Cool Facts
Surrounded by walls. Carcassonne is completely encircled by massive stone walls built long ago to protect the city from attackers. These walls are so impressive that you can walk along them and see the entire city laid out below.
Located in southern France. Carcassonne sits in the Occitania region of France, in a department called Aude. It's positioned in the southwestern part of the country, not far from the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
Important city center. Carcassonne is the prefecture, which means it's the main city that governs the whole Aude department. This gives it special importance in the region's government.
Medieval architecture. The city contains buildings and structures from medieval times, with narrow winding streets, towers, and gates that look like they stepped out of a storybook. Many of these buildings have been preserved so visitors can experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.
Famous destination. Carcassonne is one of the most visited historic sites in France because of its amazing walls and medieval charm. People from all over the world come to explore this incredible fortress city.