Chuckle! I did in fact read about the tacky souvenir shops lining the walk up to St. Michel during medieval times. Always thought that was interesting.

I enjoyed visiting Carcassonne a couple years ago, but mostly because of the structure of it. I'm crazy about the architecture of such places as opposed to the tourist shops. But I did enjoy a good lunch at one of those shops, a nice big bowl of casolet.(sp?)

Wasn't it Yogi Berra who quipped, &quot;nobody goes there anymore - it's too crowded.&quot; : - ) <BR><BR>Spouse and I nearly got locked in the castle when it closed at night. Believe me, staring up at those high walls with nary a soul in sight for a looong ten minutes made me think differently about encountering the company of my fellow human beings. <BR><BR>I enjoyed it, warts and all. Go, and decide for yourself.

Arriving in Carsconne in late evening after driving all day. The site of the fortress from afar was a sight to behold. It took my breath away. Stayed in a very nice hotel about a block away, walked around the fortress in daytime hours. We visited there in the month of October, not a bit crowded at all that time of year. Can't relate to what is Disney-esque about it at all.<BR>Go and enjoy!

we stayed inside the city, at hotel de la cite. it was a highlight of our trip. the city is wonderful in the eve and early morning , but -like mont st michel, not worth fighting crowds during the day. we went at the height of the tourist season- august. if you can stay inside the city, definitely do it. if not, probably not worth doing.

Hi all,<BR> For those who might be interested, the official websited is http://www.carcassonne.culture.fr/

Cathy, IMO, you saw Carcassonne the best way! I agree that Hotel de la Cite is a special, beautiful place inside the walls of Carcassone. The very early morning is delightful!