trip report carcassonne

Carcassonne Travel Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

The charming castle town of Carcassonne is set on the banks of the Canal du Midi in southern France. This beautiful fortified city is one of the most visited destinations in France . A major drawcard of any Carcassonne visit is its 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as its impressive selection of restaurants and cafes. In this Carcassonne travel guide, we’ll give you everything you need to plan your next trip to Carcassonne France.

What is Carcassonne famous for?

Carcassonne is famous for the C arcassonne medieval city , the Cité de Carcassonne. This UNESCO heritage site is one of France’s most famous monuments. It is the largest medieval walled city in Europe and was a stronghold of the Occitan Cathars during the Albigensian Crusades. The fortress was built in the 13 th century and restored by famous French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19 th century.

Why you should visit Carcassonne France

Carcassonne is one of the most impressive cities in southern France. This historic city has been carefully restored and is one of the best examples of a medieval fortified city. It is a foodie’s paradise, being home to a number of Michelin guide restaurants including one 2 Michelin star restaurant. There are 3 rivers running through the city, plenty of scenic walking paths to wander down and a number of beautiful parks and squares to relax in. It is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away in France .

Carcassonne Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about carcassonne france.

• Language – French, although historically the language Occitan was spoken here. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. We find that if you at least attempt to speak a bit of French, you will get a warmer reception than if you just assume everyone speaks English. In our experience, most people we’ve spoken to start speaking English as soon as they hear our feeble attempts at speaking French.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of France since 2002. Currency exchanges can be found in Carcassonne and ATMs are widely available.
• Population – 46,000 (2015)
• Area – 65 km 2
• Department – Aude (Carcassonne is the capital of this department)
• Region – Occitanie (in the former Languedoc-Roussillon region)

Utilities in Carcassonne France

• Electricity – France uses Types C and E power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in France.
• Water – the tap water in Carcassonne is safe to drink. In cafes and restaurants, you can ask for a “caraffe d’eau”, and the waiter will bring you a pitcher of water that is free and safe to drink.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in France. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in France. Many public toilets are free to use, but some charge anywhere from 50 cents to 2 euros to use.
• Telephone country code: +33

Where is Carcassonne France?

Here is a map of Carcassonne France:

Carcassonne is the capital of the Aude department, which is in the Occitanie region of southern France. The Occitanie region was formed in 2016 as an amalgamation of 2 former regions. The region that Carcassonne lies in used to be known as the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

The closest major cities to Carcassonne are Toulouse , Narbonne and Montpellier . Carcassonne is around one hour by train from Toulouse , 40 minutes by train to Narbonne and 1.5 hours from Montpellier .

How to get to Carcassonne France

Carcassonne travel guide: arriving by land, carcassonne france intercity land transport.

The main transport options for travelling overland to Carcassonne France are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Navette (Shuttle Bus) – this runs from Carcassonne Airport to the SNCF train station. The cost is 6 euro per person.

Driving to Carcassonne from within France

If you are driving to Carcassonne from within France , here are the travel times and distances:

• Toulouse – 1 hour 9 minutes (93.4km) with tolls or 1 hour 45 minutes (105 km) without tolls
• Narbonne – 47 minutes (60km) with tolls or 58 minutes (57km) without tolls
• Montpellier – 1 hour 42 minutes (154km) with tolls or 2 hours 6 minutes (164km) without tolls
• Paris – 7 hours 59 minutes (769km) with tolls or 10 hours 2 minutes (765km) without tolls

Intercity trains to Carcassonne France

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Carcassonne France. Carcassonne Train Station is called Gare de Carcassonne in French. The train station has 3 platforms which receive on average 5 trains per hour. The following train brands service Carcassonne:

• TGV train – this is France’s intercity high speed rail service
• Intercités – this is a non-high speed rail service which operates on the ‘classic’ rail network in France.
• TER (Transport Express Régional) Languedoc-Roussillon train – the TER rail service is run by the regional councils of France.

The French national railway company that operates these services is called SNCF.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in France . This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates. The TrainLine app was much easier to use than the SNCF website and app, which we found really cumbersome and difficult to use.

