Most people come to Carcassonne for the Castle, called the Cite, but the town’s Bastide of Saint Louis is also a treasure chest of history that should not be overlooked. Located in Cathar Country in the south of France, Carcassonne makes an ideal base from which to explore the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Carcassonne has a rich history going back 2,500 years: many adorable squares, specialty boutiques, cozy cafes, bountiful markets, and the Canal du Midi wrapping around the city’s perimeter, tempting visitors to take a riverboat ride.