Porte d'Aude, Medieval gate and viewpoint in Carcassonne, France
The Porte d'Aude is a medieval gate featuring a semicircular arched entrance with two flanking towers, positioned on a steep path high above the Aude River. The structure serves as one of the main entrances to the citadel, guiding visitors up a narrow stone route.
The gate originally pierced the Visigothic wall in the 12th century when it was known as the Gate of Toulouse. It lost its drawbridge during partial destruction in 1816 but retained its core structure.
The gate appears in several films including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where it represents medieval French military design. Visitors can still recognize it today as one of the distinctive filming locations.
Reaching the gate requires climbing a steep pedestrian-only path, which tends to be less crowded than the main routes. Sturdy shoes are helpful since the stone can be slippery and uneven.
The gate was designed to force attackers into making several sharp turns, creating a natural defensive trap without requiring extra bridges or ditches. This clever planning shows how medieval builders used terrain for protection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