Intercity buses to Carcassonne France

A common way to get around France is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains, but are generally a slower option. Intercity bus companies operating in Carcassonne France include FlixBus and Blablacar Bus. Popular bus destinations from Carcassonne include:

• Barcelona Spain – Barcelona to Carcassonne bus travel time 4-5 hours. Tickets start from 15 euro one way.
• Toulouse France – Toulouse to Carcassonne bus travel time 1 hour 20 minutes. Tickets cost 3 euro per way.
• Montpellier France – Montpellier to Carcassonne bus travel time 2-6 hours. Tickets start from 5 euro one way.
• Marseille France – Marseille to Carcassonne bus travel time 4-8 hours. Tickets start from 10 euro one way.
• Lyon France – Lyon to Carcassonne bus travel time 7 hour 15 minutes. Tickets cost 25 euro per way.

Carcassonne travel guide: Arriving by air

The nearest airport to Carcassonne France is Carcassonne Airport (Airport code CCF). This international airport is also known as Carcassonne Salvaza Airport. It is 3.2 km away from the city. The budget airline Ryanair operates from this airport. Flights to and from Carcassonne service 9 destinations across 5 countries in Europe. These countries are Belgium, Ireland, Italy , Portugal and the United Kingdom. There are currently no domestic flights to Carcassonne Salvaza Airport.

The closest airport to Carcassonne offering domestic flights is Perpignan Airport (Airport Code PFG). Perpignan airport is 67.7km from Carcassonne. This airport has domestic flights to Lille and Nantes with the airline Volotea as well as Paris Orly with Transavia France.

Other nearby airports include:

• Toulouse Airport (Airport code TLS). This airport is 91.1km away.
• Montpellier Airport (Airport code MPL). This is 136.2km away.

The national airline of France is Air France.

Carcassonne travel guide: Arriving by boat

The rivers Aude, Fresquel and the Canal du Midi run through Carcassonne. It is possible to get to Carcassonne by boat. Keep in mind that there are 17 locks in Greater Carcassonne, so expect a leisurely trip.

Carcassonne travel guide: How to get around Carcassonne France

Walking in carcassonne france.

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around Carcassonne is to walk. Carcassonne is a very walkable city. It is also very scenic, so walking is a very pleasant way to get around. Keep in mind that the cheaper supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi are on the outskirts of the city. This is about half an hour walk from the main part of town. You can however find markets, convenience stores and bakeries in the centre of town. Check out our Self Guided Walking Tour of Carcassonne France for more a sample walking route with map.

Local buses in Carcassonne France

Local buses service Carcassonne.

Trams in Carcassonne France

There are no trams in Carcassonne.

Métro trains (subway or underground) in Carcassonne France

Carcassonne does not have a metro train system. It does however have a train station that connects it with other parts of France .

Vehicle hire in France

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in France . This includes:

• Bicycles – Carcassonne is the perfect place for cycling. There are self-service electric bike share services available in the city. To use the bike share service, download the “Cyclolib Carcassonne” app to your phone and follow the instructions. Bikes can be found outside the train station at Carcassonne and throughout the city. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as Evadeo Cycles. The best places to cycle in Carcassonne include the bike path next to the Canal du Midi as well as the path next to the Aude River.
• Electric scooters – electric scooters are another popular mode of transportation in France. They are lightweight and less bulky compared to bikes. They are great for navigating the little alleyways that are typical throughout France. Much like bikes, electric scooters can be hired in many areas around France. To hire a scooter you will need to download the relevant app in order to unlock the scooter. The price usually includes an unlocking fee as well as a by the minute rate. Expect to pay around 10-13 euro an hour.
• Motorcycles

The French drive on the right side of the road.

Navettes (shuttles) in Carcassonne France

Navettes make short repetitive journeys between two destinations. Common journeys include going between the airport and the city centre. These journeys can be booked on demand for a fixed price. The navette between Carcassonne Airport and the SNCF train station costs 6 euro per person.

Taxis in France

Taxis are common in France . Fares are regulated and are usually metered. The exception to this will be standard journeys such as airport trips. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle
• There may also be an additional fee for extra people or heavy luggage
• A reservation fee – this will be higher if you book in advance compared to if you want a taxi immediately
• Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic. The price also varies depending on the time of day

Ride-share services in France

There are many rideshare services operating in France . These include Uber, BlaBlaCar, GoCarShare, Zify France, Flix Mobilityand CarpoolWorld.

France travel guide to travelling during Covid

We have written a detailed post outlining the Covid entry requirements. You can find the post here .

Carcassonne France destination guide: Is Carcassonne France worth visiting?

