Chris Gravett

Last year my mate Rick declared he had always wanted to see the fireworks at Carcassonne on Bastille Day. Something of a surprise to me as I can't remember him ever mentioning it before but never the less once mentioned ten of us had soon agreed to rent a house in Carcassonne this July in order to see the fireworks. To our surprise this is a very popular annual event attracting, it is said, as many as 700,000 people. So late last year we got a place booked and started to plan our adventure.

The house was brilliant and accommodated us easily. It was about 15km from Carcassonne and about 10km from anything at all. That was something of a double edged sword - we certainly couldn't annoy the neighbours but getting in and out would have been easier with a 4WD. As too many nights out would be a challenge we stocked up with essentials (vin,biere etc.) and the party commenced.

The prime reason for being here was to see the fireworks on the Thursday night. We researched on the web and talked to locals. It appeared that folk claimed their spot as early as mid morning, the firework display commenced at 2230. There are two bridges leading to the Old Cite of Carcassonne where the display took place, they apparently were prime viewing places along with the banks of the river Aude. We enquired about getting taxis, or hiring a minibus - out of the question we were told - it takes hours to get out of town after the show - there are 700,000 people there. We decided to take two cars and park them our side the the autoroute junction and to walk in and out of town from there (assuming many of the visitors would be coming from Toulouse). Two of us volunteered to drive and therefore by default stay 'dry' (I guessed I'd need a steady hand to photograph the fireworks so I had no probs).

We went in to town late afternoon and soon found that our chosen parking place was in fact a longer trek away from town than we envisaged but seeing the swarms of people arriving we decided to stick with it.

Fast forward to about 7 pm when we decided we should take up our positions. The place was rammed and it soon became clear that ten of us trying to get a spot together would not be possible so we split up. I tiptoed through throngs of people to take up a prime position on the river bank. I claimed a clear spot of grass big enough to just stand on, much to the consternation of those around me. The territorial behaviour of people in such circusmstances is hilarious. The atmosphere was hostile but gradually as people moved a little, or breathed in, I tried to make myself bigger until I had enough room to sit on the grass - it was half past seven - still three hours to the off and I already had cramp but daren't give an inch. After about an hour I had been accepted and was joinng my new friends in tutting everytime new arrivals tried to find some space. By nine o clock every possible vantage point was taken and the atmosphere was more of excited anticipation and good humour. I was pleased I had not been on the beer earlier as 'relief' would have been very difficult.

This is my viewpoint wth just half an hour to go, I had now secured enough room to put one camera on a tripod and felt like old friends with those around me. Some people were now in the river watching as it was the only space available.

Then just after 2230 the first show of fireworks went off to a tremendous cheer. A modest display then followed.

Then just when I was thinking 'what's all the fuss about' the whole old town appeared to go up in flames. It was really dramatic.

Whilst the Cite burned the firework show continued, massive applause for this display. This was followed with a display of fireworks which gave the impression of water putting the flames out.

I've not really caught the impression well in this photo but as you can see the flames were being doused. After this the display began in earnest....

The setting is really magnificant

The fireworks fill the sky

I was pleased I'd got a position from which I could catch the reflections.

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The final crescendo came a full half hour after the display had commenced. It was by far the best firework display I have ever witnessed and I am well pleased that Rick said he wanted to go there! A couple of hours later we were back in our country house, still marvelling at the spectacle we had witnessed.