practical guide - carcassonne

Guidepractical

www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr

CARCASSONNE- Unesco World Heritage Site -

Municipal Tourist Office28, rue de VerdunCS 60032 11890 Carcassonne Cedex - FranceTél (+33) 04 68 10 24 [email protected]

Summary

Opening timesBastide Saint-Louis (28 Rue de Verdun)• July and August :from 9h to 19h daily• April, May, June, September :from 9h to 18h from Monday to Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 10h to 13h• October :from 9h to 18h from Monday to Saturday• From November to March :from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30 from Monday to Saturday.

Medieval City (Narbonnaise Gate)• July and August :from 9h to 19h daily• April, May, June, September :from 9h to 18h daily• October:from 9h to 17h daily• From November to March :from Tuesday to Sunday from 9h to 13h and from 13h30 to 17h

Guide Pratique - Carcassonne - EDITION 2014Tirage : 50 000 exemplaires

Crédits Photos : Paul Palau - Mairie de CarcassonneImpression : Conseil ImprimConception : Barthe CommunicationRégie Publicitaire : Office de Tourisme de CarcassonneRédaction : Office de Tourisme de Carcassonne

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Useful information

Arriving at Carcassonne

Parking

Getting around

History of the city

Bastide Saint Louis

The Medieval City

Unusual visits

For children

Cavayère Lake

Canal du Midi

Discovering The Aude, circuits

Walks

Highlights

Culture and Leisure

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C A R C A S S O N N E - Practical Guide 2014 4

Useful InformationUseful numbers

Useful links

Left luggage and Bicycle lock-ups

• Police emergency .....................................................................................17• Ambulance Service ....................................................................................................15• Fire Service .............................................................................................................18• General Hospital .................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 24 24 24• Montréal Clinic ...................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 53 53• All night pharmacy ..............................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 26 00• Lost properties ...................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 77 70 18• Police Station ....................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 26 00• Gendarmerie .....................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 77 22 22• Weather ...........................................................................................+33 (0)8 92 68 02 11

Institutionals• Carcassonne Agglo ............................................+33 (0)4 68 10 56 00 - www.carcassonne-agglo.fr• Ville de Carcassonne .............................................. +33 (0)4 68 77 71 11 - www.carcassonne.org• Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Carcassonne ...+33 (0)4 68 10 36 00 - www.carcassonne.cci.fr• Préfecture ........................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 10 27 00

Tourism• Pays carcassonnais ........................................ +33 (0)4 68 26 73 79 - www.payscarcassonnais.com• Agence de développement touristique de l’Aude ......... +33 (0)4 68 11 66 00 - www.audetourisme.com• Association of Sites of the Pays Cathare ....................... +33 (0)4 68 11 37 97 - www.payscathare.org• Comité Régional du Tourisme Languedoc Roussillon ........... +33 (0)4 67 22 98 09 - www.sunfrance.com• Atout France ..................................................................................... www.atout-france.fr• Carcassonne airport ...................................+33 (0)4 68 71 96 46 - www.aeroport-carcassonne.com• Carcassonne marina ........................................ +33 (0)4 68 25 10 48 - www.port-carcassonne.com• Toulouse Tourist Office ....................................+33 (0)8 92 18 01 80 - www.toulouse-tourisme.com• Albi Tourist Office ...................................................+33 (0)5 63 49 48 80 - www.albi-tourisme.fr

Other• Gites de France ........................................ +33 (0)4 68 11 40 70 - www.gites-de-france-aude.com• Accueil des Villes Françaises Carcassonne ............... +33 (0)4 68 72 68 24 - avf.asso.fr/fr/carcassonne

Hôtel de la BastideAll year round, from 8h to 20h30, except Sun-days when the hotel closes between 13h and 16h• Luggage or bicycles : €3 half day /€6 full day/ €4 bicycles81 Rue de la Liberté Tel: +33 (0)4.68.71.96.89

Au Royal-Hôtel From June to September and from 9h to 19h • Luggage: €1 per hour and per person (re-gardless of the number of luggage items)• Bicycles: €1 per hour per bicycle. After 19h, a fine of €10 per hour will be applicable! 22 Bd Jean Jaurès Tel: +33 (0)4.68.25.19.12

Hôtel Central • Luggage/bicycles : €1 per hour 27 bd Jean Jaurès Tel: +33 (0)4.68.25.03.84

Hôtel Astoria• €2 per luggage item per day. From 7h to 20h18 Rue Tourtel Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 31 38

Youth Hostel• Luggage : free for members,€2 for non members.Rue Trencavel – La CitéTel: + 33 (0)4 68 25 23 16


Getting to Carcassonne

BY ROAD • Autoroute A61: Exit Carcassonne Ouest (n°23) – Exit Carcassonne Est (n°24)• RD6113 ( Toulouse – Narbonne)• D118 ( Limoux – Mazamet)• D119 ( Pamiers) • Toulouse: 90 km • Montpellier: 150 km • Bordeaux: 340 km • Marseille: 320 km • Lyon: 450 km • Paris: 730 km • Barcelona: 300 km

Useful links:• www.viamichelin.com• www.mappy.fr / www.asf.fr

BY TRAInSNCF - Enquiries – 3635From abroad +33 (0)892 35 35 35• www.voyages-sncf.com

BY BOATPort du Canal du MidiHarbourmaster’s office: (+33) 04 68 25 10 48Contact : [email protected]

BY AIR• Sud de France Carcassonne AirportInformation +33(0)4 68 71 96 46www.aeroport-carcassonne.com

For flights operated by Ryanair:www.ryanair.com

Flights from:• England: London Stansted –Liverpool - Nottingham – Bournemouth• Scotland: Glasgow• Ireland: Dublin - Cork• Belgium: Charleroi • Denmark: Billund• Netherlands: Eindhoven• Portugal: Porto

A shuttle service to the city centre is available, after the arrival of each flight.Informations : +33 (0)4 68 47 82 22www.carcassonne-agglo.fr

• Toulouse Blagnac Airport :www.toulouse.aeroport.fr


Parking

Getting around

FRee PARkIng • Parking du Dôme • Quai Bellevue• In the Bastide Saint Louis :• 80 places in front of the collège le Bastion (Varsovie Bd)• 120 places, corner of Barbès Bd and Marcou Bd

PAID PARkIng • In the Bastide Saint Louis• Gambetta: 403 places. Underground car park open from 7.30 to 20.00 Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and public holidays - Tel : +33 (0)4 68 71 34 11• André Chénier: 340 places. Underground car park open from 7.30 to 20.00 Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and public holidays - Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 30 10• Jacobins: 211 places. Underground car park open from 7.30 to 20.00 Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and public holidays - Tel: +33 (0)4 68 47 64 83• Charges: • Up to 1hr15 of parking : 1 €• 1hr15 to 2hr30 : 2 €• 2hr30 to 3hr45 : 3 €• 3hr45 to 5hr : 4 €• 5hr to 6hr15 : 5 €• 6hr15 to 24hr : 6 €Part of an hour is chargeable at full rate

• By the Medieval City• Parking P0: 530 places. Open daily all yearTel: +33 (0)4 68 25 70 61• Parking P1: 225 places. Open daily all yearTel: +33 (0)4 68 25 70 61• Parking P2: 600 places. Open daily all year -. In visitor season, free shuttle to and from the main entrance into the City. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 70 61• Charges: • First hour : free• 1st hour to 6th hour: 5 €• After that, per hour: 1 € extra• From 20h to 8h : free

CAMPeRvAn PARkIng• Parking P2: 200 places. By the medieval City. Open daily all year. Water and waste water disposal facilities (free). In visitor season, free shuttle to and from the main entrance into the City. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 70 61Charges: • First hour : free - 1st hour to 6th hour: 5 €• After that, per hour: 1 € extra• From 20h to 8h : free

TOuCs :getting around without harming the environment!For short journeys in Carcassonne city centre, Agglo runs from September every year a silent, non-polluting and origi-nal mode of transport. Also runs in December. Free of charge.

Bus AnD TRAIn sHuTTle : Bastide Saint Louis / Medieval City:• By bus : Line 4 from Monday to Saturday : €1• By train shuttle: 2€ single journey – 3€ day return www.carcassonne-agglo.fr• From the airport: A shuttle service to the city centre is at your disposal, departing 25 minutes after the arrival of each flight and tickets for this service (priced at €5) allow passengers to use the entire urban transport network for 1 hour.

TAXI :• Taxis Carcassonne : +33 (0)4 68 71 50 50www.taxi-carcassonne.fr• Taxis de Carcassonne provides transport over any dis-tance 24/7• Fleet of 14 air-conditioned vehicles capable of carrying 4 to 6 passengers and their luggage. Available for transfers to or from the airport, station to city centre, hotels, holiday accommodation and bed & breakfasts in Carcassonne and the surrounding area. Personalised journeys undertaken.


