Carcassonne

Amidst the thick woods of the South of France, it is placed the ancient city of Carcassonne. The history of this city is immersed in a mysterious atmosphere. First of all, the place was inhabited by Celtic people who named the city Carsac. Then Roman people settled this place and the Visigoths after them. During the Middle Age the city was a Cathar enclave until Simon the Montfort expelled the heretics from the fortification. Before being French the official language, the Oc dialect was the most spread in that region.

Today, Carcassonne is a small city whose principal tourist attraction is its enchanted citadel. The citadel is set in the top of a hill and is surrounded by an outer stone rampart. When you go into the fortification, it seems you are in the medieval period. The castle hasn’t suffered the ravages of time whatsoever. Its shops, houses and streets are built of firm stone. Inside the ramparts of the fortification, you can find a myriad of restaurants where you can taste some typical wines and desserts.

If you decide to visit Carcassonne, don’t forget to see the cathedral of St. Nazaire and the performances which take place in the courtyard of the castle. These medieval tournaments are a very amusing activity to spend your time. Actors clad in colourful clothes, ride horses and fight against the black knight. Another curiosity whicht is worthy of seeing is the Inquisition museum. There, you can see some of the most gruesome gadgets used by Inquisition to torture its prisoners. In the evening, the citadel is lit with some spotlights. There is no doubt that is the best moment to see the castle. That wonderful image served as an inspiration for Walt Disney to create the castle of Sleeping Beauty.