This is the view from our Carcassone Airbnb

Even in the rain, the double walls of the fortress of Carcassone are impressive.

On a sunny day, the medieval citadel would look like this

It is the most visited place in France. Even the French Disneyland can’t compete. And its easy to see why.

The first fortified walls of Carcassonne were built in the 4th century by the Romans and there are still some oval shaped towers from that time.

But most of what you see today was built in the 13th century.

A huge restoration project was finished less than a year ago making it possible for the first time in over 100 years to walk round the entire ramparts, including 35 towers, a distance of almost a mile. Something we have every intention of doing.

The rain eases up and we make our way to the main entrance

We follow the tourists

Once inside the walls, the narrow streets are lined with old houses. Everyone of them is now home to a shop, a restaurant, or an ice cream parlour. If you want to buy a plastic sword, a plastic shield, or a plastc helmet, this is the place to be. If not, then get the hell out of here fast.

The rain has started again, we use that as an excuse to leave.

That night, our view looks like this

We are re-inspired.

The next morning brings more rain. We decide to wait, and miraculously the skies clear by 2pm. Not so miraculously my achilles is clearly not ready for such an adventure, so Gordon goes off on his own. He ignores the narrow streets and heads for the ramparts.

Here are some of his photos for you to enjoy without a word from me. Quiet please – I can hear you cheering from here.

There are many who complain that Carcassone is over touristy and over restored. There is definitely some truth in both those criticisms. But it is a place not to be missed.