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Carcassonne, a suggestive medieval city completely surrounded by walls, is located in the south of France, between Toulouse and Narbonne, near the border with Spain and the Pyrenees. This spectacular medieval city stands on the right bank of the Aude river. The city of Carcassonne has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty. Carcassonne was founded by the Romans and later, in medieval times it developed into an important fortified stronghold. The city walls were restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853. The fortified city essentially consists of two circles of walls – part of which date back to the Roman era – interspersed with 53 towers and barbicans which served to prevent the siege engine attack. The castle, which is accessed via a drawbridge, is surrounded by a moat and has a central keep. During the Christmas period, the Carcassonne Christmas Market is the most popular and important event in this historic town in Languedoc-Roussillon.
CARCASSONNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
1) Magie de Noël of Carcassonne (Magie de Noël). The Carcassonne Christmas market takes place, with its stalls, in the Carnot square. For Christmas, the historic center (Bastide Saint-Louis and the Cité) of this beautiful medieval French town is filled with lights, decorations and illuminations.
For the entertainment of young and old, Carcassonne offers, in addition to the Christmas Market, an ice skating and toboggan rink, sleigh rides, an inflatable village, Christmas carols and concerts, parades of cartoon characters.
2) Feast of Saint Nicholas in the Medieval City (Fête de la Saint Nicolas dans la Cité Médiévale). Crafts market (40 craftsmen) installed in the gardens of the Jean-Deschamps Theater, a great festival with medieval medieval troops in all the streets of the city (fights, parades, encampment…).
