I’ve just got back from a two-and-a-half week holiday in France where I went skiing in the Alps, drank a lot of wine in Provence and visited the ancient walled city of Carcassonne, where so much of the action from the Bonds of Blood series starts.
It was the first time I’d visited Carcassonne but I’m pleased to say it lived up to its romantic history. The site has been inhabited for 2,500 years. Its form as a fortress didn’t come into being until the 1200s and for centuries after it was a prized stronghold.
But with the change in political winds and the border between France and Spain, it gradually lost its importance and the walled city on top of the hill gradually fell into ruin. In the 1800s architect Viollet-le-Duc commenced restoration of Carcassonne, making it one of the first historical restorations ever.
It’s a sight to behold. It’s not as big on the inside as I expected – you can easily walk around it in less than an hour – but there’s plenty of history on the inside to keep you entertained.
There’s the chateau, the battlements, the cathedral and the ramparts, as well as plenty of kitsch to keep you in the medieval spirit.
We stayed at the hotel mentioned in Binding Blood– and learned that Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill had been guests there too (though obviously not together).
It really was a dream come true to finally visit Carcassonne. There’s no doubt I took some artistic licence when it came to representing it in my book but even so it has the medieval, historic and romantic feel that I was hoping.
I posted some photos on my Instagram but here are some extras for your enjoyment.
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