CAR HIRe• Airport: • ADA Location ..................... +33 (0)4 68 11 71 92www.ada.fr • Avis ................................. +33 (0)4 98 25 05 84www.avis.fr• Europcar ............................ 33(0)4 68 72 23 69www.europcar.fr• Hertz............................... +33 (0)4 68 71 00 55www.hertz.fr• National Citer .................... +33 (0)4 68 71 69 97www.citer.fr

• Within the Bastide Saint-Louis or in the vicinity:• Avis Gare SNCF ................... +33 (0)4 98 25 05 84www.avis.fr• L.O.V (Location Occitane de Véhicules)......................................... +33 (0)4 68 11 74 10www.lovlocation.com

• Outside of the City centre:• AMDS Renault Rent route de Narbonne........................................+33 (0)4 68 77 77 68• ADA Location Rue J.F Dupleix .....+33 (0)4 68 11 71 92www.ada.fr

CYCle HIRe • Evasion 2 roues - 85 Allée d’Iéna.Tel : +33 (0)4 68 11 90 40 - www.evasion2roues.eu• Génération VTT - Carcassonne Marina.Tel : +33 (0)6 09 59 30 85 - www.generation-vtt.com

DePARTMenTAl Buses • Aude lines :• Conseil Général de l’Aude - Allée Raymond Courrière........................................ +33 (0)4 68 11 68 11www.aude.fr • Coach firms :• Cars TeissierLe Pont Rouge - route Minervoise11000 CARCASSONNETél : +33 (0)4.68.25.85.45 - Fax : +33(0)4.68.25.84.22www.teissier.fr• Kéolis Aude2 bd Paul Sabatier11000 CARCASSONNETél : +33 (0)4.68.25.13.74 - Fax : +33 (0)4.68.25.18.93www.keolisaude.com• Cars Bourdier15, route Minervoise11000 CARCASSONNETél : +33 (0)4.68.47.10.09 - Fax : +33 (0)4.68.47.94.11

PRIvATe TRAnsPORT • SARL Taxis Paredes• Tel : +33 (0)4 68 78 51 51 ou +33 (0)6 50 39 39 17www.taxi-paredes.frPassenger vehicles with driver (rates on request).Can arrange touristic routes, sea and mountain, discover the vineyards… (Upon quotation).

• SPJ Evasion • Tel : +33 (0)6 73 76 87 19 ou +33 (0)6 83 94 22 35www.sjpevasion.frHire of minibuses with driver.Airport transfers (Béziers, Castres, Perpignan, Montpel-lier, Nice, Nîmes, Barcelona) Reservation essential.

• Aérobus Haute Vallée• Tel : +33 (0)4 68 20 15 54 ou +33 (0)6 68 72 05 01www.aerobus-hautevalee.comAérobus is a transport service for the Haute Vallée and surrounding areas, serving the airports of Carcassonne, Toulouse and Perpignan and running all year round. Ex-cursions and guided tours.

• Transport Cardon – Taxi Cardon• Tel : +33 (0)6.78.24.46.60 - http://taxi-cardon.fr Cardon is an accredited transport service for children, adults, social security card holders, leisure tours, hotels, airports, Andorra, Perthus...

• Convivial Services • Tel : +33 (0)4.68.27.43.34 - Port : +33 (0)6.85.62.10.61www.convivial-services.fr Touristic routes for a full day of half day, with different themes. Transport to the airports, touristic sites, etc.

• BOD. AUDE 11 • Tél : +33 (0)6.03.18.39.95 - www.facebook.com/bod.audePassenger transport services for the touristic sites and circuits from €25 (based on 8 passengers)Accompanied tours, guide service, entrance tickets for the sites are subject to a supplement.

• Vins et merveilles d’occitanie • Tél : +33 (0)6.12.27.47.01 - www.vins-et-merveilles.com A la carte excursions, Wine Routes, vehicle hire with dri-ver (minibus), transfers

• Sun Tour • Tel : +33 (0)6.84.76.39.01 - www.sun-tour.frExcursions for full day or half day depending on the dates, vehicle hire with driver (minibus)

• Taxis Occitans 11 • Tel: +33(0)4.68.74.47.72 / +33(0)6.77.25.45.05 All transport services. Assistance + touristic circuits.

Carcassonne History

It was in Carsac, to the south of the city, where the history of Carcassonne truly began, 1000 years before the birth of Christ. In the VI B.C, this settlement was abandoned in favour of a hill camp located on the site of the cur-rent City. In the I B.C it was integrated into the Roman Empire as part of the Narbonensis Province, and would later become Castellum during the IV Century. The City suffered long periods of occupation at the hands of the Visigoths and the Saracens. Integrated into the kingdom of the Francs in the VIII Century, it subsequently became the seat of a powerful Count. In the XIII Century, in response to the Cathar heresies, Pope Innocent III declared a Crusade against the Albigensians. Count Simon de Montfort was at the head of this crusader army that came to fight heresy. He laid siege to the City, which fell to him in 1209, and he imprisoned Raymond Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcas-sonne. Handed over to the King of France in 1226, the City became a Seneschal’s seat. Saint Louis transformed it into a Royal fortress, at the forefront of a defensive line to guard the Franco-Spanish border. In 1240, Raymond II Tren-cavel, attempted to retake it, without success. The settle-ments that then surrounded the City, made up of the pa-rishes of Saint Vincent and Saint Michel, were destroyed. In 1247, following the surrender of the Trencavels, Saint Louis ordered that the inhabitants of these settlements should be rehoused on the left bank of the river within a Bastide that was to be designed according to a grid system.

In 1355, the Bastide was torched by the Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince. Rebuilt, but with a smaller surface area, it was encircled by ramparts. In 1590, du-ring the Wars of Religion, the City, unlike the Bastide, refused to recognise Henri IV as King of France because he was a Huguenot. A violent conflict divided the City for several months. After the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), the City lost its position as a border crossing and also its pre-eminence. The production of woollen cloth, in evidence since the XIV Century, became the main in-dustry. Around 1780, a decline in the market led to the disappearance of this industry in the area. It was only under the 3rd Republic that it was to rediscover its eco-nomic vibrancy thanks to viticulture and the trades asso-ciated to this industry. In the XIX Century, the City, then used as a stone quarry, was saved by an erudite local named Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille and was restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The cultural life of Carcassonne was to become increasingly rich over the next century: of particular note are the composers Paul Lacombe and Déodat de Severac, as well as the writers Joë Bousquet and René Nelli. Carcassonne, whose City and Canal du Midi are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nowadays enjoys an international reputation and welcomes several million visitors every year.


The Bastide Saint-Louis

Situated on the left bank of the Aude, the Bastide was built during the reign of Saint Louis in 1260 on a rectangular plan laid out around the central square, now the Place Carnot. Nowadays the Bastide, delimited by the boulevards laid out in the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries on the site of the old moats, has retained its chequerboard arrangement of streets and boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, both in its former private mansions and its religious edi-fices.

A little of history…Jewel of the present-day city, the Bastide is delimited by the boulevards laid out in the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries on the line of the old moat surrounding the formerly walled city. The military fortifications and its gates defended the lower city. The enclosing wall of the latter was built between 1355 and 1359 on the orders of the Count of Armagnac; its perimeter was 2,800 metres in length; the bastions were constructed at a later period, after 1359; at the time, military architects limited themselves to erecting round towers on the corners of the walls, with dimensions greater than those of the other sections of the wall.Towards the end of the XVIth century, during the Wars of Reli-gion which decimated the south of France, four bastions were erected on the corners of the walls: the Saint-Martial bastion in the north-west, the La Figuières bastion in the north-east, the Montmorency in the south-east and the Tour Grosse or Moulins bastion in the south-west (now known as the Calvary bastion).

On the eve of the 1789 Revolution, the lower city still had only four gates:• The west gate, the Porte de Toulouse or the Porte des Augus-tins (rue de Verdun) adorned with two fine towers which made it a kind of small castle and which were restored in 1749, but following a decree signed by the Council and dated 31st May 1778 transferring to the lower city community authorities in perpetuity the walls, moat, towers, ramparts and rampart walk, the city consuls allowed the gate to fall into ruin and it was completely demolished in 1806.• The north gate or the Porte des Carmes (end of the pre-sent-day rue Georges Clemenceau).The east gate or the Porte des Cordeliers, at the eastern end of the present-day rue Aimé Ramond (formerly the rue de la Mairie).• The south gate or the Porte des Jacobins, now preserved and listed along with its surrounding area as a Historic Monument. • The Porte des Cordeliers was in the early days of the city’s construction on the site of the gate of the former law courts at the eastern end of the rue Mage (now the rue de Verdun) and was moved in 1571 to the end of the rue de la Pellisserie (present-day rue Aimé Ramond).


tél. 04 68 47 93 6468, boulevard BARBES - CARCASSONNE

www.restaurant-carcassonne-closoccitan.com

LE CLOS OCCITANr e s t a u r a n t

Salle climatisée,jardin intérieur

Spécialités méditerranéenneset cuisine gastronomique

Mars 2014 - © Cartographie IMAPPINGProtection des oeuvres graphiquesDroits dʼauteur strictement réservés

Loi du 3 Juillet 1985REPRODUCTION INTERDITE

[email protected]


The Hotel de Murat (XVIII Century)From XVII Century up until the Revolution, it belonged to the De Murat family of magistrates. Confiscated in 1792 by the State, it became the episcopal see from 1826 to 1906. Today, it is home to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Grand facade looking out onto the cour-tyard, large carriage gates leading out onto the street.• The interior is accessible from Monday to Thursday from 8h30 to 12h and from 14h to 18h, and on Friday from 8h30 to 12h and from 13h30 to 17h30.

The Hotel de Roland (XVIII Century)Constructed between 1746 and 1761 by Jean François Cavailhès, an ancient woollen cloth merchant, and acquired in 1815 by the Rolland family, who kept the property until 1924. Today, it is the Town Hall and the building that best represents the architecture of the XVIII Century. Monumental facade with sculpted decor, the facade onto the courtyard and the master staircase.• The interior is accessible from Monday to Thursday from 8h to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h, and on Friday mornings from 8h to 12h30.

Maison du Sénéchal (XV- XVI Century)This building dates from the XV-XVI Century and its naming caused some controversy, as a Seneschal’s job would be to oversee the lands from the City. The ground floor is the most ancient part of the building, with a divided arched doorway surrounded by two balconied and ogival-shaped windows, each with a small central capital. The upper floors have been modified over the centuries that followed. Beautiful gothic facade with balconied bays and ogival-shaped portal.

