Cité de Carcassonne: Castle + Ramparts + Museum

The experience

Southern France's famous fortified medieval city

Cité de Carcassonne attracts as many visitors each year as the more famous Mont Saint-Michel. With 2,500 years of history, massive 13th-century fortified walls, watchtowers, ramparts, and a castle, a visit to this medieval city makes for a unique experience.

With this ticket, you can walk the massive double wall, as well as the 14th-century Great Well. It's said that the Visigoths hid the treasure of the Temple of Salomon inside. It's never been recovered, so keep your eyes open for anything shiny.

The Gauls settled in Carcassonne in the 3rd century BC, and then along came the Romans, as well as merchants, crusaders, and itinerant travelers. The history contained in these walls is staggering.

And yet, in the 19th century, Napoleon decided to demolish it. Thankfully, a campaign to save it was successful, and after restoration, the Cité is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site.