Carcassonne is a hilltop city in southwestern France's Occitanie region, the right bank of the Aude river, and it is quite simply magical. Its crowning glory is a fairytale castle, which is part ...

Major cities, like Carcassonne, have guided, history-focused walking tours. But consider stepping out of those areas and visiting the Cathar Castles that are riddled throughout the region.

(Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) You have probably already heard of the Cité de Carcassonne, but what about the eight nearby castles which have now been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status?