CHAPTER 3 - Carcassonne City (or is it a town?)

The small city of Carcassonne is only twenty minutes from Montolieu. There are several out-of-town large supermarkets such as Geant, E.Leclerc and Carrefour, as well as budget stores Aldi and Lidl. But the best shopping experience is to visit the market on Saturday morning and soak up the atmosphere. Sit outside at one of the cafés and simply watch the hustle and bustle of the world go by while you enjoy a coffee and croissant. Parking is easy and cheap, but if you don't have a car there is a morning bus from Montolieu and an afternoon one back for only one euro each way (ask for details at the Tourist Information Bureau in Montolieu).

No visit would be complete without going to the must-see fairy-tale castle, known as La Cité, which is walking distance from the city centre. Inside the walls of La Cité, which is free to enter and wander around, you will discover shops, houses, a school, hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as a lovely church. The architecture is truly breathtaking and highly recommended. In the Cité there are many places to eat and have a drink. There's a pay-car park right outside the main entrance known as Narbonne Gate. However, you can park for free in the side streets at the base level and walk up. The Cité is also a walkable distance from the vibrant main town.And when you are walking around town, taking in the many shops, don't forget to look up. There's usually something interesting to see.