|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
The "Cité"– Today, the Cité is one of the
largest of it's kind – two-walled stronghold, with numerous towers
and ramparts, enclosing a medieval town, castle and church. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The 12th century Chateau Comtal is a fortified castle, with
dry moat, bridge, watchtowers and walls. Moat is perfect grassy area where kids can run around. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inside the castle is a museum with model of the fortress, carved stone artifacts - statue of a medieval knight dressed in armor, Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, Roman era portraits of people and animals. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walking through the rooms, imagine the tall tower where Trencavel family lived, and facilities such as kitchen, bakery, chapel, stables, forge, watchtowers and arsenal with war machines. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From the castle, explore the North Ramparts, or West Ramparts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Ramparts – Start at the large castle courtyard with tree in the center (Cour du Midi), follow the walls, some of the towers are 4th century Roman. You'll pass through the Tresau Tower, where the royal treasure was stored, exit at Narbonne Gate. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West Ramparts – Begin at Cour d' Honneur courtyard. These wall walks are medieval era, including a tower for the Inquisition. Exit the walls near Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, or keep going all the way around to the Narbonne Gate. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saint-Nazaire
Basilica, Romanesque and Gothic style church with lovely stained
glass windows, tombs of medieval bishops, statues of Virgin Mary, and the apostles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Museum (Musee de l'Ecole ) – Visit the School Museum (3 Rue
du Plo) to see a 19th - early 20th century century classroom and try writing with an old fashioned pen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Narbonne Gate (Port Narbonnaise) – |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The main entrance to the city on the east side
is dramatic – two big guard towers with slits, where archers stood
ready to release their arrows. Statue is legendary Dame Carcas, a brave woman who defended the city. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Petit Train de la Cite – Take the tram around the medieval city, a good introduction to the Cite, gives you a sense of how big an area is enclosed in the walls. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Tour
the inner walls in a horse drawn carriage. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Below
the fortress, cross over the Old Bridge (Pont Vieux), linking the Cité
with the town or follow paths along the River Aude. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
In
town (Ville Basse), walk the tow paths along the Canal du Midi and watch the locks in operation. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Outside
of Carcassonne, at Cavayere Lake (Lac de la Cavayere), go swimming and
pedal boating. |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
Essential guide
to castles – different types of castles, defenses and weapons, real-life trebuchet, great hall, dungeons, lords and ladies, entertainments, foods and feasts, peasant life, timeline of castle age, illustrated with detailed photos, maps, models and medieval artifacts. (Picture book)
Also easy reader: Knights and Castles
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
In the Middle Ages, lords in castles ruled, and their knights fought wars. How castles were built, from wooden towers to mighty stone fortresses surrounded by water. How knights were trained, armor and weapons, famous battles, techniques for attacking castles (trebuchets, catapults, cannons), code of chivalry and tournaments. (Illustrated chapter book)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
Wonderful details of a 14th century castle, how it was built, supplying the castle with food, what was it like when it was attacked, how did the lord of the castle live, feasting, tournaments, all illustrated with fascinating miniature scenes. (Picture book)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
A nonfiction companion book to The Knight at Dawn, find out how castles were built, fairs and feasts, tournaments, battles, arms and armor. Packed with historical details and drawings. (Easy reader)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
A falconer trains a hawk to hunt, preparing the hawk with bells, once outdoors, he releases the bird, and watches the hawk soar in the air, hunting for food. Castle and countryside are like Carcassonne.Gorgeous illustrations of this ancient sport. (Picture book)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(More children's
books on other France pages) |
