Carcassonne, a medieval city unique in Europe
Carcassonne’s spectacular walled medieval citadel is protected by no less than 52 towers.
The town below has plenty of history too, founded in the 12th century. Here, see how the Canal du Midi progresses through the Aude Valley up to the Fresquel Aqueduct – this early 19th-century canal-bridge with its three arches has the advantage of allowing both the canal and a road to cross the Fresquel River side by side.
Custom route
Custom route
20 Bram / Carcassonne
From Bram to Carcassonne, the route runs alongside the Canal du Midi, which is in no rush, so take your time to linger over this beautiful stage. You come to the port in the lower town of Carcassonne, built originally as a fortified medieval grid-plan bastide. Above, Carcassonne’s mighty medieval citadel atop its hill dominates the surrounding countryside. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the citadel encourages many cyclists to make a significant halt on the route here.
21 Carcassonne / Marseillette
Not one, but two bridge-aqueducts were needed to cross the Fresquel and Orbiel Rivers to reach Trèbes, with its lively port, its canal-side cafés-restaurants and its church of St-Etienne, in the heart of the historic village. The Minervois area and its reputed vineyards lie just a short cycle ride away from the Canal du Midi here.