The Hotel Besaucèle (XVIII Century) Guillaume Besaucèle was from a family of justice officials and clergymen and purchased this property in the XVIII Century. From here, he presided over a flourishing textile business until his death in 1781. Afterwards, the building became the property of Jean-Baptiste Marragon (1741-1829).Raised garden in the inner courtyard.• Closed on Sunday.

The Hotel Roux d’Alzonne (XVI and XVIII Century)The bulk of the construction seems to date back to the very end of the Middle Ages or to the start of the XVI Century. Nevertheless, it was renovated during the XVIII Century by Roc David La Fajeolle, a merchant and manufacturer of some importance from Carcassonne. Louis XIV stayed here on the two occasions that he travelled the Saint-Jean de Luz Way, where he mar-ried the Infanta Maria Theresa. At the end of the XIX Century, the hotel became a boarding school for young girls, and in 1921, it subsequently became the first public school for girls in Carcassonne, named André Chénier.

The fine façades, the monumental doorways, the staircases and the interior courtyards bear witness to the apogee of Carcassonne’s textile industry in the XVIIIth century. Below are a few examples…

The Bastide Saint-LouisThe private mansions

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Saint Michel Cathedral (XVIII –XVI Century) This church was built in the gothic style of the Languedoc region and became a cathedral in 1803 after the Basilica of Saint Nazaire fell out of use. It was restored by Viollet le Duc following a fire in 1849.Central stained-glass window and ruins of external ramparts. • Open all year round from Monday to Saturday from 8h to 12h and from 15h to 19h, Sundays and official Christian feast days from 8h to 12h30. Entry is free to all.

The church of Saint Vincent and its bell tower (XIV – XV Century)Illustrating the gothic art of the Languedoc region with its nave, the largest in southern France. Possibility of visiting the bell tower: Panoramic views of the Medieval City and the Bastide Saint-Louis. • From 15th June to 15th September: from Monday to Saturday from 10h to 12h30 and from 14h to 18h. From 1st March to 14th June, from 16th September to 31st October and from 1st to 31st December: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10h15 to 12h15 and from 13h45 to 17h45. From 1st to 30th November and from 1st January to 28th February : Tuesday from 14h30 to 18h,Thursday from 14h30 to 17h30,Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10h30 to 13h and from 14h30 to 18h.

The Carmelite Chapel (end XIII, XVII and XVIII Centuries)Ancient chapel of the Carmelite convent built in the gothic style of the Languedoc region. It is quite modestly decorated: historiated capitals and capitals decorated with leaf designs. The chapel is made up of a single nave measuring 12.8m long and 17m wide, flanked by 10 side-chapels.• Open every day from 9h to 12h and from 14h to 18h except Sunday, Monday morning and public holidays.

The Chapel of Notre Dame de la Santé (XVI –XVII Century)Constructed in 1527, this chapel stood beside Saint-Jacques hospital. It is still very popular today, both with the faithful of Carcassonne and with tourists. It marks the start of the Pyrenean foothills path leading towards Saint-Jean Pied de Port, on the way to Santiago de Compostella. The interior has fine ceilings with lierne and tierceron ribbed vaulting.• Open daily from 8h to 18h.

The Portal of the Jacobins (XVIII Century)Designed by the architect Dolbeau in 1778 to occupy the site of the ancient gate that allowed those entering the fortified Bastide to be monitored. On the right hand side of the door it is possible to see the remains of a rampart and of the Fountain of the Jacobins, dating from the XVIII Century.

The Saint Martial bastion, the bastion of the Garden of Calvary, MontmorencyTowards the end of the XVI Century, during the Wars of Religion, bastions replaced the me-dieval fortifications of the Bastide, which were made up of a XIV Century rampart surrounded by a trench, later to be transformed into a boulevard. Bastions with well-preserved orillons.

The Bastide Saint-LouisReligious edifices

Monuments,museums and discoveries

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The Bastide Saint-LouisMonuments,museums and discoveries

Les Halles (XVII –XIX Century)Constructed in 1768 and recently renovated, it brings together the corn exchange, the but-chers and the fishmongers. Come and meet all the traders in the covered market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Located at the heart of the Bastide St Louis, the ancient corn exchange today houses the Grain d’Aile media library.Beautiful framework, the site of the ancient pillory at the centre of the square.

The Fountain of Neptune and the Place CarnotAt the centre of the Place Carnot, the fountain of Neptune was created by the Italian sculp-tors Barata, father and son, in 1771.The basin is made of Caunes marble and the rest is sculpted from Italian white marble.A favourite meeting place for residents of Carcassonne, this very lively square is home to the Fountain of Neptune and the shade of its plane trees also provides shelter for a market that sells flowers, fruit and vegetables on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays mornings.

The Old Bridge (XIV Century)Until the XIX Century , this typical medieval bridge was the only link between the Bastide and the Medieval City. Crossing the River Aude, it is nowadays reserved for pedestrians and provides quick access to the ramparts. Beautiful views of the Medieval City.

The Garden of CalvaryThe Garden of Calvary was created in 1825, under the reign of Charles X. Canon Cazaindre, supported by the Friends of Calvary, took over the disused bastion and turned it into a place of worship.In the form of a snail and bordered by low walls, beds of box, cypresses, olive trees and laurels.• Open daily during the summer season from 11h to 19h up until 15/10 and from 9h to 12h and 14h to 18h through the winter. Entry is free to all.

Museum of Fine Art (XVII – XIX Century) Ornate Neo-Classical facade. The museum boasts a rich collection of paintings and ceramics from the XVII to XXI Centuries and also hosts excellent temporary exhibitions. • Open all year round : From 15th June to 15th September: every day from 10h to 18h except public holidays.• From 16th September to 14th June from Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 12h and from 14h et 18h, and the first Sunday of each month from 14h30 to 17h30.Entry is free to all. Tel: +33(0)4 68 77 73 70

Memorial House and the room of Joë Bousquet (XV – XVIII Century)The Memorial House (Maison des Mémoires) is a fine example of a mansion house; it houses the room of the poet Joë Bousquet, preserved in its original state. The poet was injured in 1918 and left paralysed, dedicating himself thereafter to the « life of the spirit » and to receiving very talented writers, right up until his death in 1950. Temporary exhibitions are held here.• Open all year round from Tuesday to Saturday from 9h to 12h and from 14h to 18h; except public holidays. Entry is free to all. Tel: +33(0)4 68 72 45 55

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The Medieval City

Situated on the right bank of the Aude, the City, a medie-val village that is still inhabited, has 52 towers and two concentric walls totalling 3 km in length. Open at night as well as during daytime, via the Porte Narbonnaise and the Porte d’Aude, a large part of the Medieval City can be seen on unguided tours by visitors. Accessible on foot from the Bastide Saint Louis across the Old Bridge.

A town, a “Cité”... an historyFrom its dawning to its gloryThe earliest traces go back to the 6th century B.C. and are to be found on the heights upon which the “Cité” is built. Round about the 3rd century B.C. the Volques Tec-tosages from central Europe subdued the Iberians in the Languedoc. In 122 B.C. the Romans conquered Provence and Languedoc. They fortified the Roman village that took the name of Carcaso and continued to rule the region up until the middle of the 5th century.

The Albigensian CrusadeCatharsism, a religion based on dualism, developed ra-pidly during this prosperous period. The young viscount of Carcassonne, Roger Raymond Trencavel (1194-1209), tolerated and protected such heresy in his fief. He was to feel the first shock of the Crusade against the Cathars pursued by Pope Innocent III. The end came on the 15th August 1209 after 15 days of siege. The “Cité” and the fief of the Trencavels was given to the military leader of the

Crusades, Simon de Montfort and in 1224 gave up all his interests in Languedoc to King Louis VIII.

Destroyed and rebuiltOnce within the royal domain, the destiny of the “Cité” was to be changed forever. Under the successive reigns of Louis IX, Philippe le Hardi and Philippe le Bel, it took on its present day appearance. A new lower town came into existence in 1260 on the flatlands of the north bank : the Bastide Saint-Louis. In 1355, Edward Prince of Wales (the Black Prince) burnt this lower town to the ground. It was immediately rebuilt. Whilst the new town overflowed with life, the “Cité”reaffirmed its place as a royal fortress.

The end of the royal fortressHowever, the use of new technologies in warfare (gunpowder, cannons) and, in particular, the changes to the Franco-Spanish border in 1659 following the Peace of the Pyrenees lead to it being adandonned.In the 18th century the “Cité” was just a miserable outlying quarter of the lower town which had prospe-red through the sale of wine and the manufacture of sheets. It is only thanks to the combined actions of Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille, a learned inhabitant of Carcassonne, Mérimée and the famous architect Viol-let-le-Duc, that they were saved and that thousands of visitors can still admire one of the most accomplished fortified towns in Europe.



The Saracen occupation provided inspiration to authors of the Middle Ages for one of our most famous legends. The hero of course is Charlemagne!

The Emperor Charlemagne laid siege to Carcassonne. The Sa-racen King Ballak was killed leaving his wife «Dame Carcas» to intervene. The town had already been under siege for 5 years and famine claimed the lives of its last defenders. Alone, behind the ramparts Dame Carcas kept watch with just straw dummies at her disposal; she fired arrows from a crossbow at the besieging army to have them believe that many defenders still existed.

All that remained in the town was a little pig and a portion of wheat to feed the population. So Dame Carcas stuffed her pig with the remaining wheat and threw it from the ramparts. The pig’s belly burst open when it hit the ground and from it flowed the precious grain. Charlemagne lifted the siege realizing that it was useless as soon as he saw this, and thinking that they had so much wheat in Carcassonne that they were feeding it to their pigs!Before the large army disappeared, Dame Carcas summoned back Charlemagne to make peace. She had the trumpets soun-ded («Carcas sonne», which literally means Carcas is soun-ding). So the Emperor doubled back to receive her allegiance.

