Visiting Carcassonne is an excellent idea for a one-day trip from Paris. The walled city is full of history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of places to see. You'll want to spend a day or two exploring its streets and markets.
St. Nazaire Basilica
Whether you're planning a vacation in the Languedoc region of France or you're just visiting this part of the world for a day trip, spend one day in Saint Nazaire Basilica in Carcassonne. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a lot to offer. In addition to the sassy facade of this Roman Catholic minor basilica, you can also admire the intricately carved decorations and the slender gothic transept.
The Cathedral of Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse of Carcassonne is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in the Citadel of Carcassonne. Built during the eleventh and twelveth centuries, it is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The Basilica of Saints Nazaire and Celsus is considered the "Jewel of the City" by locals. It is a major national monument.
The Cathedral of Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse was constructed on top of an older Carolingian basilica. The Gothic interior architecture includes round and square support pillars and the tomb of Bishop Radulphe. The building was also remodeled in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
The central stained glass window in the choir was finished in 1280. This window is one of the oldest in France. The original windows are decorated with the life of Christ. This theme is a recurring motif in Gothic art.
If you want to see more than just the church, you can visit Carcassonne's museum. This museum has a collection of everyday objects from the Middle Ages, as well as trials for heretics.
You can find a number of restaurants and shops in the historic fortified town of Carcassonne. You can take a walk along the ramparts or shop in the cobblestone streets. If you're looking for a more active activity, you can cycle along the Canal du Midi. The canal is free to walk along and is a great way to experience the historical beauty of Carcassonne.
If you're planning to spend one day in the Saint-Nazaire Basilica in Carcassonne, you should also check out the Cathar Castles and Lac de la Cavayere. The area around the Basilica of Saint Nazaire is peaceful and relaxing. During the summer, you can enjoy jousting between the concentric walls of the citadel Le Chevalier de la Foi.
La Table de Franck Putelat
Located in Carcassonne, France, La Table de Franck Putelat is one of the two Michelin starred restaurants in the city. It's a restaurant that offers fine dining in a relaxed environment. It features a wooden outdoor terrace with contemporary design. The restaurant serves inventive cuisine.
The restaurant is run by the talented chef Franck Putelat. The chef reinterprets classics of French cuisine to create unique and inventive dishes. The restaurant is located at the foot of the ramparts of the Medieval City of Carcassonne.
In addition to the restaurant, the chef has created a hotel in the city. In 2013, he opened a charming **** hotel called "The Park". This hotel features a terracotta tile roof, stained glass windows and rich furnishings. You can enjoy a gourmet meal in the hotel's Brasserie, or buy locally sourced ingredients at Les Halles, the covered food market.
The restaurant is airy and relaxing. You can enjoy a five-course meal at the restaurant for about 60 euro per person, or a tasting menu for about 230 euros. It's worth checking the restaurant's website before heading to Carcassonne to determine what the price range is.
In addition to its fine dining, the restaurant offers a wine-tasting tour. You can also take a chocolate and wine-tasting tour at Cocoa & Grapes. The guide is very friendly and speaks English well.
The restaurant's specialties include Cassoulet, a Southern France speciality. It's made with white haricot beans, partridge meat and duck confit. The menu also includes a variety of tapas. The restaurant also features live music.
The hotel's location is convenient, as it's just 3 km from the main train station and close to several attractions. It offers free parking on site. It's also only a 0.9 mile walk from the center of the city. The hotel also has a bar and lounge. Guests can also use the hotel's laundry services. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature free WiFi. The hotel's room prices vary depending on the date of your stay. It costs about $167 per night. The rooms have a private balcony. The hotel's rates are 21% lower than the average cost in Carcassonne.
Domaine de Baronarques winery
Located outside Limoux, Domaine de Baronarques is a historic winery that is owned by the Rothschild family. It was originally the property of the Abbey of Saint-Polycarpe, and was acquired by the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild in 1998. It now sits on 43 hectares (110 acres) of vineyards.
The Domaine produces three different wines. One is a white wine made from the grapes of 120 acres of vines, while the other two are a red and a rosé. The vineyards are planted on gravelly sand and chalky clay soil. The elevation of the Domaine ranges from 250 to 350 meters above sea level.
The Domaine de Baronarques winery has been around since the 17th century. It is part of the Corbieres & Cathar Country Wine Route. The grape varieties used include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec and Syrah.
The Domaine de Baronarques vineyards were replanted after a five-year renovation. The first three vintages were a blend of locally-purchased fruit. In 2003, Domaine de Baronarques released its first true estate wine. The 2003 blend includes 51 percent Merlot, 41 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11 percent Malbec. It is an elegant and savory wine.
A vineyard tour is included in the package. The tour involves a visit to the barrel room, as well as tasting four of the estate's top wines. It is possible to take the tour on foot or in a 4-wheel drive.
The Domaine de Baronarques estate also has a state-of-the-art stainless steel vat room. The vineyards are cultivated without using chemical fertilizer. They are situated at the juncture of the mountain climate and Mediterranean influences.
The Domaine de Baronarques is owned by the Rothschild family and is a member of the Corbieres & Cathar country wine route. It is a great way to taste and enjoy wines in the Languedoc region. If you are planning a trip to the area, you should consider adding this winery to your itinerary.
Domaine de Baronarques is the perfect place to go for a wine tour. You can find out more about the winery and its history by visiting its website.
Walking the walls
Located in France, Carcassonne is a historic and citified city with a rich history and medieval charm. Founded by the Romans, the city became an important trade center in the Middle Ages. The city's rocky outcrop dominates the Aude River. It is home to many museums, ancient buildings, and a castle.
One of the most popular sites in Carcassonne is the Cite de Carcassonne, or the Old Town. The city has a fortified structure with a total of 52 towers.
Within the walls, you'll find the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, a Roman Catholic minor basilica. It was originally a Visigoth church. It has beautiful stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Cathedral of Carcassonne was built in the 12th century. You'll also want to visit the Portail des Jacobins. This was a gateway to the lower town. It was built in stone in neo-classical style. The Portail des Jacobins features a park area and a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
The lower town is home to commercial activities, including a train station and bakeries. On Thursdays, you'll find a fresh produce market at Place Carnot. During the Christmas season, a European Christmas market is held there. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.
The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Aude River. It's the largest walled city in Europe, and it's a great example of how a fortified town looks like in the Middle Ages.
You'll need to buy a ticket to enter the Cite de Carcassonne, which includes an exhibition on the history of the medieval city. You can also get an audio guide for a small fee. You'll also be able to enjoy views of the Pyrenees from the restored theater.
In the early 16th century, King Louis IX extended the city's fortress. The double-walled ramparts were constructed. Several towers are adorned with low arched doorways. Other guard towers are simple stone structures.
The city has several museums, including a lapidary museum. You'll also find dozens of gift stores and restaurants.
