Carcassonne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
Carcassonne showing a castle and heritage architecture
Carcassonne featuring a city
Carcassonne featuring heritage architecture and a castle
Carcassonne which includes château or palace and heritage architecture

Ready to take a step back in time? To get your fill of hidden treasures in Carcassonne, the ancient fortified town of the Midi?

Its Gallo-Roman origins and 2,000 years of conquests have made this southern France town famous. Since 1997, Carcassonne has been world-famous for its two UNESCO world heritage sites: the Mediaeval City and the Canal du Midi which can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by boat.

Start your visit at Bastide Saint Louis (13th century), the lower part of the town on the banks of the Aude. Stroll along its chequered streets which are full of stunning town houses, monuments, museums and religious buildings. Stop off at Place Carnot in the shade of plane trees and in the centre admire the stunning Fontaine de Neptune, which dates back to the 18th century. Take a break to sample some local delicacies. Don't miss the fruit, vegetable and flower market which will give you the chance to soak up the typical southern French atmosphere.

Then head for the citadel via the fully pedestrianised 14th-century Pont Vieux, which crosses the Aude. Go through the Porte Narbonnaise or the Porte d'Aude and follow the narrow streets that lead into the heart of the citadel. The 3 kilometres of ramparts will give you various views over the valley, the Pyrenees and the Black Mountains.

Before leaving the Citadel, why not visit the Château Comtal and the lavish Basilica of Saint Nazarius? Or, if you prefer, be tempted by a picturesque trip on the Petit Train de Carcassonne or the Calèches de la Cité.

Don't leave without having sampled the flavours of the local cuisine on offer in the many restaurants, bistros and brasseries that can be found throughout the town.

Carcassonne has a programme of cultural events all year round: The Carcassonne Festival, Embrasement de la Cité (14 July), Féria, Magie de Noël.

Just 50 miles from Toulouse, Carcassonne has air and high-speed rail links. When booking your flight or train ticket with Expedia, you can also choose from a wide range of hotels. You'll also be able to take the time to discover Cathar castles, to sail along the Canal du Midi or follow the Camino de Santiago.

Where to stay in Carcassonne

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City of Carcassonne

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

City of Carcassonne is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne and Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse while in the area.

City of Carcassonne
Carcassonne which includes landscape views, château or palace and heritage architecture

Bastide Saint-Louis

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Bastide Saint-Louis
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel

Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel

4 out of 5
18, Rue Camille Saint-Saens, Carcassonne, Aude
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹12,423 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
₹12,423
₹14,262 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
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
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
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 ₹5,935 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
₹5,935
₹7,003 total
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and Parc ...
Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

15, Rue de la Barbacane, Carcassonne, Aude
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
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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