Inside the Bastide is a warren of streets and old buildings. It’s a cool place in several ways. Even on roasting hot days here in the far south, the city doesn’t overheat thanks to its design that channels the four winds that run through the area to flow through its streets. There are 300 days a year of wind here and you can expect to enjoy the breezy touch of the Tramontane, le Vent d’Autun, the Marine and Mediterranean winds.
The town seems to evolve outwards from the central square Place Carnot with its famous fountain, loved by famous French writer Balzac. This square makes for the most wonderful setting to take a relaxing break at a terraced café and watch the world go by. Where the moats of old once were, there are now boulevards lined with houses and shops.
You can’t help but notice that the pavement is made from rose coloured marble. It was laid to honour the visit of Louis XIV, the Sun King, and was quarried from Caunes, Minervois not far from Carcassonne. Marble from this quarry was also used at Versailles, the Opera Garnier in Paris as well as in the White House in Washington.