Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of southern France is best known for its medieval citadel which sits on a hill above the River Aude and overlooks the new town known as La Ville Basse. La Cité is impressive and its little wonder that it’s one of the most visited sites in France. The town itself has a relaxed nature with the best shops and restaurants to be found in the new town. Carcassonne is also the perfect base to explore the greater Languedoc region, especially the area's rich wine heritage. The vineyards of the Minervois and the Corbieres are only a short distance away while the region also boasts plentiful numbers of medieval castles, churches and monasteries.