iris1745

deb; Not too promising. Each drive will probably take you three hours. For me, one overnight is will worth delving into the 'history' of this city. Richard

historytraveler

I'm always a bit perplexed by those that condemn a place for being too touristy and, unfortunately, Carcassonne seems to bear the brunt of such opinions. I've yet to hear comments about the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Tower of London, the Colosseum in Rome or even St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel as being too touristy. If there was nothing of interest, there would be no tourists.

I admit that it has been over twenty years since I last visited Carcassonne, and there were few tourists at the time. I'll be returning this fall and taking note of the many comments on this forum will be arriving mid-afternoon spending the night at the Hotel de la Cité and leaving mid-morning. I promise to report back. I'm looking forward to my stay now that I have a better idea of the history of Carcassonne.

kerouac

Paris is as touristy as you can get, and I still think that people should go there.

isabel

I think "touristy" has different meanings to different people. I guess when I use the term I mean that it can be overwhelmingly crowded so as to dull the enjoyment one might otherwise have. And that many shops/restaurants designed for tourists (as opposed to locals) have sprung up, and perhaps drowned out, other types of businesses. I think people should be aware that certain places have become "touristy" and plan accordingly - i.e. know what to expect, plan to be there on off hours (overnight) and / or off season - so as to maximize the experience. I still think people should go to these places - they are touristy for a reason, a good reason.

I put Carcassone in that category. I was there in March, and spent the night. But from what I saw in terms of the size of the place, the number and types of shops/restaurants, and the amount of parking (especially tour bus parking) I think it has the potential to be unpleasant. If summer is the only time someone can go, they should plan to spend the night.

I had similar experiences on the trip I just returned from. I was in Dubrovnik - which I described to people as "Carcassone only larger and with ocean". It was July and it was horribly crowded. I am so glad I spent several nights so I could enjoy in early mornings and evenings and left during the day (on day trips). I'm still glad I went but very glad I didn't only allow myself one mid-day there. People on the cruise ships/tour buses only got to see it from 9-5 when it was so hot and crowded I don't see how they could have seen it for what it really is.

twk

If I weren't staying the preceding week in a house literally adjacent to the Chateau de Beynac, then I might be more interested in an overnight stay at Carcassonne. But, since we'll have spent much of the preceding week looking at fotifications and living next to one, I think I can do without this one.

If, in contrast, I'd spent the prior week in the Pyrenese, Carcassonne would probably be higher on my priority list.

klondike

I love Beynac; I love the restaurant at the bottom of the road, Hotel du Chateau; I love sitting on the terrace with a drink watching the balloons aloft every am and pm...but I could not get over the number of FRENCH tourists there in August and ALL of them with their kids-- many tired, hot, screaming kids. For your sake I hope your house isn't streetside!

hausfrau

twk, Beynac is absolutely incredible - one of my favorite medieval castles in all of Europe, and I have visited a fair few. It is quite different from Carcassonne in that it is a stand-alone castle situated high on a cliff over its village, whereas Carcassonne is a completely walled town on a much larger scale. However, if you visit Beynac, nearby Castelnaud, and some of the other medieval sites in the Dordogne, I agree that you will have seen a lot of impressive fortifications!

Carlux

debwhite: to get driving times, check
http://www.viamichelin.fr/tpl/hme/MaHomePage.htm
or
http://fr.mappy.com/

You can choose the type of itinerary you want, either fast or scenic.

My feeling also is that after a week in Beynac and Sarlat that Carcassonne won't be so special.

twk

klondike: Fortunately, we will be there in June while most European schools are still in session. The place we are renting is sort of on the back side of the castle, along the path from the castle down to the lower village. We will get some foot traffic, but I don't think we'll get all that much.

jan47ete

Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, without question, yes, Yes, YES!

iris1745

For us, we look at each one of these towns/castles individually, as their history can differ and we don't compare. We love all of these wonderful, historic places. But Carcassonne is older than most and consequently has a long history. Consider, that it was an important trading center in the 6th century, BC. That's why we like wikipedia, because you can get good general information from this site. Wherever you go, you will enjoy. Have fun deciding as you have had many opinions. Richard