Carcassonne

 

At the entrance to the Medieval Carcassonne, a walled city which has been classified as a World Heritage sight.

Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.  (from UNESCO).

We got there late in the day with just enough time for a walk around before it got dark.  You first enter into a narrow street full of shops and eateries.  You can opt for a wagon ride if you wish, showing the rest of the city beyond the wall.

The weather was changeable on the afternoon, a little rain with some sun here and there.

It is an interesting mix walking around as there are historic sections and then areas where modern tourism is more apparent.

The cathedral within the walls.

A picturesque chocolate shop on the corner.

Hello chocolate!  Have you ever seen such a sight, great big huge chunks of all varieties of chocolate. 

It was just before Halloween when we were there, that’s not me sitting down for a rest

Posing with the locals

There was a wide variety of eating places and most were starting to close up for the day.

One last look at the walled city from the hill above.