The drive to Carcassonne was beautiful…
We loved the little towns perched on hilltops…
Then, as you come around a corner of the highway, you might think you are seeing a mirage, an illusion, but there in the distance on a hill, is an astonishingly huge citadel! 
This is the fairy tale walled city of Carcassonne… 
This citadel is a real FORTRESS… huge, tough, impenetrable… 
Complete with moat… 
Inside was a bit touristy, but some very interesting shops…
An imposing, striking, and dramatic fortress…. 
Carcassonne is a small city of 50,000 people, about 60 km from the coast of Southern France, and is the largest walled city in France…
Arresting and extraordinary…
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What was the purpose of that well-like hole in the floor?
I absolutely love the tree-lined lane.
I believe it was an ancient well. We loved the tree-lined lanes as well, but they are actually on highways. Most of the highways are narrow and winding through the countryside. We loved the the little villages atop big hills sprinkled all over the landscape.
Your photos are fantastic! Did you see the living quarters?
No, I don’t think there were any, but T saw the dungeon and torture chambers. 🙁
Oh, thank you for the compliment on my photos! I am obsessed with taking pictures, but if you take 100 photos, you usually get at least one good one – lol.
That Citadel/Fortress certainly is something to behold. What an amazing structure, and so huge; the history, again, seems to ‘come alive’. The scenery is so picturesque, and I agree with Joanne, your photos are exquisite. Cheers.
We were both staring at that fortress with our mouths wide open as we were driving towards it! It’s hard to capture in photos, but I tried! Thanks.