The Medieval walled town of Carcassonne sits high above its present day namesake and its strategic position is very obvious as you gaze down on the sizeable town below on the other side of the river.
It is the largest walled town in Europe with its walls intact
and once again we have to thank Napoleon III who recognised the importance of this historical site to the French people and ordered that it be completely restored.
Today thousands of people flock to see this mighty construction. When you first arrive you are bowled over by its size.
Walking through the entrance, it towers above you and you wonder at construction that today would need cranes and scaffolding, hard hats and steel toed boots and flocks of cement trucks churning out cement.
Wonderful views of the surrounding countryside can be seen through the windows
and the walls are wonderful to walk..... and climb up and down turrets and watch towers.
Inside the walls are shops and houses,
even this huge church with lovely stained glass windows
and this huge amphitheatre which is still used for performances during the Summer season.
The visit was a strenuous day out with all the walking and climbing
but we rewarded ourselves with a lunch of the specialty of the area
Cassoulet !
We both eventually had to admit defeat but it was delicious !
Cheers.
Incredible to think how they managed to build such a structure isn't it? Glad you enjoyed your day there,
ReplyDeleteAll this old stuff fills me with wonder Jane.
DeleteInteresting to see again. Both times I've been there the temp was in the 30s, not conducive to thorough exploration. Looks like it was a much nicer day for exploration for you.
ReplyDeleteMarg, I wondered how you stood the heat when you were there. ... and I guess there were crowds of people too. Hope you pick somewhere cooler for your next trip, where to next? I'm thinking Austria ???
DeleteWow! Absolutely amazing! What a place! One that I've only learned about this morning...from your very interesting post, Helsie! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd the Cassoulet looks very tasty and satisfying indeed! :)
The Cassoulet was great Lee. I think it was the huge sausage that did me in !!!
DeleteI can imagine! lol
DeleteYou shouldn't talk about Tony like that Helen!
DeleteIt is a shame that the old town of Carcassonne is thronged with tourists each summer. Good job you went in October. My brother and his girlfriend live thirty miles west of Carcassonne and I have flown into the town's little airport several times.
ReplyDeleteI had seen so many photos of it YP that I was very eager to see it myself and I was not disappointed. Apparently it is wonderful lit up at night too.
Deletelast night OH and myself were discussing where we could go in the Spring for a short break and Carcassonne was on our list.Seeing you photos has made me put it top of the list.For us it is a 30 minute drive to Liverpool Airport and then a 2 hour(if that) flight to Carcassonne.Watch this space!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very interesting place BJ and I regret that we did not get to explore the town below and the nearby Canal de Midi.too.
DeleteWow ~ I missed this post. What an incredible place.
ReplyDelete