€25
/person
THE HISTORICAL CITADEL
LA CITÉ MÉDIÉVALE
Europe's most unique Citadel. Find the hidden secrets of great photography in an unforgettable place.
The Complete Carcassonne Tour
The Complete Carcassonne - Tour in English
Ideal for enthusiastic photographers. Just bring you and your DSLR or smartphone, and have fun. Our original tour, and still the best. Over a complete morning, we'll discover the new town and La Bastide, areas which, for centuries, have been at the centre of commercial, liberal and artisan life. Our journey together moves from the internationally renowned train station, along the UNESCO-awarded Canal du Midi, and into the backstreets of this unique place. We will then cross the River Aude, and enter one of the world's most loved and best preserved buildings, a proud UNESCO site, celebrated for millennia, by the countless travellers that have passed through. Our journey here will take us to the hidden corners of the Citadel, allowing us an opportunity to explore the visual delights, and uncover quiet, undisturbed corners of this amazing place. This is, of course, a photography tour, so bring your camera - a digital SLR or smartphone - and bring your imagination. Over four hours, we'll move between stunning locations, discussing and trying out photo composition, framing, and the core elements of what it means to take a beautiful photograph. We offer discounts for Seniors and Students, highlighted below. Tours run with between 2 and 8 attendees.
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Bring Your Own Camera - Smartphone or DSLR
You don't need to bring along an expensive, flashy camera. On this tour the city of Carcassonne will act as backdrops to discuss, and try out, the core elements of great photography.
Experienced and Friendly Guidance
Your guide on the Complete City Tour is Laurence Patterson, a highly experienced and energetic photographer. He'll work with you to improve your knowledge of photography, and offer opportunities to try things out.
English Spoken Throughout
With opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss themes of photography, this tour is perfect for everything - from enthusiastic beginners to the more confident.
Come Prepared and Leave Happy
This tour takes place across Carcassonne's New Town, La Bastide, and uphill to the wonder of la Cité. Our pace is light but those attending should wear comfortable shoes, and expect cobbled, hilly streets. We'll take two 10-minute comfort breaks, with opportunities to use toilet facilities, but we advise you bring water.
Does this look like fun? Book tickets today!
Pricing Chart
Choose from our comprehensive list of guided, sightseeing, and family New York tours. We also offer group and corporate rates!
Seniors
Age 60+
€40/person
- Core Elements of Photography
- Full Guided Walkthrough
- Opportunities to Ask Questions
- English-Spoken
Adults
Standard
€45/person
- Core Elements of Photography
- Full Guided Walkthrough
- Opportunities to Ask Questions
- English-Spoken
Students/Young People
Age Under 23
€40/person
- Core Elements of Photography
- Full Guided Walkthrough
- Opportunities to Ask Questions
- English-Spoken
Trip Itinerary
We'll walk through the New Town and La Bastide together, before turning attention to the world-famous Citadel (La Cité), stopping on a number of occasions for your guide to discuss themes of photography, and to present the history of your location. At each stop, you'll be encouraged to put learning into practice. Times below are for guidance only, and the tour is liable to deviate.
Approx 09:00 AM - Carcassonne Train Station
At the start. We’ll begin the tour, prompt, from the Train Station (Gare de Carcassonne). Those attending are advised to arrive ten minutes before the start. Paid parking is available in the Train Station Car Park
Approx 9.40 AM - Place Carnot
Photography of Urban Life. For centuries, the focal point of the new town, Carnot is almost always a bustling and lively place, but striking, too, for its beautiful and unique buildings, fountain, and restaurants.
Approx 10:15 AM - Jardin Bellevue
Photography of Perspective #1. One of the best Citadel views in Carcassonne and, as a classic photographic opportunity, we discuss setup, framing and position.
Approx 10:45 AM - Porte De L'Aude
Photography of Perspective #2. Having walked up the steep hill, the Citadel is now ahead of us, the town of Carcassonne behind, and we notice, more than ever, the shapes and angles that make up this beautiful location.
Approx 11:15 AM - Basilique Saint-Nazaire
Photography of Light and Dark. For thousands of years la Cité has been a religious site. The Basilique Saint-Nazaire is now the centre, and the surrounding area allows us to discover the abstract side of this unique location.
Approx 11:30 - BREAK
We’ll give ourselves around 10 or 15 minutes to rest, grab refreshment, and use the toilet facilities, before moving on.
Approx 11:50 AM - Les Puits and the Streets
Photography of the Abstract. We are now in the heart of the Citadel, its streets normally bustling with those enjoying it for the first time. It is here, amongst the action, that we hope to find a space to discover a sense of abstract, and an opportunity to capture a unique image.
Approx 12:10 PM - Les Lices et Les Tours
Photography of Distance. As we walk around the perimeter of the Citadel for the first time, we notice the vastness of space, the towers all around, and the architectural marvel – perfect to engage in some distance photography.
Approx 12:30 PM - Porte Narbonnaise
Photography of Movement. We leave the Citadel at its busiest point, the main entrance, and observe those going in and those leaving. We discuss creating images that record activity, and successfully capture the human sense.
Approx 12:50 PM - Pont Vieux
Photography of Water. The Pont Vieux connects the new town of Carcassonne to la Bastide. We already had an opportunity to discover water photography at the Canal, and we do so again, here, as we look down to the River Aude.
Approx 13:00 PM - Square Gambetta
The close of our tour. As we move back towards the new town, our final opportunity for photography sees us surrounded by sculptures, greenery, and benches. This is the perfect place to continue your afternoon wander around Carcassonne!
“You have an easy manner and the patience of a saint! Happy to pitch the photography information to the level of each participant. Loved it and learnt loads of hints to improve my hobby.”
Karen
Photography Adventurer
“This was a Christmas gift. You gave me lots of useful tips, and also exercises to put the advice into practice. I recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys history and photography.”
Ashley
Photography Adventurer
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