Carcassonne

We arrived in Carcassonne Sunday afternoon and could not figure out how to get to our hotel! We were staying at Hotel de la Cite, inside the fortified city walls, so the only way in and out is a drawbridge. The drawbridge is down from 10am-8pm each day, but it was packed full of people visiting the city! After some driving around, we finally found a lot to park in where they contacted a bellman from our hotel to pick us up. 

The city of Carcassonne dates back to at least Gallo-Roman times, and it was used by different groups throughout history as an impenetrable fortress. The original city was all built within the walls, and the castle where the ruler stayed was built within that. Over time, as borders changed, the location of Carcassonne became less significant and the castle was left to fall into disrepair. In the 18th century the city was restored to its medieval fortifications, and now it's hustling and bustling with tourists.

We made sure not to leave the city before trying the local favorite medieval dish, cassoulet, as well as some delicious crepes and cafe au lait! 

 The front of our hotel, inside the castle walls.

 On our way up to our room in the "Princess Tower".

Doors to the Basilica of St. Nazaire, which was completed in the 12th century.

Some of the amazing stained glass in the Basilica.

 A well inside the city walls.

 Walking around outside the city walls.

 View from the gardens at our hotel.

Overlooking the French countryside.

On the castle and ramparts tour, we learned that scenes from 1991's Robinhood: Prince of Thieves were shot here :)

The streets of the city- lots of shops and cafes.

Coffee break!