Carcassonne is certainly a French destination worth visiting. This is particularly true for lovers of history as well as for board game enthusiasts. However the city has plenty to offer for those after a short vacation in France. With a great range of accommodation and dining options available, it’s the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend away. Furthermore it’s beautiful waterways, charming town squares and elegant parks provide plenty of areas to explore.

Carcassonne travel guide: How long to spend in Carcassonne France

Are you trying to decide on how many days in Carcassonne France? Visiting Carcassonne is certainly possible as a day trip. You can see most of the major sites within a day. However your final decision on how much time to visit Carcassonne depends on whether you want to just see the major sites or have a more leisurely holiday. We spent a week in Carcassonne and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the relaxed pace of life of this beautiful city.

What to do in Carcassonne France

Carcassonne is a beautiful French city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities. If you want to know what to see in Carcassonne as well as things to do around Carcassonne, you’ve come to the right place! We have detailed information about the best Carcassonne things to do in our Best Things to Do in Carcassonne travel guide . We have a summary of the best free and paid things to do in Carcassonne below.

Carcassonne what to do: Free things to do in Carcassonne France

There are enough free activities in Carcassonne France to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Cité de Carcassonne (The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne) – only the Château Comtal (Carcassonne castle) section of the fort charges an entry fee.
• Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge)
• Canal du Midi
• Place Gambetta (Square Gambetta)
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne
• Place Carnot
• Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne (Carcassonne Cathedral)
• Portail des Jacobins
• Aude River – walk along the riverside path running along the Aude River
• Lac de la Cavayère – swimming spot with picnic areas and walking trails. It also has free parking on site.

For more details about Carcassonne things to do, see our Carcassonne travel guide on the 10 Best Free Things To Do in Carcassonne France .

Things to do Carcassonne: Paid activities in Carcassonne France

A number of attractions in Carcassonne France charge an entry fee:

• Château Comtal (Carcassonne France castle) – entry fee is 9.50 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Parc Aquaviva – entry fee to the waterpark starts from 12 euro for 1 hour or 22 euro for a daypass (as at 2023)
• Musée de l’école – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)

Carcassonne what to see: Things to do in Carcassonne for families

We recommend the following Carcassonne France things to do for families:

• Cité de Carcassonne – the historic city is a great place for kids to explore
• Place Gambetta (Square Gambetta) – this square has a lot of space for kids to run around. It also conveniently has a car park underneath
• Walk along the riverside path running along the Aude River
• Lac de la Cavayère – this family friendly recreation area has picnic areas, swimming spots and plenty of green space
• Parc Aquaviva – this waterpark is a fun place to take the kids

Places to visit near Carcassonne France

Carcassonne’s position on the train line as well as on the Canal du Midi makes it perfect for day trips both to and from the city. There are a number of great day trips from Carcassonne:

• Canal trip down the Canal du Midi
• Drive to medieval castle ruins – Château Puilaurens, Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus are all around 1.5 hours drive from Carcassonne
• Adge – a charming commune on the Canal du Midi near the Mediterranean Sea
• Sète – a port city on the Mediterranean Coast
• Minerve – one of the most beautiful villages in France
• Castelnaudary – this market town claims to be the world capital of cassoulet, a popular dish in this region of France
• Narbonne – historically the first Roman colony established in Gaul. It is now a beautiful beach resort which is surrounded by a national park, lagoons and vineyards. The city also has a popular covered market (les Halles)

Weather in Carcassonne France

Carcassonne enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has mild winters and hot and sunny summers. It is a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Carcassonne. The snow generally falls between December and March. The rainiest months are October and April and the driest month is July. The hottest months are June to September.

Best time to visit Carcassonne France

Carcassonne is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. This is because many of the best things to do in Carcassonne are indoors such as museums and restaurants. We visited in winter and enjoyed seeing the city at a time when it was less busy. However for mild and pleasant weather the best time to visit Carcassonne is from May to September.

Internet and mobile phones in France

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same way as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in France include Orange, SFR, LeFrenchMobile, Bouygues Telecom, Lebara, Lycamobile and Free.

5G has been in France since November 2020. However 2G is expected to continue in France until 2030.

We had particularly slow internet speeds in the Airbnb we stayed at in Carcassonne. Our internet speed was 8mbps download and 0.8mbps upload. If you need fast internet in Carcassonne we recommend going to Tribe Carcassonne. Their internet speeds were incredibly fast and they have a small reasonably priced cafe on the ground floor of the hotel.

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout France. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Carcassonne France?

Is carcassonne expensive.

