La Cité de Carcassonne is a 2,500 year old hilltop city. It is a history lesson told in defensive measures—turrets, towers, walls—and cobblestones. It is also a great way to spend a day exploring a labyrinth of paths and streets, descending claustrophobia-inducing winding stairs, and walking narrow ramparts.

I am sure it is insufferably crowded with tourists in summer but this time of year it is quite pleasant. The city has few permanent residents, most of whom survive on the tourist trade. There are also a couple of hotels and the usual collection of restaurants and tourist trinket stores.

For more on the city check out the official website or, better yet, go to the Wikipedia writeup on its history and restoration.