Regional Information
Carcassonne
At a Glance
Currency: Euro
Language: French, English widely spoken.
Local Time: Irish and UK time + 1 hour.
Voltage: 224V - adaptors purchased in Ireland / UK can be used.
Airport: Toulouse
Flight Duration: 2 hours
Climate: Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, rainy winters, and moderate springs and autumns. You can expect to get 300 days of sunshine a year
Overview
The modern city is built around two medieval cities, the original hill top Cite on the north side of the river Aude, and the thirteenth century Bastide on the South side of the River Aude. The older Cite is a spectacular walled town – the largest medieval town in Europe with its city walls intact. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the setting for many films featuring medieval castles.
Highlights
The Pont Marengo (Marengo bridge) - Crossing the Canal du Midi and links Carcassonne to the local railway station. The lock is very busy and a favourite tourist attraction as the canal boats work their way along the canal. The bridge is named after the Battle of Marengo at which Napoleon defeated the Austrians in 1800.
Lac de la Cavayere - An artificial lake at short distance from the town of Carcassonne and has been made into a popular recreation area. The lake has good beaches and quiet inlets. Ducks and wildfowl are common.
The fortified city - Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral.
Getting Around
Carcassonne is divided into two great neighbourhoods separated by the river Aude: La Cite, or the old medieval town and the Bastide, the modern side, connected by the Pont Vieux. Each sector has its own way to get around. It is easier to move in a car in the modern sector On the contrary, La Cite is a collection of twisted roads and alleys that make orientation a matter of continual consideration. The main sector of La Cite is pedestrian so a car is not of much use here, anyway. Best option: walk across the river using the Pont Vieux (you'll enjoy the spectacular views) and walk into La Cite.
Health/Security
Visitors to France will be pleased to know that the drinking water is safe in many areas, although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste of French water.
Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa
France is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish / UK citizens.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy:
Villa Les Chenes Verts, 152 Boulevard J.F. Kennedy, 06160 Antibes
Tel: 00334 93 615 063, Fax: 00334 93 679 608
British Embassy:
35 Rue du Faubourg St-Honore,75383 Paris Cedex 08
Tel: 00331 44513100
Local Emergency Services: 112
Calling France from Ireland/ UK : 0033 + area code +the number
Calling Ireland from France: 00+353+ area code + the number
Calling the UK from the UK: 00+44+ area code + the number
Local Tourist Office:
28 rue de Verdun, 11890 Carcassonne Cedex 9
Useful Websites:
www.carcassonne.org
www.tourisme.fr