During the summer, Carcassonne surpasses itself. The city reveals its 2,000-year-old setting to visitors in all its glory. Historical and cultural programmes with accompanying pyrotechnics take place from June to September. The Festival of Carcassonne, Medievales, and the fireworks on July 14th are not to be missed.

Some places to visit in Carcassonne and the citadel include: 

• The Cathedral Saint-Michel in Carcassonne: built in the XIV century in a Languedocien Gothic style.

• The Old Bridge: constructed in the XIV century, this was until the XIX century the only link between the La Cité (the citadel) and the Bastide St. Louise (the town of Carcassonne).
  

• The Museum of Hats: in the medieval citadel, you can admire hats from the Middle Ages to today. You can also buy hats made in the Aude region.

• Museum of the Middle Ages: discover in both video and "Son et Lumière" model form, those lesser-known aspects of past life and military techniques.

• Inquisition Museum: torture instruments from all parts of Europe are displayed, with information in six languages.

•  The Château Comtal in the medieval citadel: built in the XII century by the Trencavels, Vicomtes of Carcassonne.