Cité

Carcassonne

Copyright: Vicki Burton / Flickr

Cité

Shopping in the walled Cité is more authentic, although most of the shops are dedicated to tourists. There are a large number of tiny stores, boutiques and craftsmen. All kinds of souvenirs can be bought such as original clothes in wool, old maps, or gift items like antiques and local art or crafts. Knives, swords and other medieval weapons are also found in speciality shops. You will find excellent souvenirs and toys for the kids! There are a couple of good souvenir shops at the junction of rue Cros-Mayrevieille and rue Saint Sernin. For genuine articles, try the “Antiquities,” at the bottom of the rue Porte d’Aude. It is the oldest and most reliable shop for antiques.

Shopping

Although Carcassonne is not a shopping destination, the city do offers some unique items to bring back home. Antiques, books, souvenirs, food and wines are the most popular items for travellers to buy when here. Carcassonne has two distinct shopping areas, the modern lower city, Bastide Saint Louis, with a vast array of retailers and bookshops and then there is the walled Cité for more authentic shops and where many of the shops are very much aimed at tourists. There are many small shops and stalls to explore with a large variety of souvenirs as well as carefully crafted items and art in the citadel When here, you should not miss out the markets where to explore fresh produce and feel the Mediterranean ambience, it is for sure a true pleasure for all of your senses. The covered food market, Les Halles is a good example where to stroll around an explore the food culture in Carcassonne. Due to the location, in a rich wine-growing region, you will find plenty of shops along the narrow streets that offers a great selection of local and regional wines. You will for sure find some favourites to bring back home.