Carcassonne

Travel Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
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 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 ¥16,558 per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
¥16,558
¥19,171 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 13 - Nov 14
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! (997 reviews)
"This is a historic hotel in the heart of Carcassonne. There are steps to the rooms. It was clean with an accommodating staff. We had a later arrival than planned and the parking attendant waited and got us and all our luggage to the hotel. We were able to access parking after hours also with a code. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
3 out of 5
Rue Camille Flammarion, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is ¥9,032 per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
¥9,032
¥10,697 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Nice property in front of a supermarket and a shopping mall. Very good for a 1 night stop."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
4 out of 5
2 Rue des Calquières, Carcassonne
The price is ¥10,837 per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
¥10,837
¥13,170 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
Best location in the city
"Really good location, right next to the old bridge. Halfway to the castle and to the city. Although the room was tight, the bed was very comfortable."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
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.
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences 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 Canal ...
7.8/10 Good! (474 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

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne
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! (993 reviews)
"We received a phone call from the Cerise"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2024

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
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! (848 reviews)
"Very good value for an overnight stay"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 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.

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