Carcassonne Sourthern France
Photos by Willy Scholliers
Carcassonne is a medieval walled city  on a hilltop near the canal du Midi in southern France.
The 12 Century site which has over fifty towers is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Canal du Midi is a 17th Century
link between the Atlantic Ocean and
the Mediterranean Sea.
All Photos Copyright Willy Scholliers
Hiking in the mountains and biking
on the canal du Midi are popular in
the region of  Carcassonne.
Carcassonne
A UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The featured attraction at
Carcassonne is the Castle  called The  
Chateau Comtal.  The tours of the site
take you to the turrets and ramparts
where you have great views of the town
below and the countryside.
Transportation
Carcassonne's small airport  is served
by budget flights from Ryan Air out of
London's Stansted and other European
cities, making  the region accessible
from Britain and most of Europe.
High-speed road access includes
France's  A 7, a toll road that serves
Carcassonne from Paris through
Avignon and Narbonne.
The Cathedral dedicated to Saints
Nazarius and Celsus dates to the 6th
century AD with many rebuilding stages
dating to the 12 century and later. The
church has an organ that dates to 1522.
Interesting Sights
Hiking/ Biking
The Canal du Midi, also a World
Heritage Site, passes through
Carcassonne as it joins the Atlantic
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The
canal brings many opportunities for
biking and walking.
When To Go
Carcassonne receives many European
tourist in July and August, Europe's six
week vacation.
Willy Scholliers (center ) is a
Belgian-born traveler who is fluent in five
Spanish.
He has traveled most of Europe, the
USA, Asia, and Central Mexico
Season: High, Mid, Low
High: July August
Mid:  April, May  June, September,    
October,and School Vacations
Low: November,December, January,      
February, March:
Biking the Canal du Midi
Do You need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to show an International Permit, only your drivers
license from your home country and perhaps your passport.  Italian law requires that you carry an IDP as does
Spain, Portugal, Greece, and several of the former Soviet Union countries. The International driver's permit is
issued by the American Automobile Association AAA in the States and the CAA in Canada. The cost is $15
and not a bad bit of insurance against running into trouble while driving in Europe.
Do You need an International Driving Permit to Drive in
Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to
show an International Permit, only your drivers license    
Italian law, however,  requires that.....  see Article
No Passing
for
commercial
vehicles
No
Passing
zone ends
Rotary
with yield
to traffic in
rotary
Check out Auto
Europe's Rentals in
France
Check  Auto Europe's prices and
availability, gas or diesel model, RV
Rental in France, Air and Hotel
Auto Europe Rentals are available at Avignon TGV station.  Check their selection, price, and ease of
booking on the web. . Shop online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel (more economical) or gas,
luggage space,(important)  standard or automatic,(important)  two door, four door and other options.  
Renting for more than 17 days; see their options      see  renting a vehicle in Provence
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various
towns.  Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are
available in all large cities and at many TGV Train Stations..
Information for those renting a vehicle in Provence