CarcassonneThe fortification of Carcassonne is a perfectly restored medieval town in a strategic location. It overlooks the Aude River valley and is located on the corridor between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Carcassone became a key element in medieval military and religious conflicts. At its peak in the 12th century, it was ruled by the Trencavels, who built the château and cathedral. The Cathars were given sanctuary here in 1209 by Raymond-Roger Trencavel when besieged by Simon de Montfort in his crusade against heresy. In the 14th century the Inquisition continued to root out the Cathars. Military advances andthe Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 (which relocated the French-Spanish border) made its superbe fortifications obsolete and it fell into some decline. It was the attentions of Viollet-le-Duc which led to its restoration in the 19th century. The ramparts were built by King Louis IX and his son, Philip the bold, in the 13th century. Many of you may also have recognized that a few shots were filmed here for Kevin Costner's Robin Hood. Don't forget to visit the Festival de Carcassone.
