Back in time in these fortified towns in France + campsites

Carcassonne (Occitania)

A list of fortified cities in France naturally starts with Carcassonne. This city in the south of France is so famous that there is even a board game dedicated to it. Carcassonne actually deserves its own article, because there is so much to tell about this city.

Carcassonne dates back to the 12th century. The medieval city has a castle, a double wall and 52 towers. You can see the city from a distance. The entrance to this historic part, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997, can be found at the main gate: the Porte de la Narbonnaise. Once inside the walls, you can wander through the old streets. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the Château Comtal, the Cité theatre or one of the museums. The festival in July is famous, with a spectacular fireworks display on 14 July – the French national holiday. And are you visiting Carcassonne with children? Then you can count on coming home with a knight’s sword or other medieval toy.

Camping near Carcassonne

Camping la Cité, at the foot of this medieval city.
Camping Domaine d’Arnauteille, a nice campsite (we speak from experience) a fifteen-minute drive from Carcassonne and with a Greco-Roman style water park, complete with slides.

Langres (Grand Est)

n the east of France, 70 kilometres above Dijon, lies Langres. The wall that encloses this fortified city is 3.5 kilometres long. There are seven gates and twelve towers. If you choose to walk along the ramparts, you will have a beautiful view of the landscape of the Grand Est along the way.

The Saint-Mammès cathedral is definitely worth a visit. The bishopric used to be located here. The large organ in this cathedral dates from the 18th century. At the foot of the cathedral you will find all kinds of alleys. Tired of strolling? Then visit a museum, such as the Museum of Art and History or the Maison des Lumières, which is dedicated to the philosopher Denis Diderot, who was born in Langres. Don’t feel like walking? Then take the tourist train that takes you past all the sights. And don’t forget to taste the famous Langres cheese.

Camping near Langres

Camping de la Liez, five-star campsite on a lake and with a water park.
Camping du Lac de Villegusien, this campsite in the countryside is a great place to rest from or to the south, and can be perfectly combined with a visit to Langres. Read our article about Lac de Villegusien.

Montreuil-sur-Mer (Hauts-de-France)

On the Opal Coast in the north of France, but not directly on the sea, lies Montreuil-sur-Mer. This town is surrounded by old ramparts and towers. Montreuil-sur-Mercitadel also has a citadel from the 16th century. This is located on a hill and so you have a beautiful view over the valley from this fortification. The Place Charles de Gaulle is the heart of Montreuil-sur-Mer. This is also where the market takes place. Furthermore, you can marvel at half-timbered houses, historic mansions and cobblestone streets in the town. Also visit one of the two churches, the Saint-Saulve and the Saint-Nicolas. Of course there are nice shops and you can sit down on terraces and in restaurants.

In Montreuil-sur-Mer you cannot ignore Victor Hugo. The famous French writer spent one night in the town in 1837. It turned out to be a fruitful visit, because it became the inspiration for his novel Les Misérables. ‘Montreuil-sur-Mer could better have been called Montreuil-op-de-Vlakte, from the ramparts you have a beautiful view over the hills and the fields, because the town is high up’, Hugo wrote to his wife Adèle at the time. Les Misérables is performed in the citadel every summer.

Camping near Montreuil-sur-Mer

Camping La Fontaine des Clercs, small campsite under the ramparts and a fifteen-minute drive from the sandy beaches.
Domaine du Blanc Pignon, campsite with 126 pitches and a small swimming pool.

Saint-Malo (Bretagne)

On the Breton coast, you will find the walled city of Saint-Malo – see also the main photo of this article. Its location on the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel makes this fortified city extra impressive. Intra-Muros (within the walls) is the name of the historic area. The narrow streets are filled with shops, restaurants and beautiful buildings. Don’t miss the lively Place Chateaubriand square. In the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent you can admire the beautiful stained glass.

A walk along the city walls is really not to be missed. From here you have a beautiful view of the sea. Try to go back in time for a moment, and imagine how ships left from here to other European countries, India and the New World. The ramparts also offer a view of the forts in the sea. Fort du Petit Bé and Fort National can be reached on foot at low tide. There is also plenty to do outside the ramparts. For example, Saint-Malo has a small harbour with historic ships, including an old three-master.

Camping near Saint-Malo

Camping Domaine de La Ville Huchet is located in a castle garden and has an extensive water park.
Camping Le P’tit Bois, campsite with indoor and outdoor pool, spray park, large playground and a restaurant. Read about our stay at this campsite here.

Provins (Île-de-France)

About 80 kilometres southeast of Paris lies Provins, also known as the city of medieval fairs. These fairs of the county of Champagne were famous in Europe. The city wall around this former trading city is just over a kilometre long and is one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in France. The fortified city also had 22 watchtowers. One of these towers was the Tour César. This tower was not only used to look into the distance; the dungeons of this old building also served as a prison. The tower can still be visited. A little further on is the Collégiale Saint-Quiriace, a church from the 12th century that was never finished. Provins is also known for its underground passages. To visit this network of passages – which can be quite chilly even in summer – you can join one of the guided tours.

As in some other fortified towns in France, the Middle Ages also regularly come to life in Provins. For enthusiasts, there are medieval shows with knights and princesses from March to November.

Camping near Provins

Country Park Touquin, with a swimming pool and play facilities. 30 km from Provins. This is also a good base for a visit to Disneyland or Paris.
Aire de Camping-car, camper place near the town.

Fortified towns in the Netherlands

Do you like fortified cities but prefer to stay in your own country? Then take a look at this list.