 68 11 26 00
Post
Post
Stamps are available from kiosks and newsagents. Main Post Office:
Telephone
Telephone
Country code: +33 Area code: 468
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