Backpackers Hostel Carcassonne - Cheap Dorm - Budget Accommodation - Carcassonne Hostel

CARCASSONNE A BRIEF HISTORY

First signs of a settlement 3500 years BC, later inhabited by Gauls, Romans, Visgoths, Moors and the Franks.
Medieval history remembers the Golden Era of the great Languedocian family of the
Trencevals. Then came the crusade against the Cathars and the eventual passing of the City to the notorious Simon de Montfort. Carcassonne grew in importance and wealth until the 17th century when the Treaty of the Pyrenees shifted the border south.

Many of the the important castles of the Languedoc, including the great City of Carcassonne stagnated and fell into disrepair. As the citadel became used as a quarry there were calls for the total demolition of the City and for 200 years the City continued to collapse.
During the 19th century a movement for the revival of Carcassonne succeeded and Violet le Duc began a 50 year restoration project.
Carcassonne is now the largest walled medieval fortress town in Europe and boast two UNESCO world heritage sites - la Cite and Canal du Midi.
The most recent invasion of Carcassonne was in the late 1990s when Michael O'Leary of Ryanair provided Carcassonne with low cost flights (still under £20 from Liverpool 2012) Despite frequent condemnation he must be doing something right operating 280 planes to 165 destinations with a turnover of €3.6 billion. Number of major accidents - nil.

Free Wi-Fi

Prices held

Security lockers

New shower cubicles

Hot water to laundry washroom sinks

Bikes available

Food available

Transport available

Hammock

Tight rope

Today Carcassonne is a must see on everyones bucket list. La Cite is a feast for the eyes, walk back in time to see one of the largest medeival walled cities in the world, experience the medeival joust within the castle walls - the speed and agility of cavalier and horse within such a confined space will amaze you. Food is a major part of French life and Carcassonne is not to be missed. Hundreds of restaurants battle for business keeping prices remarkably low for such an amazing site. A short distance away are the Canal du Midi and the River Aude where you can take a stroll or a bike ride through the avenues of Platanes (Plane trees)
The Ville Basse is a shopping extravaganza whether you are after fashion, fresh produce from the local markets or more gourmet food. Most of the trade revolves around the streets running off the Place Carnot with its laid back cafe culture
We STRONGLY recommend le Cathar restaurant which lies a little off the beaten track but only a couple of minutes walk from Place Carnot and rewards you with a very competitive menue and amazing food cooked over an open fire in the evenings
Of course in the summertime La Cite is alive with music festivals with many free concerts in the Ville Basse or Bastide.
The centrepiece of the summer festivities is the July 14th Bastille Day celebrations when the city firework display is watched by around 750,000 spectators. THIS YEAR 2012 THE TOUR DE FRANCE ALSO STARTS ONE OF ITS STAGES FROM LIMOUX (10 MINUTES SOUTH BY CAR) ON 15 JULY SO BOOK EARLY !

New Website
20/11/2011

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Under new management

Non HI and
YHA members
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No curfew
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repect essential

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