Carcassonne

We got to Carcassonne in mid-afternoon and found the aire, actually one of the city's big parking lots outside the old walls. Just look for the sign that says 2000 parking spaces. Probably 30 other campers already there. We'd been to Carcassonne probably twice before, first I think in 1979, and then later in 1989. It has changed greatly in those years. Judging from the crowds and children, it must rival Euro Disney as a family attraction. We waited until later afternoon and the departure of most of the tour buses and then went in--a short walk from the aire--hoping especially to enjoy the place at night and in a quieter mode.

Yet another World Heritage site

We particularly enjoyed the little church; the Cathar church
was Romanesque; when the king took over, he ordered the
church changed to Gothic--a show of power--but the
reconstruction never got beyond the chancel; thus it's an
example of both styles

Nice gargoyle

Interior

Very nice old windows

Ditto

Loved the sign outside: "The Basilica St.
Nazarre is a church always assigned to the
Roman Catholic cult"

Us at Carcassonne

Statue of the guy responsible for saving and
rebuilding Carcassonne--in accordance with
19th century notions of what a Medieval
walled city should look like