About Carcasonne

It is impossible to sum up the history of Carcassonne in just a few words, but its earliest origins as a settlement have been dated as far back as 3,500BC. The city is well known for the fortified section of the town, which was originally erected between 100BC and 460AD, and even today some of the original Roman fortifications remain. In 1247 Carcassonne and surrounds submitted t the rule of France, with Louis IX becoming responsible for the creation of the new town to the West of the river, while also commencing the building of the outer ramparts of the walled city which saw the town become impregnable, despite the efforts of Edward, the Black Prince, during the 100 Years War. By the turn of the 17th Century the area became more peaceful and rather than being well known for its fortress, the town became better known for wool and textile production.

The fortifications of the old town are certainly the greatest attraction for those wishing to visit Carcassonne, yet remarkably, were it not for the drive and determination of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, it is likely there would be little to see. In 1846 he started what was, at the time, the greatest engineering and renovation feat, when work to repair the old ramparts commenced using identical materials and techniques as the Romans. The renovation work continued on after the death of Viollet-le-Duc in 1879 and it was in 1997 that Carcassonne was recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Carcassonne is visited annually by over 3 million visitors, partly due to the fortifications, but also because of the proximity to the Canal du Midi and the fact that Carcassonne is also in the centre of a major AOC wine growing area.

With a population of over 40,000 inhabitants, it is no surprise to learn that there is always something going on in the town. The summer months see the majority of fairs and festivals, including the Carcassonne Festival which runs over the months of June and July and which includes over 120 shows and events, the majority of which are free to attend and the medieval city being ‘set ablaze’ on the 14th of July with a magnificent firework display to celebrate the Fête Nationale or what used to be known as Bastille Day. The Carcassonne Feria takes place at the end of August and beginning of September when the square André Chénier becomes home to Spanish music and dance, while 50 of the town’s bodegas supply food on a non-profit basis to make the week a celebration to remember.

Because Carcassonne lies on the borders of three regions, the food associated with the town and surrounding area is probably more diversified than many French towns. The Mediterranean, Garcogne and Massif Central all have culinary influences on the type of dishes available, ranging from Bourride des Bages, which is a fish soup, through artichoke salad with foiegras and various styles of cassoulet with beans, pork rindandmeat, liver sausage and goose meat. It may come as a surprise, but cassoulet is a very important dish of the region, to the point where there is the L'AcadémieUniverselle du Cassoulet located at the Château St Martin Trençavel in the hamlet of
Montredon, just outside Carcassonne.