Carcassonne caters to a wide variety of budgets. The city is easily walkable, which definitely helps keep costs down. The city is also well connected to other parts of France by public transport. Additionally, many of the major attractions in Carcassonne are free. Therefore it is possible to take a day trip to Carcassonne France and not spend much money at all. However if you want a more luxurious experience, perhaps with some fine dining and a stay at an upmarket Carcassonne hotel, it can be easy to spend a lot as well.

Carcassonne travel guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Carcassonne France

As a rough Carcassonne guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Cheap Carcassonne holidays daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking throughout the city and free or cheap activities such as strolls along the waterways, exploring the fortress town and spending time in the parks and squares throughout the city.
• Mid-range Carcassonne vacations daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or hiring a bike to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities such as entrance to the chateau section of the medieval city.
• Luxury travel Carcassonne daily spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in France , staying at luxury hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range of paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Carcassonne guide: Accommodation in Carcassonne France

There is a good range of Carcassonne accommodation to suit all budgets. Airbnb operates in France and we were impressed with the range of options available in Carcassonne. You can find a one bedroom apartment from 40 euro a night. We found that some Airbnbs in France have very slow internet speeds, so we’d recommend making sure you are happy with the internet speed provided before making a booking.

Where to stay in Carcassonne France?

We recommend the following accommodation in Carcassonne France:

• Best hostel in Carcassonne city – for a great value hostel in the heart of Carcassonne city we recommend Le Couvent Hostel . This hostel is very clean and fairly new. The staff are nice and helpful. There is also a great bar and restaurant on the premises. However there is no communal kitchen and not many common areas.
• Best mid-range hotel in Carcassonne France – for a great value stay in Carcassonne France we recommend Hôtel du Pont Vieux . Located just outside the city, this Carcassonne hotel has comfortable rooms and exceptional service.
• Best bed & breakfast in Carcassonne city – for a charming B&B in Carcassonne Citadel, we recommend Les chambres d’Aimé . This historic property has spacious, beautifully decorated rooms as well as a private pool. It is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Furthermore, their breakfasts are delicious.
• Best luxury 5 star hotel in Carcassonne Citadel – for a luxury experience within the city walls of Carcassonne we recommend Hotel de la Cité & Spa Mgallery . The hotel has a prime position within the citadel and the views from the terrace are amazing.
• Best value self-contained apartment in Carcassonne city – for a beautifully appointed one bedroom apartment in Carcassonne city we recommend Méline – BASTIDE – Appartement . This Carcassonne holiday apartment rental is also conveniently close to the historic city of Carcassonne.
• Best luxury self-contained apartment in Carcassonne city – Apartement d`Églantine is a spacious apartment in Carcassonne with a wonderful host and a great location.

How much is accommodation in Carcassonne France?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 25-30 euro for a bed in dorm accommodation in Carcassonne France.
• Mid-range accommodation – 50-150 euro for a private room in Carcassonne hotels.
• Luxury accommodation – 200-300 euro a night for a Carcassonne luxury hotel.
• Rental property – 70-250 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-5 bedroom home.

Carcassonne travel guide: Food in Carcassonne France

Expect to be extremely well fed in Carcassonne! The city is filled with Michelin guide restaurants, gorgeous chocolateries and patisseries as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants. We loved exploring all of the gastronomic delights that the city has to offer.

How much does food cost in Carcassonne France?

Our price guide for your food budget in Carcassonne France is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 15-20 for a main dish
• Bakery food – 1-2 euro for a croissant or baguette, 5 euro for a sandwich
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 3-4 euro
• Tasting menu at 2 Michelin star restaurant – 90-160 euro per person

Regional dishes in Carcassonne France

Cheap eats in carcassonne france.

• Boulangeries (French bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and delicious food. Baguettes are typically less than 1 euro. Croissants and pain au chocolat are around 1 euro. Other common food that can be found in boulangeries include quiches, pastries, sandwiches and pizzas.

Fine dining in Carcassonne France

Carsassonne is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Michelin 2 star restaurants in Carcassonne France (2023)

• La Table de Franck Putelat

Michelin 1 star restaurants in Carcassonne France (2023)

• La Barbacane
• Le Puits du Trésor

Carcassonne France Michelin Plate restaurants (2023)

• Brasserie à 4 Temps
• Restaurant Comte Roger
• La Table d’Alais
• Domaine D’Auriac
• Le Moulin de Trebes
• La Bergerie
• La Bourdasso Cucina Italiana

Carcassonne France culture

France national holidays.

