Place Gambetta (Gambetta Square), Carcassonne

Dutch philosopher Erasmus once said, "In the land of the Blind, the one-eyed man is king." Leon Gambetta had only one eye and he died relatively young. But he saw things more clearly than many of his fellow countrymen. An enemy of Monarchism and a brilliant orator, he declared the Republic on the fall of Napoleon III. He died at 44 in 1883.

So, today, in Carcassonne, in his honor, is the Gambetta Square. It is a large space, wide and elongated. It is lined with tall shade trees. There is a wide center mall planted with shrubs and flowers. There are benches to sit and modern sculptures to look at. The square is bounded by attractive buildings, including the Museum of Modern Art.

There are fountains and a shallow wading pool for children. A Tricolour flies over the World War II memorial at one end of the square. Under the square is a car park. Park here and be in easy walking distance of the old city. There are food and drink kiosks in the square for a refreshing snack and a break from touring.