Carcassonne one of the 100 most beautiful landscapes in France
Our hotel with sauna is located at the gates of Carcassonne, a two-headed city between the city and Bastide Saint-Louis.
It appears that the first walls of the city were built in the Gallo-Roman era. The main additions were made in the 13th and 14th centuries. By looking at the history of Catharism and the Albigensian Crusade, you will understand how, following the Inquisition, Carcassonne became two-headed.
Affected by the Hundred Years' War, it subsequently developed thanks to the cloth industry.
Despite its military role on the border between France and Aragon, the city in the 18th century lost its importance in favor of the Bastide where luxurious private mansions were built .
It was not until the 19th century that a few scholars, Pierre Mayrevielle and Prosper Mérimée, supported the restoration work of the city, starting with the Saint Nazaire Basilica. The architect Viollet le Duc, a specialist in restorations in France, successfully carried out this project for 1/2 century and restored the grandeur of the 13th century.
Walking the streets of city center of Carcassonne (Bastide Saint Louis), you will discover the Place Carnot with its Neptune Fountain , around which the market is held every Saturday morning, then the Saint-Michel Cathedral. Also cross the Pont-Vieux to have one of the best spots in the medieval city. Take the time to stroll through rue de la Trivalle at the foot of the ramparts.
The famous city of Carcassonne
With a double enclosure, 52 towers and 3km of ramparts, it dominates the hill.
Classified by UNESCO, the medieval city offers two faces: by day, wander the typical streets, home to restaurants with shaded terraces and shops, and by night, discover the illuminations of the ramparts and appreciate the calm and rediscover the medieval atmosphere.
The city is home to the Count's Castle, where visits are organized during the summer while chivalry shows are held in the lists. Don't miss the Saint-Nazaire Basilica.
our suggestion: don't miss the music festival On and Off of the 2 cities (city and Bastide) in July and August with great headliners and a unique proximity in the open-air theater.
The Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, also UNESCO listed, is one of the oldest canals in Europe still in operation. This exceptional work of art, considered by its contemporaries as the largest construction site of the 17th century, connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. It was supervised by Pierre Paul Riquet, under the control of Colbert. Treat yourself to a boat trip and travel along the canal from the port of Carcassonne opposite the train station. The discovery of the passage of the locks will delight adults and children alike.
Our suggestion: the banks of the canal are also suitable for hiking and cycling. Visit Trèbes, its triple lock, its fresh fish restaurants and its typical port.
Cavayère Lake
Sport, leisure and relaxation will be the key words during your visit to Lac de la Cavayère. Sandy or grassy beach as well as picnic areas or beach volleyball courts await you for an ideal moment of family relaxation. In summer, enjoy the pedal boats, the zip line of the tree climbing "O2 Aventure" which crosses the lake, inflatable water games from the Aquaviva base (springboards, slides, ramps, etc.), as well as skiing nautical. Just 5 km from Château de Palaja, go to “Carcassonne-plage”!
Our suggestion: A 5.5 km jogging route goes around the lake, in the middle of Mediterranean-style wooded vegetation. you can also swim across the body of water 1.7 km. Don't miss the "Spartan Race" meeting every year at the beginning of May around Lac de la Cavayère near Carcassonne.