🏰 360° Carcassonne: So Much More Than One Would Expect
When I planned this trip, I honestly didn't want to research it like crazy. There is something truly magical about that "awe moment" of "wow" that really floors you. I went off a website of quaint towns and just ran with it. Our goal here was to feel the culture of Spain, even though we didn't cross the border.
Arriving in town, our apartment honestly was not very charming, so my expectations dropped. But we were told about an old trail we could walk to get to the old Carcassonne ruins. So we started walking... and when we came up over the hill to see this **Grand and epic city wall**, it was jaw-dropping. I was giddy with excitement.
We walked around the wall and wondered, "How long are we going to have to walk around this massive wall before getting in?" After a while, we found a small backdoor entrance. It was a little like, "Is it ok if I sneak in the backdoor here?" Of course it was, and it was full of fun small stairways, interesting arches, and we were ecstatic with how charming these "old ruins" were.
Then we turned a corner, and I was **shocked.** We all of a sudden found a **vibrant city full of life** inside this ancient city. The sun was setting and the lights were spilling out of the shops. It was all busy and full of life. The quaint shops had fun and interesting items, and there were street performers entertaining the crowds. I don't think our smiles could have gotten any bigger... but they did.
In This Adventure Guide:
🌟 The Golden Nugget
Don't Miss This: Find the "backdoor." Instead of going to the main tourist gate, find the trail that lets you walk the *outside* of the massive rampart walls first (like we did by accident!). This lets you have that "jaw-dropping" reveal, and you can sneak in a smaller, quieter entrance, which feels like you're discovering a secret.
TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO CARCASSONNE
Follow our accidental path of discovery—from the trail *outside* the walls to the "secret" entrance, and finally to the living city inside.
The Trail Around the City Wall (Our "Wow" Moment):
Up on the Wall (Finding the "Backdoor"):
Stairs to a Door... Do We Dare?
The SHOCK: A Vibrant, Living City Inside!
"We turned a corner and all of a sudden found a vibrant city full of life... I was Shocked. The lights were spilling out of the shops. I don't think our smiles could have gotten any bigger."
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location/Park: Carcassonne, Occitanie, France
- 🥾 Hike/Activity: Exploring Europe's Largest Medieval Walled City
- 📏 Distance: N/A (Miles of walls and streets to walk)
- 📈 Elevation Gain: N/A (Some stairs)
- ⏳ Recommended Time: 4-5 hours, or a full evening!
- 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The Double Ramparts (Outer Wall), Château Comtal (Count's Castle), Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus.
Adventure Rating:
A Living City: A Gallery of the Magic
I went from thinking I was wandering quiet ruins to experiencing what the city must have been like "back in the day." It was a delight. We kept roaming around trying to explore to the end of each street, curious what other enchanted places we'd find.
One of those was a big outdoor amphitheater next to a church. There was a live band performing! We didn't have tickets—it was pretty sold out—but they let us hang out outside and just enjoy the feeling of excitement and energy. Here are some of my favorite moments of this "living city."
💡 Your Traveler's Tips
- ♦️ History: This is the largest medieval city in Europe! Its strategic spot was first recognized by the Romans, but in the 5th century, it was taken over by the Visigoths.
- ♦️ The Yellow Circles? If you see bright yellow circles painted on the wall (like we did in 2018), it was a temporary and controversial art installation. It was definitely a conversation starter!
- ♦️ Check the Schedule: The city has a stage/arena inside the walls. Check the official Carcassonne tourism site to see if a concert is playing—it's an amazing venue!
- ♦️ Go at Night: The city is magical at sunset and after dark. The lights come on, the crowds thin a *little*, and it feels like a medieval fairytale.
🔎 VR Video Treasure Hunt!
When you watch the immersive 360° videos, see if you can find these special moments!
- Trail Around the Wall 360°: Can you see the *double* walls? Carcassonne has two massive ramparts!
- Up on the Wall 360°: Can you spot the small stairway that leads *down* into the city? (Our "backdoor"!)
- Vibrant City 360°: Can you find the sign for a restaurant with its lights on, ready for dinner?
⭐ Final Thoughts
Carcassonne was more than I ever could have hoped for. It was just delightful to explore interesting entrances, follow our curiosity, and see what was just beyond that door. My whole family came away delighted with the pure joy this city let us enjoy. This is a "must-see" on any trip to France. LOVED IT!
What's a place that has completely shocked you and shattered your expectations?
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna from VRGetaway
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