Site officiel de la ville et de la Communauté d'Agglomération du Carcassonnais
Jousting Ground
(Map)Lower jousting ground
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From the Narbonnaise Gate to the Aude Gate on the right beyond the drawbridge (approx. 500 metres). It is best to begin here because you very quickly find yourself looking at the remains of the ancient wall dating from the 3rd-4th centuries in which the dressing consists of ashlar (small stones), frequently broken up by brick stringing. The towers are flat on the town side but semi-circular on the side jutting out over the countryside. The lower section is blind; the upper storey includes semi-circular windows emphasised by brick archstones.
Upper jousting ground
On the south-west, south and south-east sides, from the Aude Gate to the Narbonnaise Gate (approx. 600 metres). The new buildings (the entire south corner was rebuilt, as were the square Bishop's Tower and the St. Nazarius Tower) date from the reign of Philip III the Bold (late 13th century) and are easily recognisable because of their rustication. The inner wall on the south-east side, on the other hand, was merely altered. Here, there is alternating rustication and Roman ashlar.
Site Officiel de l'Office de Tourisme et de la ville de Carcassonne - www.carcassonne.org
Site Officiel de l'Office de Tourisme et de la ville de Carcassonne - www.carcassonne.org