Play the role of a medieval character in Carcassonne

In Carcassonne, everything is done to immerse visitors in the Middle Ages. With this in mind, children aged 6 to 12 can take a guided tour led by a guide dressed in medieval fashion and equipped with a life-size sword... made of wood. You'll need to accompany your child.

Another 1h30 guided tour will be led by a soldier of the Royal Guard, a former crusader by the name of Alban. With him, you'll discover the medieval city in a 13th-century setting dotted with period artefacts that you'll uncover together. Dressed in costume and equipped with his cape and crossbow, Alban will explain to you, with a wealth of historical anecdotes, how the fortress was built, then redesigned, transformed and extended over time.

From the Porte Narbonnaise, he will take you on a tour of the ramparts and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. He will also tell you about his adventures on Egyptian soil during the Crusades.

If you're interested in the world of period costumes, you can visit the "Centuries of Fashion" exhibition organised by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, in the châteaux and ramparts. This is your chance to see Roman tunics up close, with all their typical accessories (forged medallions, feathered helmets, knives, swords, etc.), as well as the costumes of medieval balladeers. The exhibition is complemented by an area entitled "The Hundred Years' War, a century of fashion", which will take you into the world of Cathar and Languedoc dress at the time.

In 2022, this exhibition was complemented by a parade of old costumes: "La Cité de Fil en Aiguille".

Here, beyond the simple panoply you buy in the shops, attractions and workshops are offered on the theme of medieval dress or crafts.

The town of Carcassonne offers a range of 45-minute workshops for children based on 4 themes: making princess headdresses, medieval calligraphy, creating heraldry and leatherwork.

The calligraphy workshop will teach your child the basics of this ancient art, which is practised here with a bevelled reed, the calame, where they will calligraphy on paper pressed by local artisans. They'll go home with the bookmark they've inscribed.

In the heraldry workshop, your child will be introduced to coats of arms, the distinctive designs used to identify knights according to their house. They will then be able to draw and paint their chosen design on a wooden shield.

TheLeather workshop is based on the same principle. Your child will leave with a leather bracelet that he or she has stamped and inscribed using a wooden mallet.

In Villesequelande, 15 minutes by road from Carcassonne, if you are interested in swordplay as practised under Louis IX, visit the Musée de la Chevalerie. Here you'll find weapons dating from the beginning of our era to the Renaissance, archers, crossbows and other ancient artefacts. During your visit, you'll be shown how to handle a sword. And if your children are aged 12 or over, you can book a medieval fencing lesson with a fencing master (for 2 to 6 people).

You can also experience swordplay at a workshop in Carcassonne. Handling a metal sword, your child will be invited to slip into the shoes of a knight and be introduced to the techniques of sword fighting: gestures, attacks, parries and dodges. The 45-minute workshop concludes with the ceremony of adoubement typical of medieval knights.

Carcassonne is offering a treasure hunt on the theme of immersion in the Middle Ages, which will of course take place in the town itself. Dame Carcas, who gave her name to the city, will be your avatar.

A series of riddles will challenge you as you make your way through the city's many monuments, lasting around 1 hour. At the end, the whole family will know the city even better.

The package includes a box of wooden and fabric items (bamboo pen, dominoes and ribbon in the colours of Carcassonne, etc.). A gift completes the offer and a diploma will be given to the winner.

Carcassonne is also offering a unique experience: an escape game and interactive games available via its Carcassonne Interactive application, downloadable from your usual store.

On the menu, augmented reality and 360° panoramas will be used for a treasure hunt around the Bastide Saint-Louis, an educational game on the biodiversity of the Lac de la Cavayère, virtual walks through the meandering streets of Carcassonne and even the discovery of VTC circuits. And much more besides.

Last but not least, the city is equipped with the latest generation of Oculus masks that will immerse young and old alike in a 3D computer-generated vision of the city and its history. It's an immersion experience guaranteed to take you on a journey through time, from the oppidum of the 3rd-century Romans right up to the present day. All in virtual reality!