The city of Carcassonne is the largest medieval fortress in Europe, registered as UNESCO patrimony.
Exemplar medieval city, it has been earldom capital for 400 years, then viscountcy capital, under the suzerainty of counts of Toulouse.
It lost affluence after the crusade against Cathars.
A castle, earl residency, is at the center of the city, that is surrounded by two fortified walls protecting inhabitants.

At Fontfroide abbey, settled in a quiet valley by cisterian monks and meticulously restored, we are transported several centuries back.

Lagrasse is a medieval little city on Orbieu river side. Its houses with wooden sides, its bridges, its famous XIVth century abbey with an original defence system deserve admiration.