A Tour of Carcassonne in France -The Most Complete Medieval Fortified City in Existence
Our Classic Canal du Midi cruises include a tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo Roman era, Carcassonne is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting.
Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city set atop a hill overlooking the Aude River. Rising against the backdrop of the Pyrénée Mountains, the city is striking not only during the day but also at night, when it is floodlit. Composed of a circle of towers and battlements, turrets and ramparts, with the longest city wall in Europe, Carcassonne is a perfectly restored medieval town. The oldest sections of its encircling wall were built by the Romans in the first century AD. Its name dates to the 9th century, when the city was under siege by Charlemagne. Dame Carcas, in full view of Charlemagne, fed the last of the city's wheat to pigs. Charlemagne, thinking the act signified an endless food supply for the city's inhabitants, gave up and decamped. Credited with saving the city, Dame Carcas's act led to the city being known as "the virgin of Languedoc" and impregnable.
Canal du Midi
The 300 year old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. This canal is defined by its beauty, lined with plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges. The Mediterranean weather and pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you cruise sedately along.
This is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, or simply watching the scenery pass by as you relax on deck with a cool drink. In the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. Enjoy private wine tastings at chateaux en route, locations that vary with your choice of barge.
You will discover a marvellous blend of ancient Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this region of historical importance. Explore this further with your tour guide when you visit the walled city of Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence.
Our classic Canal du Midi cruise is aboard our pretty 8 passenger vessel Anjodi, which has been cruising the Canal du Midi for more than 25 years. Anjodi has never been more popular since Rick Stein brought her to the attention of the world in his very successful TV series 'French Odyssey'.
Our ultra deluxe Canal du Midi cruise is aboard the 8 passenger Enchanté. This is the only double-decker hotel barge on the Canal du Midi, providing room for large cabins and additional facilities whilst still able to squeeze through the waterway's old locks.
*Music by Crocodile Music
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