Carcassonne

Travel Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
Carcassonne featuring heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Carcassonne showing a city
Carcassonne showing a castle and heritage architecture
Carcassonne which includes a castle and heritage architecture
Walk along charming cobblestone streets and admire views from medieval castle ramparts in one of Languedoc’s most visited cities.

Carcassonne’s classic medieval castle stands grandly on a hilltop against the stunning backdrop of the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain). The town is divided into the Bastide St-Louis (or the Ville Basse or Lower City) and the medieval Cité, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join millions of visitors admiring the landmark castle annually and explore the lesser-known Ville Basse.

Start your trip with a visit to the Cité. An important stronghold for more than 2,000 years, this fort is protected by inner and outer walls and 52 stone towers. The fortress was renovated by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the second half of the 19th century. He transformed it into today’s artistic masterpiece. Enter through the main gateway of Porte Narbonnaise into the citadel’s interior, where you’ll find souvenir shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Head to Château Comtal for views from the castle ramparts. Look around the rooms of this 12th-century keep and read interesting descriptive panels. Join a guided tour of the ramparts to view the surrounding countryside and the Pyrenees.

Inspect the wonderful rose windows and detailed carvings of the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and is home to a historic organ, one of the oldest in southwestern France. Climb the tower for gorgeous views over the Cité. Check for any scheduled performances of the all-male quintet that frequently sings traditional chants here.

Spend a few hours exploring the city’s quieter Ville Basse, located on the left bank of the River Aude. The highlight of this more modern area of the city is the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum). Examine the superb collection of 17th- and 18th-century Flemish paintings and works by local artists.

Take a free shuttle from Carcassonne’s airport 2 miles (3 kilometers) east to the city. Most trains traveling south or east from Toulouse stop in Carcassonne. A drive from Toulouse to Carcassonne will take just over an hour.

Where to stay in Carcassonne

This is one of the entryways to the medieval city at Carcassonne. When I visited, it had this art installation - those circles are physically there!

City of Carcassonne

5/5(44 area reviews)

Travelers come to City of Carcassonne for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne and Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse while you're in town.

City of Carcassonne
Carcassonne featuring landscape views, heritage architecture and a castle

Bastide Saint-Louis

4/5(5 area reviews)

Bastide Saint-Louis is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Canal du Midi and Place Carnot.

Bastide Saint-Louis
Hôtel Du Pont Vieux
Hôtel Du Pont Vieux
3 out of 5
32 Rue Trivalle, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is ¥13,542 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
¥13,542
¥15,641 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (913 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Comfy room. Amazing view at night of Cite Carcassonne. Solid breakfast."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Hôtel Du Pont Vieux
Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
4 out of 5
2 Rue du Comte Roger, Carcassonne, Aude
Fully refundable
The price is ¥24,875 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥24,875
¥28,299 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
Perfect location and confortable
"Very happy with this very well located hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
4 out of 5
18, Rue Camille Saint-Saens, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is ¥16,691 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥16,691
¥19,296 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (204 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and helpful. Greeted as entered. Desk personnel were patient and efficient."

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025

Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cerise Carcassonne Sud
Cerise Carcassonne Sud
3 out of 5
1 Rue Darius Milhaud, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
Good Value
"This property though simple was an excellent value. Rooms were clean. Parking was plentiful. Included breakfast was very good. Easy walk to the fortress. The only downside was the laundry. With only one machine with a very small drum and many long-term residents, I would not count on the machine's ..."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
3 out of 5
14 Route de Villemoustaussou, Carcassonne, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and Parc ...
7.8/10 Good! (500 reviews)
"I recently stayed at this hotel and was extremely impressed with the cleanliness of the property. From the lobby to the rooms, everything was spotless and well-maintained. The staff did an excellent job of keeping the hotel in top condition. One of the highlights of my stay was the ample parking ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024

Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane
15, Rue de la Barbacane, Carcassonne, Aude
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (870 reviews)
Carcassone city break
"The apartment was spacious. 1 bedroom, and sofa bed in living/kitchen area. Very clean and great air-conditioning. Kitchen/cooking area was basic but adequate for a short stay. Reception was welcoming and spacious. Staff were very pleasant and nothing was any bother. Breakfast was self service with ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2024

Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do