The Medieval CityThe legend of Dame Carcas


The Narbonnaise Gate (XIII Century) – The Levis BridgeBuilt around 1280 during the reign of Philippe III (the Bold) and consisting of two enormous projecting towers. The main entrance to the Medieval City is via the Levis Bridge.

The Aude Gate (XIII Century)This gate with its typically medieval appearance was formerly extended by the Aude barbican or bastion which was partly demolished in 1816 for the building of the church of Saint-Gimer. Only the ramp surrounded by crenelated walls still remains.Located next to the castle, the gate has been used as the backdrop for the shooting of numerous films such as Les Visiteurs, Robin Hood Prince of \Thieves and Le Corniaud.Gateway to the City. Very Picturesque trails and magnificent viewpoints on the ramparts.

The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire (XI-XIV Centuries) The “Jewel of the Medieval City”, an example of harmonious coexistence of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with the finest stained glass in the south of France. The very fisrt legal document that mentions this church dates back to 925. In 1096, Pope Urban II visited Carcassonne and blessed the stones of Saint-Nazaire and Saint Celse cathedrals. The building was constructed in the first half on the XII Century. Altered serveral times, it lost its status as a cathedral in 1801 to the church of Saint-Michel, which is located in the Bastide. In 1898, it

was given the title of Basilica by Pope Leo XIII.Roman portal, nave, vault and 8 Roman side-chapels, Gothic transept and choir, stained-glass windows• November to March : from Monday to Saturday from 8h to 18h.• Sunday from 8h to 10h30 and from 12h30 to 18h.• April to October : from Monday to Saturday from 8h to 20h.• Sunday from 8h to 10h30 and from 12h30 to 20h • July and August Sunday from 8h to 10h30, from 12h30 to 16h and from 19h to 20h.• Free entrance.

The Comtal Chateau (XII Century) and inner ramparts.A last line of defence, the Château was built in the XII Century by the Trencavel family, Viscounts of Carcassonne, and was constantly altered throughout the following centuries. In the XIII Century the construction of the inner section was carried out in order to fortify the building. This ring of fortifications includes a curtain wall, circular towers, a small castle at the entrance, a barbican and a trench. The interior wall includes parts of the Gallo-Roman ramparts (III-IV Century) characterised by their small openings surmounted by brickwork stringcourses.

• From 1st April to 30th September: from 10h to 18h30 • From 1st October to 31st March: from 9h30 to 17h30• Closed on 01/01, 01/05,01 and 11/11, 25/12.• Château and ramparts free access €8.50, Europeans under 26: free, non Europeans 18/25 years : €5,50.• Lecture tour: €12,50, 18/25years: €9, under 18 years : free. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 11 70 70

The Medieval Cityunmissable sites

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The Théâtre de la Cité (XX Century) This theatre, located inside the Medieval City, was founded in 1908 on the site of the former Saint-Nazaire cloisters. In 1957, actor and director Jean Deschamps created the famous Fes-tival de la Cité, which has taken place every summer since then. In tribute to his actions, the Théâtre de la Cité adopted the name « théâtre Jean Deschamps » on 15th July 2006.Only visible from the ramparts during a guided visit.

The tilt yard (XIII Century) and external ramparts This space, in between the two ramparts, measuring just over 1km in circumference, was levelled out in the XIII Century, at the time when the 2nd wall was raised. From the XVII Century onwards, the poorest residents of Carcassonne built their homes here before these settlements were destroyed during the restoration of the City by Viollet le Duc in the XIX Century. During the XIII Century, the Kings of France ordered the construction of a second defensive ring around the outside of the City, complete with dry moat. Today, the tilt yard allows visitors to discover the different features of military architecture and provides fine views over the Bastide Saint Louis, the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire.

The Large WellOf the 2 wells that supplied the City, this is reputed to be the oldest. Its edges date from the XIV Century and its columns and locks date back to the Renaissance era. Legend tells that there is a treasure hidden here, but the archaeological dig organised in 1910 failed to find it.

Saint Gimer Church (XIX Century)One of the 3 churches designed by the architect Viollet le Duc (XIXth) and built between 1854 and 1859.Its architecture is characterised by the Gothic vision of the famous architect.• From 1st May to 30th June : Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10h to 12h and

from 14h to 18h• July and August, open every day.

Cathar Châteaux and instruments of tortureA presentation of the Inquisition, its history and the instruments of torture used right up until the French Revolution. • Open every day from 10h to 18h, in summer from 10h to 20h.• Adults : €9,50; students and 12/18 years: € 5,50; under 12 years: €4,50 ; under 5 years: free. Tel: +33 (0)6 03 84 13 86

Museum of The SchoolReconstruction of a classroom from the time of Jules Ferry in the 1950’s. Entertaining visit where visitors can write using a feather quill or Sergeant Major pen. • Open all year round.Closed on 1st May.• In season : from 10h to 18h. November, December, January : from 10h to 17h.• Adults: €3,50; students and 12/18 years : €3; Under 12 years : free. Tel : +33 (0)4 68 25 95 14

The Medieval Cityunmissable sites

Museums

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Cultural Centre inRemembrance of WarVeterans Retrospective of military history, with objects, uniforms, accessories and documents.• From Monday to Friday from 9h to

12h and from 14h to 18h.Closed during Christmas holidays.

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 40 16

Museum of Treasures of Notre Dame de l’Abbaye This museum holds the collections of the Bishopric and of the major and minor seminaries of Carcas-sonne, the donations from private individuals and religious congrega-tions, as well as acquisitions from the last 50 years. • Open in July and August, every day

from 10h to 12h and from 15h to 18h.By reservation the rest of the year.

• Free entrance.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 16 65

Perspectives Exhibition / Chapel of Petit St Gimer (XVII century)This exhibition highlights the hid-den treasures of the Ville Basse area, as well as the built heritage of the Bastide from its origins right up to the construction, renovation and restoration work of the XX Cen-tury. • From 15th June to 15th Sep-

tember: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 13h and from 14h to 19h, Monday from 15h to 19h.

• From 1st March to 14th June, from 16th September to 31st Oc-tober and from 1st to 31st December: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 12h30 and from 14h to 18h15.

• From 1st to 30th November and from 1st January to 28th Fe-bruary : Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10h30 to 13h and from 14h to 18h; Tuesday and Thursday from 14h to 17h.

• Free entranceTel: +33(0)4 68 77 74 33

The Medieval CityMuseums

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The Tourist trainComplete tour of the rampart walls looking at the archi-tecture and defences.Duration : 20 min • From 1st May to 30th September from 10h to 12h and

from 14h to 18h.• July and August from 10h to 19h.• Adults: €7; 11/ 25 years: €6, 3/10 years : €3Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 45 70www.petit-train-cite-carcassonne.com/

The calèches de la CitéCarriage tour of the tilt yard between the 2 ramparts.Duration : 20 min• From 1st May to 11th November.• The schedules of visit are indicated at the entrance

of the City.• Adults: €8; 4/12 years: €5 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 71 54 57 - www.carcassonne-caleches.com

The haunted house A haunting experience in a mock-up of an old country manor house.• Every day from 10h to 18h.• In summer from 10h to 22h• Adults : €7; Children : €6Tel: +33 (0)6 03 84 13 86

The Australian ParkWildlife and leisure park on the theme of Australia. • From 12th April to 3rd November from 10h30 to 19h,

Sundays, public holidays and school holidays: Guided visits and entertainment.

• Not during holidays: from 14h to 18h from Monday to Saturday: Guided visits and entertainment on Wednes-days and Saturdays.

• From 15th September to 17th October, open only Wed-nesday/Saturday from 14h to 18h; Sunday 10h30/19h.

• Adults and children from 13 years : €10, 4 /12 years: €7, under 4 years : free

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 86 83 - www.leparcaustralien.fr

Unusual visits

Ideas for walks

• From the Bastide to the City : Along streets and across squares, this route will allow you to link the 2 monu-ments that are classified as World Heritage sites : the Canal du Midi and the Medieval City.

• The Banks of the Aude : Between the Medieval City and the Bastide Saint-Louis, several kilometres of walking routes will seduce ramblers and joggers in search of tranquility and fresh air.

• The canal du Midi : 2 circuits will help you discover this magnificent feet of construction that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Pech Mary : On the doorstep of Carcassonne, Pech Mary hill provides walkers with the shade of its pine groves and an extraordinary view of the Medieval City, the Aude Valley and the Black Mountain.

• Cavayère Lake : A short distance from the Medieval City, this veritable haven of rest, fresh air and outdoor plea-sures will delight visitors of all ages.

• From the City to the St Foulc Priory : This route provides ample views of the Pyrenees, the hills of the Val de Dagne and the Black Mountain.

• From the City to Saint-Hilaire Abbey : This pic-turesque itinerary passes alongside old stone buildings that are bursting with history, as well as vineyards and hills throughout the Lauquet Valley that will charm you with their views of the Pyrenees.

• On the Route of St James : As a former border town between France and Aragon, Carcassonne nowadays is the de-parture point for the Piémont Pyrénéen route, the 5th main French route for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostella.

In Carcassonne, walking is the best way of exploring the Medieval City, the Bastide Saint Louis, the countryside and the banks of the canal du Midi, the Aude and the lac de la Cavayère.With the family or a group of friends, explore the city and its surrounding areas by taking to walkers’ paths such as the GR36 which runs from the Bastide Saint Louis via the Medieval City to the lac de la Cavayère and the GR 78, the Piémont Pyrénéen trail, which leads eventually to Santiago de Compostella.



