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Thursday, January 29, 2026
Cité de Carcassonne, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitanie, France
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Carcassonne’s Moats — How They Worked

A simple primer on moats and barbicans and how they slowed assaults.

1/28/2026
8 min read
Moat line below the ramparts of Carcassonne

Water and void are as effective as stone.

Moat detail

Why they matter

  • Force approach lines into narrow funnels.
  • Expose flanks to defenders.
  • Buy time — the most precious resource in a siege.

Once you trace an attacker’s path, the plan becomes obvious.

About the Author

Carcassonne Travel Expert

Carcassonne Travel Expert

I wrote this guide to make your Carcassonne visit smooth, informed, and a little magical — with practical tips and rich stories at every turn.

Tags

Moat
Barbican
Defense

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