Author: Benjamin Daviesbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Carcassonne, popularly known as the Cite, is an ancient walled city that reaffirms to visitors the grandeur of the department of Aude. Fully restored by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc in 1853, it serves to remind todays generation of the rich past of this region; a feat recognized by UNESCO when it included Carcassonne on its World Heritage list.
Visiting Carcassonne is truly an experience. You see, its not just a place that opens and closes to tourists. The Cite is actually home to about 120 residents. Sure, there are several restaurants and tourist shops but theres also the post office, a hotel, a school and other buildings that show that this is a living and breathing hamlet. Carcassonne is also home to the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, an open air area where plays are performed, and the Chateau Comtal, which is in the heart of Carcassonne. And as for the term walled city, Carcassonne is surrounded by two layers of walls. The outer walls link up 14 towers, which are divided by outer baileys from the inner walls, which connect 24 towers.
How to Reach Carcassonne
As its a very popular place to visit, the Cite is not hard to get to thanks to the various sign posts and directions one sees while driving to it. The sign posts direct you to the many car parks situated outside the Cite. However, many claim that the best way to reach Cite is by foot, beginning from the Ville Basse, which is the more contemporary, lower section of Carcassonne.
Begin your adventure from the Pont Vieux, which traverses the Aude and thus gives you a splendid view of the Cite from that angle. The path will lead you to Rue Trivalle, which is dotted with excellent cafes, where you can take a break and simply chill out.
When you reach Rue Gustave Nadaud, take a right. This will bring you straight to Porte Narbonnaise, the primary entrance of the Cite. As you cross Porte Narbonnaise, over the Cites moat, prepare to be awed by the truly impressive towers and fortifications of this medieval walled city.
Once youre inside, you can locate the Tourist Information Centre on your left. Be sure to check out the scale model of the area while youre there. It will give you a sense of just how big the city is. Carcassonne has been home to ramparts and battlements since the 1st century when the Romans established camp to assist contact between the Mediterranean and Toulouse. As it switched roles from being a majestic palace to a fortress, walls were erected to make it impenetrable.
As of this writing, entry tickets to the central chateau within the cite are only €6.50 for adults, inclusive of a guided tour. We say, what a small price to pay for a visit, not only a majestic fortress but to pay homage to such a great part of French history.
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