It may only be 108 years old, but the Hotel de la Cite, part of the MGallery Collection, is the last and most decorative piece in the 1200-year-old jigsaw puzzle which makes Carcassonne such a fascinating place to visit. It was at the beginning of the 9th century that this ancient citadel got its name when it survived a siege by Charlemagne with the help of its moat, drawbridge and thick Roman walls.
But it was forgotten 1000 years later, falling into disuse and disrepair after Roussillon was absorbed into France and Carcassonne lost its strategic importance as a stronghold on the border with Spain.
The whole place was reconstructed by scholars in the 19th century who repaired the walls and replaced the mediaeval fairytale turrets, and in 1906 they decided to endow the citadel with a hotel in keeping with the city’s historic charm to attract the new tourists. That charm remains, epitomised by a baronial dining room, panelled library and rooms with expansive decks from which guests can enjoy the views of the ramparts into which the hotel is built, and the lush greenery of south-western France stretching into the distance.
Rooms are traditionally furnished, with accoutrements like a Nespresso machine and hand-made chocolates offering a welcome touch of today. The marble bathrooms could benefit from a lighting update, but fluffy towels and robes make up for it.
The Barbacane restaurant below offers Carcassonne’s only Michelin-starred dining, with themed menus paying homage to seasonal ingredients like truffles. The abundant breakfast buffet, served in the same spectacular dining-room, awash with stained glass, is redolent with home-baked bread and pastries and locally-made cheese and preserves.
To work off all that good food, a 20-minute morning jog through the city with a coach and an audio guide is offered, and more relaxed insights are available from a storyteller who introduces guests to the town’s legends over tea, pastries and chocolate in the hotel’s delightful gardens – or around the fireplace in winter.
I want to stay at Hotel de la Cite. How much is it?
Rooms from £186 per night.
Hotel de la Cite
Chemin des Anglais
Place Auguste Pierre Pont
11000 Carcassonne
Tel: 3 (0) 4 68 71 98 71
Dear. tripreporter!
I am an editor of in Korea magazine corp, DesignHouse.
is living magazine for Amway customer.
I want to introduce HOTEL DE LA CITE of Carcassonne,
the column topic is an old castle tour of medieval times for Slow Life.
So, I need beautiful photos of HOTEL DE LA CITE and Carcassonne.
Can you provide high resolution files, more than 10 photos of more than 2 MB?
Please reply.
Thankyou!
Hi Jang Thanks for getting in touch. I suggest you contact Hotel de la Cie directly for this. I am sure they have the images you need.