Carcassonne

Travel Guide
Carcassonne featuring heritage architecture and chateau or palace
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
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
3 out of 5
Rue Camille Flammarion, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is $69 per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
$69
$81 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint-Nazaire ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (985 reviews)
"Comfortable and quiet"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2023

Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
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
The price is $165 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$165
$188 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in the middle of La Cite."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2024

Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
Kyriad Carcassonne Aéroport
Kyriad Carcassonne Aéroport
3 out of 5
Allee Gilles Personnier De Roberval, Zi La Bouriette, Carcassonne, Aude
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $72 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
$72
$84 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Musee Beaubois and Carcassonne ...
7.6/10 Good! (553 reviews)
"Got everything we expected."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2023

Kyriad Carcassonne Aéroport
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 business-friendly aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and ...
7.8/10 Good! (430 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay !"

Reviewed on May 22, 2023

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. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and Le ...
8/10 Very Good! (940 reviews)
"The only negatives I have for this property are that the hot water went away very quickly, there was no stopper for the bathtub, and the automatic lights were hard to turn on in the morning out in the hallway. It’s walkable distance to cite de carcassonne, but it is on the far end of town, pretty ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 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). Popular attractions Basilica ...
7.6/10 Good! (832 reviews)
"This is a great choice for Cite. It’s crazy cheap new building. Cheap furniture but pretty clean spacious. Breakfast is 3 euro it is same as 11 Euro breakfast. Coffee machine. Great valley. Next to la Cite. A bit harder to go into town"

Reviewed on May 28, 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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