The early days of Carcassonne, Christened ‘The Maid of Languedoc’, is something of a mystery. There is very little historical data about the old city much before the 2nd Century BC, but it is known that a Gallic tribe called the ‘Volkes Tectosages' built a refuge or defensive position here. Unfortunately no remains have survived.
The Romans based legionnaires here during their occupation of Gall. 'Carcaso' was on the main route from Italy to Bordeaux and its ideal defensive position on the banks of the Aude River made it an attractive and easily defended location.
Carcassonne prospered during 1084 - 1209, but suffered with the Pope's Crusade against the Albigensians under the leadership of the murderous Simon de Montfort.
In the centre of the ‘Old City’ stands the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, an amalgam of many centuries. The entrance is Romanesque and was built by local stonemasons and architects during the 11th - 12th Centuries.
Along with Castelnaudary and Toulouse, Carcassonne claims to be the birthplace of the dish ‘Cassoulet’, a rich stew of haricot blanc beans, garlic, sausage, mutton and stuffed goose-neck.
For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of Interest)