Carcassonne is unique in the world. It is a medieval walled city with a very long history. Much of it had fallen into disrepair over the centuries. But, it has been rebuilt and reimagined to it's orginal glory.

I took a ten week pilgrimage across three countries in Europe and one of the stops I made; Absolutely had to make, was to Carcassonne in southern France.

It definitely is one of the most memorable highlights of my adventure. (Curious about this backpacking adventure? I have more about it here: Pilgrimage across Europe

And here is Carcassonne, glowing in the early morning sun, as viewed from across the river. I took this picture while on the trip. I was humbled and astonished by this view.

It was a wonderful time for me, my visit to Carcassonne. It's a medieval walled city within a modern city. This next map shows you. The red section is where the walled city is within the modern city.

If you are thinking of visiting (highly recommended) then you have lots of options including all the modern amenities of a city like a small airport, hotels, restaurants, etc.

My previous big stop was in Genoa Italy (star on the right). And my next big goal was to make it to Carcassonne on the left. It is 650 km along the Mediterranean and it includes crossing the border between the two countries.

I did it in two brutal travel days. Spending part of one day enjoying the French Riviera.

I finaly arrived, on the very last train, in Carcassonne at about 11pm at night on the second day. The train station was closed and there was nobody around. Not a taxi or anything.

So, there I was, late at night in a strange city. But, I did have a hotel reservation. And I had notified the hotel that I would be arriving late. I just needed to get there! So, I started walking toward the city center.

It wasn't too far away. But, the city was pretty much closed down. I saw a restaurant that had some lights on and I head that way.

They were cleaning up the restaurant at the end of the days work and I talked to a worker. She spoke some English so we managed to communicate and she called me a taxi cab. Yay!

I took a short taxi ride to my hotel. I had finally arrived. It had been a brutal two days of travel. And on this second day, on the trains and train stations, arriving late at night, I hadn't eaten a single thing all day - nada, nothing!

I asked the hotel receptionist where I could get something to eat in the city. She said that everything was closed and asked me if I was hungry. I said yes and she continued by asking if I was really hungry. I said yes again.

She replied with:

"I will make you a sandwich. I don't have any bread, well, I don't have any real bread, French bread. but I will make you a sandwich."

She popped into the kitchen in back and a few minutes later she came out with a beautiful platter of food with water, cheese, sliced meats and some unknown bread.

I took it up to my room and I have to say that after two days of very rigorous travel and a day without any food at all, it was the greatest sandwich I ever ate :)

I took a picture of it.

I got up early the next morning, excited to visit and explore the medieval walled city.

Let's take a look at some pictures

Interested in making a paper version of Carcassonne Castle? I have a full tutorial with a downloadable packet right here. You print it up and put the pieces together.

I also have a video of my visit to the city. You can watch that video on my website here.