Carcassonne Is A Favourite Place In France

When vacationing in France, ensure you get to see Carcassonne in the South West of the country. The only fortified town in Europe still inhabited, the medieval city of Carcassonne has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997. In this magnificent fortress you can relive 2,500 years of history. Carcassonne has an entire city that is a castle, in La Cite, the fortified upper city. These massive ramparts atop a hill provide broad views of the lower city below. In Carcassonne, visitors stroll along the cobblestone streets, browsing shops selling medieval wares, or nibbling on the classic peasant stew cassoullet at various cafes. It is situated 56 miles south east of Toulouse, but has its own regional airport serviced by many of the cheap airlines. For a visit to this historic town french property for sale plan at least three days. Carcassonne is two fine cities for the price of one. There is the 13th-century Bastide St-Louis, on the left bank of the Aude, and the medieval city, Cite, high above the right bank. Carcassonne's main Office de Tourisme is on the eastern edge of the Bastide St-Louis, looking out over Square Gambetta. It opens 9am-6pm daily (only to 1pm on Sundays), and shares space with the city's fine-arts museum, which you can wander around free. Carcassonne boasts a full compliment of places to stay, from as low as $20 a night to over $400 per night. Top of the town in every sense is the four-star Hotel de la Cite, high in the old quarter at Place Auguste-Pierre Pont. It is an Orient Express property, and it is very expensive, at over $400 per night. France's most beautifully located youth hostel is a couple of minutes walk away on rue Raymond-Roger Trencavel in the heart of the Cite and costs less than $20 per night. The third option is the B&B (Chambres d'Hotes) at 8 Place du Grand Puits , which is especially good value for families wishing to share a room. Rates range from $50 for a double to $80 for a room sleeping five; breakfast, in 'kit' form, is included. When here it is advisable to take some property for sale in france of the many tours available in order to get the most out of this beautiful town. Be sure to include: • Castle and ramparts tour, which is available in various languages, is well worth your time. There is also a museum of Carcassonne's history, and a gift shop. • The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is filled with wonderful stained glass, and has detailed carvings both inside and out. It is located at Place de l'Eglise. • Les Aigles de La Cite (the Eagles of La Cite) is a great exhibit featuring the largest collection of birds of prey in the world. It is at Pech Mary and demonstrations are held from March through November. When vacationing in France, especially in the south west, ensure you get to see this wonderful town.