Cavayere Lake

Born out of the ashes of the fire of 1985 that ravaged the area, Cavayère Lake is a magnificent reser-voir that covers a surface area of 18ha. Located a short distance from the Medieval City, it lies in a beautiful setting where peace and serenity reigns in the midst of a preserved natural environment. Discover a variety of landscapes and ecological habitats, wetlands and arid areas, woodlands and meadows, shady areas and bright clearings. Take advantage of 3 sandy and pebble beaches with lifeguard in the summer (from 13h to 19h). Lovers of angling will be able to enjoy the large zone that is dedicated to this pursuit. An ideal spot for rambling and relaxing, Cavayère Lake is a veritable haven of rest, fresh air and outdoor pleasures, right on the doorstep of Carcassonne. Play areas for children, watersports, sandy and pebble beaches, ideal fishing spots, perfect for walkers.

Access

By car :• Take the RD6 113 depart-mental road in the direction of Narbonne.• On the outskirts of Carcas-sonne, turn right in the direc-tion of ‘Le Lac de la Cavayère’, Montlegun.

By Bus : • Line n°1 and Line n°2 from Monday to Saturday• Agglo’bus : +33 (0)4 68 47 82 22

By bike or on foot (10.5 km) :• leave the city of Carcas-sonne, walk alongside the cemetary and turn left in the direction of Sainte-Croix.

Follow the white and red signposted path (GR36) : you will get to a junction where it crosses the Pech Mary loop, there you will cross a pine grove and take the path down-hill alongside the stadium (to the right), and finish up on the Montlegun road to Cavayère that can be followed along the cycle path that runs along the right hand side.

After the motorway bridge, turn left until you reach the lake. Walkers can take the lakeside path that runs around the entire lake and return to the city by the same route.


Cavayere Lake

• Acrobatic Forest ParkAcrobatic forest trail for children and adults by the Lac de la Cavayère.

• March april, may : wednesday, sa-turday, sunday and public holidays : 13h30 - 17h00.

• June, July, August: every day from 13h to 18h.

• September, october, november : wednesday, saturday, sunday and public holidays + school holidays : 13h30 - 16h30

• December, January, February : spe-cial openings by reservation only.

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 33 83or +33 (0)6 07 96 04 55www.O2aventure.com

• Mini-Golf :• April, May, June and September:

weekends only from 14h to 20h.• July and August : every day from

10h to 20h• €2,50 Tel: +33 (0)6 75 77 45 93

• Pedalos• April, May, June and September:

weekends only from 14h to 20h.• July and August : every day from

14h to 20h• €5/1hour Tel: +33 (0)6 75 77 45 93

• Kid parc Inflatables, rides, swimming pool…• April, May, June, September :

weekends from 14h to 20h. • July and August : every day from

14h to 20h.• €5 Tel: +33 (0)6 75 77 45 93

• Surf bikeSmall water bike. This unusual contraption, comprised to a floating device (similar to a windsurf board), is fitted with pedals and handlebars. No instruction is required to take part in this activity, just the ability to swim and pedal. • Every day during July and August, from 10 h to 20 h. • April, May, June and September : weekends only from 14h to 20h• Rates: €10/30 min ; €15/1 h.Tel: +33 (0)6 75 77 45 93

• Aquaviva Park: A new type of Water Park with in-flatables• July and August from 11h to 19h

every day• €7/hour or €10 for 2 hours• Member rate (all summer upon

purchase of a Parc Aquaviva wristband for €5): €5/h or €10 for a half day, or 4h

Tel: +33 (0)6 16 23 00 46 – www.parcaquaviva.com

• Grain d’Eau media centre All summer long, 4 chalets are available to users : adult chalet, young person’s chalet, tourism chalet, refresh-ments chalet.Leisure and relaxation collections: comics and graphic no-vels, novels, albums, documentaries...• 7 days a week. From 1st July to 31st August from 13h

to 19h. Tél : 04.68.10.35.57 www.carcassonne-agglo.fr


Le Défi This boat offers cruises on the Canal du Midi with lunch or dinner included. Visitors step aboard at the Port of Carcassonne and discover the preserved landscapes of the Canal du Midi, whilst sharing a very pleasant moment. Boarding takes place 15 minutes before departure.• From April to October: departures at 12h30 (duration 2h30) and 19h15 (duration 2h)• From 38,50€ - Tel: +33 0(6) 95 79 21 20 – www.carcassonne-navigation.com

Bateaux Hélios & Lou GabaretCruises with commentary in English, lasting 1h30, 2h or 2h30 with a guide. Sail through locks, through the Epanchoir de Foucault botanical gardens, across the Meridian, under the Canal Bridge and enjoy views of the Medieval City.• April, May, June, September, October : departs at 10h30,14h30 and 16h.• July and August : departs at 10h,10h30, 12h and every hour from 14h to 18h.• Only in July and August: picnic cruises with a stop-off in the Foucaud Gardens for lunch, visit the

lock house • Tasting cruise every Thursday during July and August: departs at 18h.• 8,50€ (1h30) – 10€ (2h) – 11,50€ (2h30) Tel: +33 0(6) 80 47 54 33 – www.carcassonne-croisiere.com

Le CocagneRiver cruises with commentary on the Canal du Midi, lasting 1h15 (City Cruise – departs at 14 h and 18 h) and 2h (Discovery Cruise – departs at 10h and 15h30). It is possible to hire the boat for events.• July and August: daily departs at 10h, 14h, 15h30, 18h.• April, May, June, September,October : departs at 10h, 14h, 15h30 ( except Tuesday)• 2H : Adults : €10, under 13 years : €8, under 6 years : free• 1H15 : Adults : €8, under 13 years : €6, under 6 years : freeTel: +33 0(6) 50 40 78 50 – www.bateau-cocagne-canal-carcassonne.fr

The canal du Midi (XVIII - XIXth centuries)

The work of Pierre-Paul Riquet and excavated in the XVIIth century to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the canal du Midi, formerly used for transporting goods and people, is today fre-quented by numerous boaters and tourists and

flows through the centre of the city of Carcas-sonne.

In 1996, the canal du Midi was classified as a UNES-CO World Heritage site.The locks, bridges, aqueducts and canal bridges along the 240 km of the waterway are witness to the technical prowess of its constructors and also a work of art.Spend a few hours or a week discovering the ex-ceptional work of Pierre-Paul Riquet and the ca-nal’s locks, bridges and aqueducts and enjoy the peaceful and fresh cool air on a hired boat or a pleasure cruise.The canal banks, once towpaths, are fringed with different varieties of trees and are a ideal walking and cycling trail for visitors.

For more information :

• Association du Canal du Midi en Languedoc www.canaldumidi.com• Association Canal à la Une www.canal-du-midi.org• Voies Navigables de France www.canal-du-midi.org

Boat trips on the canal du Midi


Les Canalous Sud15 Quai Riquet - 11000 CARCASSONNETel: +33 (0)4.67.94.78.93 - www.lescanalous.com

Le Boat Port de Plaisance - 11800 TRÉBES Tel: + 33 (0)4.68.78.73.75 - www.leboat.com

Marina A wide range of services are available: water, electricity, sanitation, showers, hair dryers, internet access, laundry (paying) and tumble dryers (paying). The marina is supervised during the day by the harbour master and by a security team overnight. Just 100 metres from the port, the Bastide Saint-Louis (city centre) provides a wide range of shops and services (bars, restaurants, shopping, supermarkets, local artisan products, taxis, service stations, local market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays... and entertainments. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 10 48 - www.port-carcassonne.com

The canal du Midi (XVIII - XIXth centuries)

Boating on the Canal du Midi is from mid-March to the start of November and no licence is required to hire a boat.

Boats to hire


Discovering the Aude from Carcassonne - sOuTH

CIRCuIT 1 : On the route of the Cathar Châteaux CIRCuIT 2 : On the route of the Cathar Châteaux CIRCuIT 3 : The Abbey Route

Puivert (58 km) :• The Château at Puivert is made up of the “old” cha-teau (12th century) and the “new” chateau (14th century with keep). It was celebrated throughout the 12th cen-tury for its “Cours d’Amour” (lessons in love), put on by troubadours.• From 15th December to Easter weekend: daily from

10h to 17h and closed on Saturdays outside of school holidays in all zones.

• From Easter weekend to 15th November: daily from 9h to 19h

• Annual closure: 15th November to 15th December• Adults: €5 (individuals), children (5 - 12 years, indivi-

duals) €3 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 20 81 52www.chateau-de-puivert.com • Musée du Quercorb in a village house.• Adults: €4; adults with a Passeport : €3 ; children ( 6

-15 years): €1,60Tel: +33 (0)4 68 20 80 98 http://www.quercorb.com • Lake : swimming in season.

Montségur (84 km) - Ariège• Small village famous for its chateau built at 1 207 m on a rocky spike known as the “Pog”. It was a place of great symbolism of the cathar story in the 13th century (205

Cathares perished at the stake).• Archaeological museum in the village : outstanding

medieval pieces.• Château : • Every day from 1st February to 31st December (Except

on 25th December).• Adults: €4,50; children (8-15 years): €2; under 8 years: free• Museum :• Every day from 1st February to 31st December (Except

on 25th December).• Adults: €2 ; children (8-15 years): €1; under 8 years: free• Group tickets Château +Museum: adults: €5, children

from 8 to 15 years: €2.50; children under 8: freeInformation at the Town Hall: Tel:+33 (0)5 61 01 10 27

Mirepoix (54 km) - Ariège• This medieval town was reconstructed to the usual Bastide blueprint following a flood in 1289. XV Century rooftops and half-timbered houses. Famous for its Mai-son des Consuls and ancient Saint Maurice cathedral and nave.• Guided visits arranged throughout the season (noctur-

nal visits on Wednesdays during July and August).Tourist Office: Tel: +33 (0)5 61 68 83 76 www.tourisme-mirepoix.com

CIRCuIT 1 : On the route of the Cathar Châteaux (166 km)

Alet-les-Bains (35 km): • A well known spa town since the Roman era, the place

retains traces of the surrounding wall with its entrance ways, 14th and 16th century houses and a 17th century bridge.

