Carnot Square

You’ve now reached Carnot Square, the bustling heart of the city. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink or sample the local specialties at one of the many restaurants. Take a look around at the beautiful townhouses lining the square: these beautiful buildings are fine examples of Carcassonne’s signature bourgeois architecture. Right in the center, there’s the stunning Neptune Fountain. It’s a real eye-catcher! It was built back in 1770 by the Italian sculptor Barata, who also designed the Hôtel de Rolland – we’ll see it later in our tour. Come take a closer look! It features beautiful pink marble basins from the Caunes-Minervois commune, adorned with statues of tritons, naiads, and dolphins. Look at the very top – there’s a magnificent white marble statue of Neptune, God of the Sea. The fountain was built to bring water from the Aude river to the city, on what was once the Place aux Herbes, the Herb Square, and it’s now considered one of Carcassonne’s most beautiful fountains. Today, Carnot Square is buzzing with life. It hosts a market three times a week, as well as events such as the Wine Festival, the Christmas market with its ice rink, and even summer concerts. This is where all the fun happens!