The city of Carcassonne and cassoulet lunch

A cassoulet lunch in the heart of the medieval city

A recipe filled with history

According to the legend, cassoulet dates back to the Hundred Years' War, when the besieged inhabitants, with only beans and a little meat at their disposal, invented this comforting dish by cooking it in a terracotta cassole.
Today, Carcassonne, Toulouse and Castelnaudary all claim to have created this speciality, each adding their own local touch. In Carcassonne, you will discover the traditional version, rich in flavour and history.

Your guided tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne

Set off on an unforgettable guided tour in the heart of the medieval city. Your guide will reveal its secrets through an exceptional tour: We start with the Porte Narbonnaise (built around 1280): a monumental entrance with two imposing towers, protected by the Barbacane Saint-Louis. Then we head to Les Lices: the strategic path between the two fortified enclosures, once intended to slow down attackers. Place Saint-Jean and Rue Viollet-le-Duc: picturesque streets filled with history. Château Comtal (12th century): former residence of the Trencavel lords, a real fortress within the fortress (visit included in the 2.5-hour tour). Following Rue Saint Louis, the tour ends at the 11th-century Saint-Nazaire Basilica: a Gothic and Romanesque masterpiece, famous for its remarkable stained glass windows and sculptures. As you explore these sites, you will immerse yourself in over 2,500 years of history and discover the fascinating stories that have made Carcassonne famous. The itinerary may be modified depending on the guide.