Tourist Office : Tel: +33 04 68 69 93 56• Abbey Cathedral of Notre Dame : Benedictine Abbey.

It was destroyed during the War of Religion and was never entirely rebuilt. The Bishops used the former refectory as a place of worship.

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 93 56 www.payscathare.org/histoire - www.aletlesbains.com • Departemental out-door centre with canoeing and kayaking.

limoux (26 km): Cf page 34

espéraza (44 km):• The hat museum: Free entrance• From 26th January to June and from September to

December : from 10h30 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30

• July and August: from 10h to 19hTel: +33 (0)4 68 74 00 75 - www.museedelachapellerie.fr• The Dinosaur Museum: • Every day from 26th December to 5th January, from 10h30

to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30

• From 25th January to 6th July : every day from 10h30 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30.

• From 7th July to 30th August : every day from 10h to 19h• From 31st August to 1st December inclusive : every day

from 10h30 - 12h30 / 13h30 – 17h30.• Closed: From 6th to 24th January and from 2nd to 25th

December inclusive• Adults: €8.70; children (5-12 years), students and disabled

adults : €6.20; Under 5 years : Free• Family rate: €25.80 for 2 adults and 2 children. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 74 26 88 - www.dinosauria.org

Chalabre (50 km) :Tourist Office Quercorb - Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 65 96 • Château: a variety of medieval activities that allow

visitors to explore history by becoming a character in the life of the château.

• Zone A springtime school holidays from 12h to 18h30• Ascension weekend from 12h to 18h30• From Sunday 30th July to Friday 30th August inclusive

from 12h00 to 18h30 (in July and August, closed every Saturday)

• Low season: adults: €13.50; 4/12 years: €9; under 4 years : free • High season: adults: €14.50; 4/12 years: €10; under 4

years : freeTel : +33 (0)4 68 69 37 85 - www.chateau-chalabre.com • Lake : swimming in season.

Discoveries along the way



Fanjeaux (34 km) :• Old market halls, aqueduct bridge restored in the

17th century. Panoramic site for “Seignadou”. Intercommunal Tourist office Piège Lauragais MalepèreTel : +33 (0)4 68 24 75 45 - www.fanjeaux.com• Sainte-Marie parish church: exposed beam known as

«the miracle of the fire»Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 70 05 ou +33 (0)4 68 24 70 22• Maison Saint-Dominique : ancient saddlers, 13th and

14th century chimney.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 70 22 • Couvent des Dominicains in which the “miracle of

fire” took place. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 70 16 • Monastère Notre Dame de Prouille : 19th century

construction, built on the site of the first convent foun-ded in 1206 by saint-Dominique.

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 11 22 62

Montréal (20 km):• Imposing fortified collegiate church of Saint-Vincent

(14th century Languedocian Gothic, partly restored in the 17th and 18th centuries), 19th century organ. 19th century painting from the Toulouse School.

Town Hall : Tel: +33 (0)4 68 76 20 05www.montreal-aude.fr

Bram (26 km):• Picturesque village built in a circular formation around

the church. www.villedebram.fr • Permanent exhibition in the Archeology’s House. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 91 19 • Eburomagus : this houses the archives of the regional

archaeological service where the majority of discove-ries made in the Ouest Audois region over the last few decades are kept, as well as a research laboratory to study the finds.

• April, May, June, September and October : From Wednes-day to Sunday from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 18h.

• July and August : every day from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 19h00

• From November to March: By appointment only, except when there is a special exhibition (please find out in advance)

• Adults: €4; children (6-15 years): 1€Tel : +33 (0)4 68 78 91 19www.eburomagus.com

CIRCuIT 1 : Discoveries along the way

galamus (85 km) Superb gorges dug out by the «Agly»

Château de Peyrepertuse (98 km) The ruins of the Châteaux of Peyrepertuse (12th to 14th century) and San Jordi (mid 13th century) are the crowning glory of this 797 m high cliff. The ruins contain striking examples of military architecture from the Middle Ages as well as a church dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.• 1st week of January, November and December from 10h

to 16h30 • February from 10h to 17h • March and October from 10h to 18h • April from 9h30 to 19h • May, June and September : from 9h to 19h • July and August : from 9h to 20h • Closed during the last 3 weeks of January• Adults: €8.50 in July and August, €6 the rest of the year;

adults with a Passeport: €7.50 during July and August, €5 the rest of the year; • children (6 - 15 years): €3

• Audioguide : €4 per couple in addition to the entrance fee. Tel: +33 (0)4 82 53 24 07 - www.chateau-peyrepertuse.com

Cucugnan (90 km) Village celebrated for its history and for its priest im-mortalised by A.Daudet (celebrated writer).• Théâtre Achille Mir : Show on «The Story of the Curate

of Cucugnan»

• 1st week of January, November and December from 13h to 18h

• February : from 13h to 18h30 • March : from 10h to 19h • April, May, June, September : from 10h to 20h • July and August : from 10h to 20h30 • October : from 13h to 19h30 • Closed during the last 3 weeks of JanuaryTel: +33 (0)4 68 45 03 69 - www.cucugnan.fr

Château de Quéribus (13th and 14th century),Last bastion of resistance against the Albigensians during their Crusades.• 1st week of January, November and December from

10h to 17h • February from 10h to 17h30 • March from 10h to 18h • April, May, June, September: from 9h30 to 19h • July and August : from 9h to 20h • October: from 10h to 18h30 • Closed during the last 3 weeks of January• Adults : €5,5; adults with a Passeport : €4,50; children

(6/15 years): €3 • Audioguide : €4 for 1 and get the 2nd free Tourist Office Corbières Sauvage :Tel : +33 (0)4 68 45 69 40 - www.corbieres-sauvages.com

CIRCuIT 2 : On the route of the Cathar Châteaux (190 km)

limoux (25 km) :• A town that is famous for its Carnival and its stew.Tourist service Tel: +33 (0)4 68 31 11 82

Arques (51 km) :• 13th to 14th century chateau made up of a rectan-

gular wall enclosing a 24 m high square central keep. • March, October and November: from 10h to 13h and

from 14h to 17h

• April to June and September from 10h to 13h and from 14h to18h

• July and August: from 10h to 19h • Closed on January, February and December• Adults : €5; Adults with a Passeport : €4; children :€2 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 82 87 - www.chateau-arques.fr

Rennes-les-bains (48 km) : • Spa town Tel: +33 (0)4 68 74 71 00

Rennes-le-Château (43 km) :• Small village made famous by the legend of a fabu-

lous treasure buried there which is said to have been either partly or completely discovered by a priest in the 19th century.

• Ruins of the feudal château.• Norman church• Espace Beranger SaunièreTel : +33 (0)4 68 31 38 85 - www.rennes-le-chateau.fr

espéraza (44 km) : Cf page 33

Défilé de la Pierre Lys (Between Quillan and Axat)




Château de-Puilaurensà lapradelle (70 km)• Château built in the 10th century : keep

modified during the 11th and 12th cen-turies.

• February, March (weekends and school holidays) : from 10h to 17h

• April and from 1st October to 15th November: from 10h to 17h

• May : from 10h to 18h • June and September : from 10h to 19h • July and August : from 9h to 20h • Closed on January and from 16th November

to 31 December• Adults : €4; Adults with a Passeport : €3;

children ( 6/15 years) : €2 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 20 65 26 - www.pays.axat.org

Tuchan (84 km):• The ruins of the Chateau d’Aguilar

made up of a square keep (12th century) built in the middle of a hexagonal enclo-sure with 6 towers (13th century).

Information Town HallTel: +33 (0)4 68 45 51 00

Termes (54 km):• Remains of the chateau and its surroun-

ding wall (12th century) Tel: +33 (0)4 68 70 09 20

villerouge Termenès (61 km):• Medieval village and chateau (12th to

14h century) with a quadrangular en-closure flanked by semi-circular towers where the last of the White Cathars, Bélibaste, was burnt in 1321.

• Château: • March (weekends) from 10h to 17h • April to June and from 1st September to

15th October (continuously and weekends) from 10h to 13h and from 14h to 18h.

• July and August from 10h to 19h30 • From 16th October to mid-December

(weekends, public holidays) from 10h to 17h • All Saints holidays from 10h to 13h and 14h

to 17h • Early closure during January• Adults : €6; adults with a Passeport : €5;

children(6 -15years): €2 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 70 09 11http://chateauvillerouge.wix.com/termenes

lagrasse (36 km): Cf page 36


LA COOPERATIVE

NOURRITURES NATURELLES COCHONNAILLESMENUS OUVRIERS

VINS PAYSANS

4, Route Canelles, Embres & CastelmaureOUVERTURE le 21 JUIN 2014

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narbonne (56km) : • The town was founded by the Romans in 118 B.C. A town of major importance under the Visigoths it became part of the Capitien kingdom, its prosperity continuing throughout the Middle Ages to modern times. Two of its quarters should be explored : that of the “Cité” and the “Bourg”. The archbishops’palace, the “maison vigne-ronne”, the old Saint-Juste and Saint-Pasteur cathedral, the church of Saint-Sebastien, the Horreum, the lapidary museum of the church of Notre-Dame de la Mourguié, the “Basilique Saint-Paul-Serge” and the bridge joining the two quarters.Tourist Office Tel : +33 (0)4 68 65 15 60www.narbonne-tourisme.com

Fontfroide Abbey (60km):• The abbey was founded in the 11th century, occupied first by the Benedictines then by the order of “Citeaux” in 1145. Fontfroide was a bastion of active orthodoxy during the Albigensian Crusades. The abbey went into a religious decline from the 15th century onwards until a rebirth at the end of the 19th century. The restoration of the abbey was started in 1908.• January to March, November and December (closed on

25th December and 1st January) from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 16h

• April, May, June, September and October: from 10h to 12h15 and from 13h45 to 16h45

• July and August : from 10h to 18h • Guided visits available in French, English, German.

