Top 10 Things To Do And See In Carcassonne France

Fortified by the Romans and strategically located between Toulouse and the Mediterranean sea, Carcassonne is the largest citadel in Europe.

The Jacobin Gate

At the South end of the bastide St. Louis you’ll find the Jacobin gate, the only gate out of the four main gates of the walls that has survived until today. The gate was originally built around 1365 and it was rebuilt in 1779.

1. St. Vincent’s Church

Church

If you’re up for climbing to the top of this church’s tower, you will end up on the highest point in Carcassone. From here you’ll have breathtaking views of the whole city. The church is also a great example of Languedoc Gothic, with its 15th-century rosettes and stained glasses windows. Access is free.

Lady Carkass Statue

The statue of legendary heroine Lady Carkass stands right in front of the drawbridge. She was the wife of Saracen king Balaak and it’s from her that the city took its name. The original statue, dating back to the 16th century, is now well preserved in the Castle. Watch out for some of the shops in town which sell shortbreads called “Friandises de Dame Carcas” in honor of the heroine.

The bust of Lady Carcas welcomes visitors to the Old City

Hill of Pech Mary

This hill covers about 100 hectares of hillside with indigenous trees, and there is an initiative that is trying to turn the area into an eco-museum. There are many picnic areas, explanatory signs for information, and areas for children. On this hill you’ll also find La Cite des Oiseaux, an organization which provides a show of large birds in free flight, with falcons and storks. La Cité des Oiseaux is open from the beginning of March until the end of November.