Porte Narbonnaise & Château Comtal

The Porte Narbonnaise & Château Comtal of Carcassonne is a stunning complex and the best preserved fortified city in Europe. Located in the Aude province of Southern France, the walled medieval city stands on a hill overlooking the winding Aude river. Inside the Port Narbonnaise, seven defence towers and two drawbridges guard the grand entrance, while the interiors are home to the remains of the 12th-century Château Comtal. Both the castle and Porte Narbonnaise have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the streets, ramparts, and cobbled pavements, with plenty of cafés, galleries, museums and shops. There's also the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, a 19th century cathedral located at the highest point of Carcassonne. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop of the castle, too!