A Dream Come True: A Visit to Carcassonne

This was the day Cameron had been looking forward to for almost a year. When we were thinking about our trip here, we knew that one place we would not miss would be Carcassonne. Andrew and I had visited here with Axelle several years ago. As we walked through the city streets that time, I kept thinking about how much I wished our children could see this. God gave me my heart's desire, and I am very grateful. It was wonderful to go to Carcassonne again, this time as a family experiencing it together.

Just a little note about the history: The city was originally settled by the Romans in the 2nd century. The castle and the cathedral were built in the 1200s. Over the centuries, it has remained remarkably intact. What needed it was restored in the 1900s. It is designated a world heritage site. It also has some colorful history. Sometime, ask Cameron about Dame Carcasse and how she saved the city by throwing a pig over the wall.

This is the main gate into the city. A drawbridge goes over a moat and you must walk under two portcullises because it is a double-walled city. This was a dream come true for an 8-year-old boy who has been fascinated with knights and castles for a long time. When you pass the gates, one very narrow stone road leads uphill a little ways before branching out into other streets to other parts of the city. A big difference between the time we were here years ago and this visit is the amount of people. It was mobbed this time! Last time, there were barely 10 people exploring the place, but of course it was pretty close to winter then.

This is a view of the actual castle within the city walls. The castle is the tall part in the middle of the picture. Carcassonne (the old city) sits on top of a hill. To the right of the picture, across a river you can't see, is the modern city of Carcassonne.

Here we are walking the circumference of the city between the walls.

Of course, the city has a church building. This is a view of part of it. See the gargoyles?

This is a sundial of sorts

Another view of the area between the walls.

This boy is having a GOOD time (even without all his teeth). His most favorite t-shirt was secretly purchased by his sister in a tourist shop in the city, and presented to him for his birthday. I don't think he took it off for two weeks!

(Posted by Mom)