One of the most beautiful towns in France, Carcassonne is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval fortress which has had a long and eventful history. The Carcassonne Cathedral (Cathedrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne) and the Basilica of Saint Nazaire and Saint Celsus (Basilique Saint-Naizaire-et-Saint-Celse de Carcassone) are also well worth a visit, whilst in summer cruises on the Canal du Midi are popular. Ghost-tours, wine-tasting and exploring the surrounding Languedoc-Roussillon region are also favourite holiday past-times. Carcassonne is within easy driving distance of Narbonne (east on the A61/E80) and Beziers (north from Narbonne on the A9/E15), as well as Toulouse (west on the A61/E80) and Perpignan (south from Narbonne on the A9/E15). Many visitors chose to explore the region directly surrounding Carcassonne, however, and for this reason it is advisable that private transportation is secured upon arrival.
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The international airport that services Carcassonne is Aéroport de Carcassonne en Pays Cathare (Carcassonne Salvaza Airport). Located on the western outskirts of the city, the airport has become a regular on the low-cost airline schedule, receiving flights from Charleroi, Liverpool, Nottingham, Shannon, London-Stansted, Dublin and Cork (all Ryan Air). The airport is not overly busy, with less than 500,000 visitors annually, but still has a number of car hire desks on site. ADA, Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Lov'Location all offer car rentals from the airport's single terminal. Although not in the airport itself, National and France cars also have offices in Carcassonne - it is advisable that you arrange to be met at the airport with your hire car if you choose to use their service.