Culture: Cassoulet in Carcassonne, France

Cassoulet in Carcassonne: Close Up of Sketch by Wanderlust Designer
Cassoulet in Carcassonne: Close Up of Sketch by Wanderlust Designer

When the late afternoon sun started getting low, and the tourists all began to file out of the fortified city gates, that is when I started to fall in love with Carcassonne. Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon southern region of France, Carcassonne is reminiscent of a scene out of a Disney movie. The walled city sits high upon a hilltop. It’s impenetrable citadel and imposing towers have incredible historic charm, yet the mid-day crowds meandering through the tiny Medieval streets can get a bit overwhelming. I was advised to book a room within the city walls to really experience the town and was definitely not disappointed.

Cassoulet in Carcassonne, France: Sketch by Wanderlust Designer
Cassoulet in Carcassonne, France: Sketch by Wanderlust Designer

There are only a few hotels within the citadel, so by night fall, I truly felt like a princess meandering the streets of her domain. We headed out for dinner and found a small restaurant with a few tables outside along the narrow street. With no cars, and only a few other customers, it was the perfect spot to relax after our busy day. On the menu I spied a traditional southern French dish from the Languedoc region called cassoulet. This slow-cooked white bean and meat (pork sausage, goose, duck and other meats) casserole is rich with flavor and was perfect after a long day of touring.

Back at home, I have tried out a few recipes for cassoulet. I am not as accustomed to the richer meats used in Languedoc (goose, duck confit, even partridge), thus I tend to substitute with more pork and sausages. It is the perfect dish for a cold winter night, and will always remind me of my evening being a princess in Carcassonne.

Resources

Recipes for Cassoulet

Carcassonne, France – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hôtel de la Cité – hotel within the walls of Carcassonne

Hotel Le Donjon – hotel within the walls of Carcassonne

Cassoulet in Carcassonne Hand Drawn Postcard

Cassoulet in Carcassonne Hand Drawn Notecard

 

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