Spanish, Italian and Dutch. • Abbey : adults: €10; 16-25 years: €6.50; 6-15 years: €3.50• Gardens: adults: €6; 16-25 years: €6; 6-15 years: €3.50• Fayet Museum: adults: €6; 16-25 years: €6; 6-15 years: €3.50• Abbey +Gardens: adults: €10; 16-25 years: €10; 6-15 years: €6• Abbey + Museum: adults: €13; 16-25 years: €10; 6-15 years: €6• Abbey + Gardens + Museum: adults: €19; 16-25 years:

€16; 6-15 years: €6Tel: +33 (0)4 68 45 11 08 - www.fontfroide.com

lagrasse (35 km): • A particularly picturesque medieval fortified village,

with its narrow cobbled streets, 14th century market hall, 15th century houses.

Intercommunal Tourist OfficeTel : +33 (0)4 68 43 11 56 - www.lagrasse.com • The Abbey was founded in the 8th century by Char-

lemagne, and was most prosperous during the Middle Ages, a prosperity which was echoed in the 18th century.

Tel: +33 (0)4 68 43 15 99 - www.abbayedelagrasse.com

CIRCuIT 3 : The Abbey route (190 km)


Trèbes (7 km):• St Etienne church, gothic meridional style from the end

of 13 th century with 320 oaks beams supporting the roof, each carrying a painted figure (man, woman, animal).

• Marina in town center - Guided tours in july and august.Tourist Office Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 89 50www.ot-trebes.fr

Abbaye de Fontfroide


Abbaye de Fontfroide


Discovering the Aude from Carcassonne - nORTH

CIRCuIT 4 : Caves and Châteaux CIRCuIT 5 : The Book Route


lastours (17 km) : • 4 châteaux, Cabaret, Tour Régine, Sudespine and Quer-

thineux, built on the same rock formation that served as a protective barrier to the Cabardès from the 11th cen-tury through to the French Revolution, including against the Albigensian Crusades.

• Closed on January • February, March, November and December (weekends

and school holidays): from 10h to 17h • April, May, June and September : from 10h to 18h • July and August : from 9h to 20h • October: from 10h to 17h • Adults : €6; adults with Passeport to the sites of the

Pays Cathare: €5; children from 6 to 15 years: €2• Adults (access to the Belvédère only): €2• Length of visit: 1h30 to 2h as an unguided visit –

Walking shoes recommended.• Son et lumière display in summer.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 77 56 02 - www.chateaux.lastours.lwd.fr

le gouffre géant de Cabrespine (22 km) :• This grandiose, mineral rich cavern is definitely a

marvel of international heritage.Tel : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 22www.gouffre-de-cabrespine.com/fr/

Minerve (45 km) :• Medieval village founded in the 11th century. Remains of the ramparts and keep.Minervois Tourist Office :Tel: +33 (0)4.68.91.81.43 - www.minerve-tourisme.fr • Museum of Paleontology and ArchaeologyTown Hall : +33 (0)4.68.91.22.92• Hurepel miniatures museum : Tel: +33 (0)4 68 91 12 26

CIRCuIT 4 : Caves and Châteaux (120 km)

Lastours Minerve

Minerve


Roquefère (25 km):• 12th century chateau.• The hamlet of Cubserviès waterfalls (one of the hi-

ghest in Europe).

grotte de limousis (18 km):• Superb mineral formations including the exceptional

“Lustre” a hanging body of white aragonite crystals.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 77 50 26www.grotte-de-limousis.com/fr/

villeneuve-minervois (16 km) : • Ancient fortified village.Tel : +33 (0)4 68 26 16 19 - www.villeneuve-minervois.com • Windmill : Discover the windmill’s machinery. The mill

keeper will explain how the mill works in detail and how flour is milled. Demonstation of flour milling and sale to the public.

• April : from 14h to 17h every day. • May, June and September: from 13h to 17h30 every day.• July and August: Open continuously from 10h to 18h30

every day.• Adults : €7; 6/15 years: €5; under 6 years : freeTel : +33 (0)4 68 26 57 56 - www.moulin-benazeth.fr • The Truffle House : A number of themed rooms featu-

ring scale models and interactive audio-visual attrac-tions. Discover the story of this precious fungus, its environment and how it is produced and sold.

• From 1st to 30th September: every day from 12h to 18h. • Out of season, please call 04 68 26 14 22 for information• Adults: €6,80, Children: €3,60 Tel : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20www.maisondelatruffedulanguedoc.com

Caunes Minervois (21 km): • Fortified village founded in the Middle Ages :• Exceptional 16th and 17th century houses.Haut Minervois Tourist Office:Tel:+33 (0)4 68 76 34 74www.hautminervois.fr - www.tourisme-haut-minervois.fr • Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century. 12th

century sculpted Norman doorway, apse, transept and bell tower, knave vaulted with diagonal ribs.

• February, November and December from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 17h

• From March to June and September, October from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 18h

• July and August from 10h to 19h • Closed on January and on 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31/12 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 09 44www.mairiedecaunes.fr/abbaye_Caunes_Minervois.asp

Rieux Minervois (26 km):• Heptagonal (very rare) 12th century Norman church

“Notre-Dame” with central choir, given a facelift in the 14th century.

Tourist Office : Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 13 98www.tourisme-haut-minervois.fr



Montolieu (15 km): • Up until the beginning of the 19th century the village

was an important industrial centre thanks to the “Ma-nufacture Royale” set up there by Colbert in the 17th century.

Intercommunal Tourist Office Montolieu :Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 80 80 - www.tourisme-cabardes.fr • Book Workshop : A variety of workshops : artisan pro-

duction of paper, traditional printing (typography), illustration (several techniques), marbled paper, book-binding.

• Activities for school trips, discovery classes, beginner’s courses or private classes.

Tel : +33 (0)4 68 24 84 27 - www.atelierdulivre.net

• Museum of the Arts and Crafts of the Book : An inspi-ring journey through the history of the written word. Discover the beginnings of writing, the advent of prin-ting, techniques and tools for bookbinding and engra-ving, etc.

• From 1st April to 15th November : from Monday to Friday from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 18h, on Saturday from 14h to 18h, on Sunday from 15h to 18h.

• From 16th November to 30th March: from Monday to Satur-day from 14h to 17h, on Sunday from 15h to 17h.

• Unguided visit €2; guided visit €4

Brousses et villaret (20km):• Paper Mill: Visit with commentary on the history of

paper and it’s production, ancient machines (Dutch stamping trough, wheel molds) and hydraulic motors (bucket wheel, turbine). Demonstration of paper pro-duction by hand.

• Duration of guided visit :1 hour• From 1st October to 30th June : from Monday to Friday

guided visits at 11h and at 15h30• On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays : guided visits at

11h, 14h30, 15h30, 16h30 and 17h30 • From 1st July to 31st August from Monday to Sunday : guided

visits at 10h, 11h, 12h, 13h, 14h, 15h, 16h, 17h and 18h.• From 1st to 30th September : guided visits at 11h, 14h30,

15h30, 16h30 and 17h30.• School holidays (every day, for all zones): guided visits at

11h, 14h30, 15h30, 16h30 and 17h30.• Adults €7; children (5-12 years) €3,50Tel: +33 (0)4 68 26 67 43 - www.moulinapapier.com

saissac (24 km)• In the village : 15th and 18th century dwellings, Medie-

val towers and doorways.• 15th and 16th century chateau below the village. • February, March, November and December: from 10h

to 17h (Weekends, school holidays and public holidays except on 25th December)

• April to June and September : from 10h to 18h • July and August : from 9h to 20h

• October : from 10h to 17h • Closed on January • Adults: €5 ; adult with a Passeport: €4, Children (6 to

15 years): €3 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 46 01 www.saissac.fr• Picarel «le Haut» : Stag and doe breeding, aubergeTel: +33 (0)4 68 24 44 08 www.picarel-cerf.com

Bassin du lampy (27km) :• One of the two reservoirs built by Riquet to feed the

Canal du Midi. Swimming allowed.www.canaldumidi.com/Montagne-Noire/Lampy/Lampy.php • The Espace de Liberté Arboretum : Sporting facilities,

play area for children, botanical walk (over 200 diffe-rent species of trees, bushes, flowers and protected flora, such as orchids).

villelongue Abbey (20 km) • Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th centuryTel: +33 (0)4 68 24 90 38www.abbaye-de-villelongue.com

saint Papoul Abbey (32 km) • Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century. Church dates from the 12th and 14th centuries and Episcopal palace.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 94 97 75 - www.saintpapoul.fr

CIRCuIT 5 : The Book Route (80 km)



Montolieu


In THe suRROuDIng AReAWIlDlIFe PARksAfrican Reserve - Sigean (77kms)• Open all year round +33 (0)4.68.48.20.20Corbières Donkey Farm - Saissac (24 kms)• From 1st July to 31st August: 14h-19h. Open all year round

to groups by reservation only.• +33 (0)4.68.24.44.08Asinerie des CorbièresFontjoncouse (57 kms)• Open all year round (booking recommended).• +33 (0)6 81 45 63 09The lamas of the Black MountainCastans (32 kms)• From 9h and open 365 days of the year.• +33 (0)4 68 26 60 11la Matarelle children’s farm (42kms)• From 21st April to 31st May : 14h-19h• From 1st June to 31st August : 10h30-19h• From 1st September to 31st October : 14h-18h disabled access. • +33(0)4 68 60 21 35 - www.parcdelamatarelle.com

