The medieval Cité
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cité of Carcassonne is one of the most complete fortified ensembles in Europe. Restored in the nineteenth century by Viollet-le-Duc, it brings together the Comital Castle, Saint-Nazaire Basilica with its rare stained glass and a double curtain wall with a wall walk. Entry is through the Porte Narbonnaise, flanked by its two towers. Meeting here at the end of the day, when the light sets the stones aflame, is enough to spark a storybook mood.
The Bastide Saint-Louis
On the other side of the Aude, the Bastide Saint-Louis, founded in 1247 by Saint Louis, lays out its streets in a straight grid around Place Carnot and the Neptune Fountain. You find there Saint-Michel Cathedral, many mansions and lively café terraces in the evening. A date here reconnects with the real daily life of the town, far from the tourist stream, and lets the evening continue simply in a neighbourhood bistro.
Old Bridge and Canal du Midi
The pedestrian Pont Vieux links the two towns and offers the finest view of the Cité, especially at the blue hour of dawn or dusk. In the town centre, the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi invites a shaded walk among the plane trees and a summer cruise. On Lyad, Carcassonne and Audois singles share their favourite addresses; it is up to you to find someone to cross the next drawbridge with.
Date ideas
- Medieval Cité
- Comital Castle
- Saint-Nazaire Basilica
- Porte Narbonnaise
- Bastide Saint-Louis
- Old Bridge
- Canal du Midi
