Car and Van Hire in Carcassonne

Because of its location, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is often the first call for visitors to Carcassonne. This is because many prefer not to drive the long distance from northern France, the British Isles and other northern European countries, and instead fly into the city. There is a wide choice of different types of vehicles available at Enterprise, and agents who are confident their customers will drive away happy. Choose from a fuel-efficient modern hatchback, take a look at an executive vehicle or an SUV, or book a people carrier large enough to accommodate the party you are traveling with, and their luggage. Don't forget that Enterprise hire out vans in different sizes.

At Enterprise the focus is on giving the customer the best deal possible, and once agreed, there are no hidden extras. Enterprise makes good use of its Internet site to let customers know what deals are available, which is why it is the best way to keep abreast of any special offers. You can book on line too, and at a time that suits you – the interactive booking facility is in operation 24 hours a day. Choosing your vehicle and paying for it in advance is a great way to reduce the regular price of your car hire, and you will still get Enterprise's great back-up service.

Carcassonne Airport, also known as Salvaza, is two miles west of the city, and although it is not large, commercial, national and international flights, mainly arriving from major British airports, use the airport. The convenience of collecting your pre-booked hire car directly on coming from your flight cannot be overstated and it is a very good way of reducing the stress associated with long distance travel. There is no need to worry about how you are going to continue your onward journey, or have concerns about landing late in the evening. Enterprise has a branch at Carcassonne Airport.

The fortifications in the city were built to withstand even the most frenzied attack, and due to its virtually impregnability, those military leaders who through the ages have tried to take the castle have failed. There are two layers of defensive walls, constructed with regular towers (including one that was for a time the local headquarters of the Catholic Inquisition) and barbicans. It is a feat of medieval engineering well worth seeing. Within the walls is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Saint Celsus, built on the site of an earlier, sixth-century church. Work on the original basilica began in 1096 and took over one hundred years to complete. In the early 14th century, reconstruction work in the Gothic style took place in the transept and the choir.

Castelnaudry on the banks of the Canal du Midi is a 25-mile drive northwest of Carcassonne. The town is reputed by food lovers to serve the best cassoulet anywhere in France. The French Foreign Legion has a barracks in the town, open to the general public on 30th April each year. At Castelnaudry, the canal opens up and forms the Grand Basin, a large open expanse of water, which today serves as a marina. Limoux, built on the banks of the River Aude, is 20 miles from Carcassonne. Place de la Republique is the large town square, which is close to well-preserved, wooden-framed houses. There is a piano museum in the town and a botanical garden.

Roads in the Carcassonne area of France are usually maintained in good order, and signposting is clear. Drivers should familiarise themselves with French traffic regulations. For example, not many drivers are aware that a law of 2012 makes it incumbent on them to carry a breathalyser kit, or that seat belts front and back are compulsory. The city, and particularly the area around the citadel, is extremely busy with tourists during the summer months, and drivers are advised to find parking across the river in Le Ville Basse and walk or take public transport to the Old Town. There are large car parks on the Boulevard de Varsovie and Place General de Gaulle.