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Old City Walls

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Fairy Tale in the South of France
Carcassonne, set high up on a hill in the south of France, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and today serves as one of the most impressive walled cities in the country. The medieval fortress is surrounded by two massive walls and 53 towers which protected it during medieval times. It’s like walking straight into a fairy tale with King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
The fairy tale collection of drawbridges, towers, and charming cobbled streets was reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty, and it’s a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France. Interesting factoid, Carcassonne has been used in many films including the famous Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner with the fortress being used to depict Nottingham Castle.




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When I first visited the medieval fortress my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. The approach up to the walled city gives you plenty of time to admire it’s size and beauty. I had never before seen such a large fortified city so well preserved. It truly was like walking back in time to a different world. Inside the city the feeling was heightened even more as I explored the medieval streets, climbed around the miles of preserved walls, and stopped into the authentic shops featuring time period goods and artifacts. Although both the Romans and Visigoths were here, Carcassonne started to really flourish under the wealthy Trencavel family of the late 12th century. Throughout its history, there have been campaigns to demolish and renovate it and in the mid-1800s, renovations began to preserve it as a historical monument. What appears today is a medieval castle complete with a drawbridge, a grassy moat, and fortified guard towers. Carcassonne played a key role in cross border trade with Spain as well keeping the feared Moors at bay from overrunning the rest of Europe. However, the city’s wealth and prestige dried up with the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, when Roussillon was restored to France. As trade dwindled, the city walls, no longer needed for protection, fell into disrepair and it wasn’t until restoration began in the 1800s that things started to improve. It was this restoration which helped save Carcassonne and ensure that the rich history and beauty would be maintained for generations.

Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!

Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
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Local Tips
Climb the church tower:
If you’re up for climbing, the church tower at St. Vincent allows you to get on the highest point in Carcassone. From here you’ll have breathtaking views of the whole city. Access is free.
The church is also a great example of Languedoc Gothic, with its 15th-century rosettes and stained glasses windows.
The fairytale collection of drawbridges, towers, and charming cobbled streets was reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty, and it’s a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France.
Carcassonne has also been used in many major Hollywood films including ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ starring Kevin Costner.
Where To Stay
Inside the medieval city walls would be ideal, but it will be more expensive than staying outside the city walls in the more modern city. The Hotel Le Donjon is a wonderful stay with dim lighting and deep red decor take you into what feels like a medieval castle. It also has a wonderful location inside La Cite.
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Carcassonne By Interest
This is just a small taste of what the Carcassonne area has to offer. For a full and complete personal guide see ‘Get your Guidester guide’ below.
- Art & History
- Foodie
- Outdoorsy

Borghese Gallery
This building is one of Rome’s renowned museums because of the vast number of Bernini statutes it houses; it is the biggest collection in the world. It is situated in the grounds of Villa Borghese and was first constructed in the 17th century by Cardinal Borghese.
Tip: Only those with a pre-paid admissions ticket will be let in. You can find the booking/ticket office in the basement.

Piazza del Popolo
Literally meaning ‘People’s Square’, this is one of the most famous squares in Rome. In addition to an Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II, Piazza del Popolo is famed for its twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
Tip: Another must see is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, famous for its Renaissance art by some of the greatest artists ever to work in Rome: Pinturicchio, Raphael, Carracci, Caravaggio, and Bernini.

Baths of Caracalla
These ancient baths were opened in the 3rd century as a bathing complex that spread over 11 hectares. They were named after Emperor Caracalla and at one point could hold 1,600 guests bathing inside. The building used to be highly decorated with decorative mosaics and rich bricks, many of which are displayed within.

Day Trip to Tivoli
These ancient baths were opened in the 3rd century as a bathing complex that spread over 11 hectares. They were named after Emperor Caracalla and at one point could hold 1,600 guests bathing inside. The building used to be highly decorated with decorative mosaics and rich bricks, many of which are displayed within.

Horseback Ride Ancient Rome
If you love horses, nature and history, a walk on horseback along the spectacular Appian Way and surrounding Park will be an experience you will never forget.
With expert guides and horsemen, Sandro Bernardini and Andrea, you will see archaeological treasures, some of which would be difficult to reach except on horseback. 1hr, 2hr, 3hr riding tours.

Ziplining
Situated 730m above sea level in the small medieval town of Rocca Massima, the world’s fastest and longest zip line course is only an hour’s drive from central Rome. Travelling from sweeps from the Lazio coast in the Alban hills to the mountains of Abruzzo, the route passes through vast olive groves and karst areas gliding up the slopes of Monte S. Angelo Cradle of Falco Pellegrino.