Friday, January 20, 2023

FRANCE 2022 Trip report Day 12: Montpellier old town, Cité de Carcassonne, Château Comtal de Carcassonne

DAY 12, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

STAY

Pau 3 nights, Appartement cœur de ville, au calme, WiFi, Four, Lave/Sèche Linge 7 Rue Saint-Jacques, Pau, 64000, France;

SIGHTS

Montpellier old town, Drive to Pau with a stop at Carcassonne visiting Cité de Carcassonne, the medieval fortress

CHECKED OUT:

Here's the nice sight of vineyards from the apt balcony.

this is the exterior of the apt

MONTPELLIER OLD TOWN

the intention was to visit its historic center with 17th and 18th-century palaces, Place de la Comédie, the Teatro de la Comédie, the Arc de Triomphe, St Pierre Cathedral, the trendy District of Antigona, stroll through its medieval alleys.

we were caught in peak traffic and one way streets and gave up specific targets after 1 nour

CARCASSONNE

set off towatd Pau and halted at Carcassonne.

The UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne (La Cité) is a totally enclosed citadel, perched on a hilltop and entered through imposing gated doorways.

From far away, the rows of turreted towers and crenellated ramparts create a stunning impression. This incredibly well-preserved medieval fortified city, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, transports visitors a few centuries back in time.

CEMETERY

MEDIEVAL CITE

La Cité is arguably Europe's best-preserved medieval citadel, surrounded by three kilometers of

ancient ramparts. The double circuit of defensive walls features machicolations, slits for arrows,

and 52 watchtowers. The fortifications, dating in parts to the 3rd and 4th century, were strengthened by

Louis IX in 1250 and by Philip the Bold in 1280. Architect Viollet-le-Duc helped to restore the ramparts in the 19th century.

The Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) is a medieval castle within the Cité of Carcassonne, the largest city in Europe with its city walls still intact. can visit the medieval cite (free) and the Château Comtal (entry fee).

MEDIEVAL FOUNTAIN

Château Comtal de Carcassonne

we had no time to enter, just enjoyed from outside

SOUVENIR SHOPS

bought a couple of these tray paintings

it had been a magical scene: a maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets dating back to the Middle Ages. Many of the buildings, squares, and alleyways have retained their centuries-old character. we had had a great time