“Every big castle was once started with a single block; despise no small beginnings. A little step taken every day builds up the hope of greater accomplishments. Do something every day!” – Israelmore Ayivor
Locals like to believe that Carcassonne got its name this way: 1,200 years ago, Charlemagne and his troops besieged this fortress-town (then called La Cité) for several years. A cunning townsperson named Madame Carcas saved the town. Just as food was running out, she fed the last few bits of grain to the last pig and tossed him over the wall. Splat! Charlemagne’s bored and frustrated forces, amazed that the town still had enough food to throw fat pigs over the wall, decided they would never succeed in starving the people out. They ended the siege and the city was saved. Madame Carcas sonne-d (sounded) the long awaited victory bells, and La Citè (the city in English) had a new name.- Carcas – Sonne. It’s a good story, right? But historians suspect that Carcassonne is a Frenchified version of the town’s original name (Carcas). Just in case the story IS true — meet Madame Carcas!Awe inspiring turretsand steep walls. Hard to imagine anyone even thinking about climbing them and invading this city!A fun way to see the city, close up and in the distance, is by walking the ramparts.Here he is – challenge accepted!Nice view of La Cité below.Couldn’t wait to see the inside of this church but Alas! – a wedding was taking place that afternoon so – no visitors allowed.🥲We worked up an appetite climbing all those steps so we stopped for crêpes. Chocolate for Murph and lemon for me. We were both happy with our choices!Fresh off the griddle and oh so yummy!Walking home in the evening we passed this festive neighborhood.Carcassonne was so pretty at night, too.One morning we walked the path outside the walls…which was also very lovely!
Looks like a fun place to visit! I’m with Murph on the chocolate crepe.
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I love chocolate but the lemon was really good!
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I’m glad you got to see Carcassonne, it’s very special isn’t it! ☺️
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Yes! Very nice
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Love the story! I don’t often comment, but always enjoy hearing about your travels and seeing your amazing photos!
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Thanks so much for following along. Love having you with us!
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That is a proper castle.
Nathan L. Cannataro (780) 695 – 9593
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