Carcassonne

City in southwest France, administrative centre of Aude département, 100 km/62 mi southeast of Toulouse on the Canal du Midi and the River Aude, which divides it into the ancient and modern town; population (1999) 43,900. The medieval fortification, restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, crowns a hill on the right bank of the river. Surrounded by two ramparts and 53 towers, it is the finest in France and one of the most impressive medieval fortified towns surviving.

Carcasonne is situated in a wine-producing region, and is a popular tourist centre.