This year, the Festival de la Cité and the Festival de la Bastide are combined into one big Festival of Carcassonne, which is classed as one of the largest festivals in France. This popular Festival, now the cultural event in the South of France, has over 80 performances (Opera, Dance, Theatre, Classical, French Variety and International music), 60 of which are free. Throughout the month of July, renowned artists from around the world will perform at the 8 venues in the town.

For the first time, the Esplanade Gambetta will be host to one of the biggest bands in the world, creating the musical event of 2009, as Depeche Mode celebrate their big comeback.

The full programme for the Festival of Carcassonne will be available from 2 April 2009.