Carcassonne

The walled city of Carcassonne stands high on a hill above the River Aude, overlooking the valley of Lauragais and the lush Minervois vineyards. It is Europe's largest fortified citadel, each stone a mute witness to its romantic past.

Standing between two historic landmarks, the Romanesque Château Comtal and the Gothic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the Hôtel de la Cité is set in its own glorious gardens.

With its solid stone walls, wood panelling and stained-glass windows, the Hotel offers luxurious hospitality in an atmosphere of ancient history just waiting to be awakened.

Language:  French

Currency:  Euro

Climate: Winter is quite cold in the Languedoc region. Spring and summer offer great light and lush greenery as backdrops for the medieval sites.

Culture:  Famous the world over for its medieval heritage, the Cathars and for the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne offers a great variety of sites to visit.

Places to visit: St Nazaire Basilica, the Castle of Carcassonne city, Theatre de la Cité. Outside the medieval city: guided tours, boat trips on the Canal du Midi.