Bee City - Gruissan (70kms)• Every Wednesday, Saturday and school holidays : 14h-18h. • July and August : 10h-20h +33 (0)6.09.30.48.34

sPORTIng ACTIvITIesAccro’ Park - Alet-les-Bains (40 kms)• +33 (0)4.68.69.94.86Forest grimp - la Forge - Quillan (51 kms)• White water sports in Quillan, a day full of activities

every Thursday, departures from Carcassonne, reservations es-sential, over 13’s only. +33 (0)4.68.20.23.79

sky Fly - Leucate (90 km)• Open from 15th April to 30th September.• +33 (0)4 68 41 25 72

Family fishing• St Pierre Lake at Saissac (35 km). +33 (0)4.68.24.41.91• Picarel Lake at Saissac (35 km). +33 (0)4.68.24.40.98

OTHeRs Auberge du bout du monde«children’s farm» - Verdun en Lauragais (42kms)• Workshops in pottery/bread making /farm activities for €6 (June, July & August)• Equestrian centre (all levels, classes by the hour €11), reservation essential. +33 (0)4 68 94 95 96Dinosaur Museum - Espéraza (44 kms)• From 25th January to 6th July: 10h30-12h30 / 13h30-17h30.• From 7/07 to 30/08: 10h-19h• From 31/08 to 1/12: 10h30-12h30 / 13h30-17h30.• Closed from 6th to 24th January and from 2nd to 25th De-

cember inclusive• +33 (0)4.68.74.26.88 - +33 (0)4.68.74.02.08Historic leisure Park - Chalabre (47 kms)• From 26th April to 11th May, from 29th to 31st May and

from 1st July to 29th August. 12h-18h30 (closed on Satur-day during July and August) +33 (0)4 68 69 37 85

The Paper Mill - Brousses (19kms)• Every day (except 25th December and 1st January) School

holidays : 11h-18h30• 1st Oct to 30th June : 11h-16h30 (weekdays) and 11h-18h30

(WE) / Summer : 11h-19h / Sept : 11h-18h30.• Guided visits every hour +33 (0)4 68 26 67 43The giant Chasm of Cabrespine (22kms)• From 15th February to 11th December +33 (0)4 68 26 14 22limousis Cave (18 kms)• From 1st March to 11th November. +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20The Windmill - Villeneuve Minervois (18 kms)• April:14h-17h May-June : 10h-12h / 14h-17h30 • July and August: 10h-18h30, Saturday and Sunday: 13h-18h30• September : 14h-18h +33 (0)4 68 26 57 56The garden of Fragrant Plants - Limoux (25 kms)• From 1st May to 28th October: 13h-18h• Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except Whitsun Monday

and Monday 14th July. +33 (0)4 68 31 49 94Aquajet Parc Canaïma - Narbonne Plage (70kms) • Weekends from end May to mid June from 12h-18h • From mid June to September from 10h to 19h• +33 (0)4 68 49 33 61Automaton Museum - Limoux (25 kms)• From 10th January to 31st March:14h-18h closed Monday• From 1st April to 30th June: 10h-12h/14h-18 closed Monday• From 1st July to 30th September: 10h-12h30/14h-19h 7

days a week• From 1st October to 10th November: 10h-12h/14h-18h

closed Monday +33 (0)6 70 39 01 74The Clauses Honey House - Montseret (50 kms)• Open every day except Sunday from 10h-12h / 15h-17h • School summer holidays : 15h-17h for visitors• +33 (0)4 68 43 30 17

For children

In CARCAssOnne• The tourist train

• The calèches de la Cité• Museum of The School• The Australian Park

• Acrobatic Forest Park• Kid park

• Play area “ Royal Kids”• Win Kart – Karting track


Carcassonne : Highlights of the year

Carcassonne Festival • End of June to beginning of AugustTheatre, Circus, Opera, Classical music, Dance and Concerts… A range of different cultural activities which are the hallmark of this popular and challenging festival in which all the arts are represented. The Festival is now one of France’s greatest festivals with an increasingly ambitious programme of events, a festival that is recognised and promoted by the Fédération Française des Festivals Internationaux de Musique.

Carcassonne Ablaze• Every 14th of July at 22.30Over 700,000 visitors crowd together on the banks of the Aude to watch this incredible fireworks display.For over 25 minutes starting at 22.30 you can watch colourful pyrotechnics in blue, white, yellow, green, red and gold with a final spectacular bouquet of over 1200 bursts of fire in 6 seconds over a frontage of 600 metres.

The great Tournament of Horsemanship• Beginning of July to end of AugustAt the foot of the walls and the towers, horsemen will ride their galloping horses into combat where no quarter is given, all set to the sound of clashing swords.

Feria de Carcassonne• End of August to start of September The Feria de Carcassonne is a festive event with groups perfor-ming salsa, flamenco, Occitan music, tango, accordion, banda and brass band music in the streets with Seville-style dancing and popular singers!A popular, festive and convivial event for all!Every day and every evening, bandas and brass bands of all kinds fill the city’s streets with the music of the «Feria de Car-cassonne».In the André Chénier gardens is the campo de Feria with its associations and its free concerts and entertainment.

The Magic of Christmas• Early December to early JanuaryA month of magic and enchantment…Carcassonne switches on its lights and dons its winter coat, from the Bastide St Louis to the Medieval City, to offer you the best of Christmases with exciting attractions, concerts, street entertainment and magi-cal deccorations and lights. Ice-rink, Christmas market, giant revolving eye, toboggans and roundabouts, all with a host of live shows.

Full calendar of events upon request from the Tourist Office.Please consult our web site at

www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr


Theatres and concert halls• Auditorium – Chapelle des Jésuites 04 68 72 69 94 Rue des Etudes• Le Chapeau Rouge – Rue Trivalle 04 68 77 74 66• Salle du Dôme – Rue des 3 Couronnes 04 68 47 45 43• Théâtre Municipal « Jean Alary » 04 68 25 33 13 6 Rue Courtejaire• Théâtre de la Cité (festival en été) 04 68 11 59 15

Cinema• Cap’cinéma Le Colisée (Art et Essai) 9 Bd Omer Sarraut• Multiplexe – ZI Pont Rouge• Programme sur répondeur 08 92 68 69 10

Art studios• Art Contemporain -19 rue Chartran 06 80 10 74 09 06 70 72 02 37• Atelier Clinard – 22 rue Aimé Ramond 04 68 47 32 38 06 82 34 17 97• Atelier d’Kalé - 20 Rue Barbès 06 21 43 28 33 • Atelier des marbres de Thierry Auneau 06 79 63 74 03 2 Porte d’Aude – La Cité• Atelier Lodziak Art – 4 Rue Ledru Rollin 06 71 83 70 58 Courses in drawing and painting On Mondays from 10h to 12h and from 18h to 20h by appointment les lundis de 10h à 12h et de 18h à 20h Sur RDV• Atelier Thierry Torta – Domaine de Montquiers 06.24.15.45.80• Atelier Ty Guen – 20 Rue Voltaire 06 42 67 31 41 04.68.26.16.32• Atelier Robin 06 30 20 27 77• M galerie - 19 Rue Aimé Ramond 06 03 49 78 43• Atelier Jean-Christian Fromage – 78 rue de Verdun 07 87 05 49 20• Galerie Le Parallèle Zéro – 3 Chemin de Montlegun 06 71 83 70 58

Bars - Musical Bars - Brasseries• L’Alcalys – 3 rte Minervoise 04 68 72 33 56• Bloc G – 112 Rue Barbacane 04 68 47 58 20• La Casa (Tapas) – 30 Rue Courtejaire 04 68 72 31 58• Le Pas Sage – 15 Rue Trivalle 04 68 10 64 90• Le Uno – 45 Rue Alfred de Musset 06 44 07 03 52• L’Evidence – 14 Rue Georges Brassens 06 12 68 70 31• Le Cochon Noir – Place Carnot 06 43 32 90 54• Galerie Le Parallèle Zéro - 3 Chemin de Montlegun 06 71 83 70 58 • L’Art de Vivre – 7 Place Davilla 06 72 07 80 71• Le Bar à Vins – 6 Rue du Plô, La Cité 04 68 47 38 38• Le Cap – ZI Pont Rou 04 68 77 85 80• The Celt – 5 Rue Armagnac 04 68 10 96 44• L’Entrepôt- Bd Denis Papin ZI la Bouriette 04 68 71 80 46• L’Estabar – 130 rue Vauban ZI Fellines 04 68 15 03 92 • O’ Sheridan’s – 13 Rue Victor Hugo 04 68 10 97 48• Le St Germain – Place du Général de Gaulle 04 68 25 10 44• Le Métronome – 3 Avenue Maréchal Foch 04 68 71 63 49• Le Conti – 16 Rue de l’Aigle d’Or 04 68 25 39 40• Le Cosy– 15 Rue des 3 Couronnes 04 68 77 51 15• Le 37 – 37 bis , rue Trivalle 04 68 47 35 05

Discotheques – Night Clubs• Le Black – Route de Limoux 04 68 47 37 11• Le Café de Nuit – 31 Bd Omer Sarraut 06 86 06 70 08• Le Conti – 16 Rue de l’Aigle d’Or 04 68 25 39 40• Le KM Discothèque-Cabaret RN 113 Rte de Narbonne 06 19 18 47 27• Le Souvenir – ZI la Bouriette 04 68 47 30 94• Le 7- 49 Av. Henri Gout 04 68 77 10 41

Culture and leisure

Théâtre Jean Alary

Municipal Tourist Office28, rue de Verdun - CS 6003211890 Carcassonne Cedex - FranceTél (+33) 04 68 10 24 [email protected]

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