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April. This is only observed in Alsace and Moselle.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labor Day – 1 May
• Victory Day – 8 May
• Ascension Day – this is celebrated 40 days after Easter
• Whit Sunday – this is the Christian holiday of Pentecost. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter, typically in May or June
• Whit Monday – it is the day after Whit Sunday, typically in May or June
• Bastille Day – 14 July
• Assumption Day – 15 August
• All Saints Day – 1 November
• Armistice Day – 11 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• St Stephen’s Day – 26 December. This is only observed in Alsace and Moselle.

National symbols of France

• France flag – a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured blue, white and red from left to right.
• France coat of arms – this features a lictor’s fasces (a bundle of wooden rods with an axe protruding from the top). This symbol rests on branches of laurel and oak. There is also a ribbon with the national motto “Liberté, égalité, fraternité”. The lictor’s fasces represents magisterial power, law and governance. The oak is the national tree of France and symbolises strength and endurance. The laurel is a symbol of triumph.
• National flower – fleur-de-lis (also known as the lily flower)
• National bird – Gallic rooster

France pastimes

• National dish – Pot-au-Feu
• Popular drinks – Pastis, wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 41% Catholic, 40% non-religious (as at 2019)

Famous people from Carcassonne France

• Born in Carcassonne France – physicist Albert Fert (Nobel laureate), chemist Paul Sabatier (Nobel laureate)
• People that shaped Carcassonne France – architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (restored the medieval city of Carcassonne), engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet (built the Canal du Midi)

Is Carcassonne France Safe?

France travel guide: safety in france.

We travelled through France for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly in Paris, Marseilles , Nice , Lyon, Cannes as well as Strasbourg. Also, make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in France

Other general safety considerations for travel in France :

• Drinking water – The tap water is safe to drink in Carcassonne.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been present in France since 2004. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya.
• Road safety – French motorways are the safest in continental Europe. However the National and Departmental roads are much less safe. Additionally, roads are the leading cause of violent death in the country. Take care on the roads in France.
• Water safety – La Cavayère Lake is a 10 minute drive from the town of Carcassonne. Take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Swimming is not permitted in the Canal du Midi.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Carcassonne Blogs

You can find our Carcassonne travel blogs below.

10 Best Things To Do in Carcassonne France (with map)

10 Best FREE Things To Do in Carcassonne France (with map)

Self Guided Walking Tour of Carcassonne France

France blogs.

You can find our France travel blogs below.

20 Best FREE Things To Do in Nice France (with map)

15 Best FREE Things To Do in Toulon France (with map)

24 Best FREE Things To Do in Marseille France (with map)

18 Best FREE Things To Do in Avignon France (with map)

10 Best FREE Things To Do in Nîmes France (with map)

14 Best FREE Things To Do in Montpellier France (with map)

17 Best FREE Things To Do in Toulouse France (with map)

Nice Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Toulon Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Marseille Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Avignon Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Nîmes Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Montpellier Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

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Nancy Goes to Italy

A record of an american's dream to live in umbria.

Carcassonne France – trip report – with pictures this time!

Sorry about the post of this without the pictures. Operator error! Another trip report…. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesday, September 18 We traveled from Umbria across Tuscany and up into Liguria today. First big, exciting thing was our stop for lunch at the Autogrill. EXCELLENT lunch. We finished our beer and wine and enjoyed the ambiance. We love the Autogrill. We also passed Carrara which is where most of the Italian marble comes from. The mountain, where they quarry it is snow white. And the quarries are huge! On the way home I’m going to stop there for a photo. Michelangelo went there to get the marble for his sculptures, la Pieta and David.

Since the horrible disaster in Genova with the bridge collapse, traffic is all messed up getting past there. We opted to follow the detour signs and ended up on a 100 kilometer detour! Added at least an hour to our trip. We arrived at our hotel and checked in, happy to be there. Our room is excellent. I got lazy and just looked for Relaise e Chateau properties for our two nights out and two nights back. They are a group and pretty upscale. This one wasn’t too bad. I got 20% off by paying in advance. It made a difference so we got the junior suite with balcony. It’s nice.

We returned via the A10 in a trice and headed to the IperCoop for a picnic dinner to be eaten in our room tonight. Now it is time for reading, relaxing, and enjoying our room.

~~~ Thursday, September 20 Up and out the door by 9:30 because it’s about a 6 hour drive. We made the drive uneventfully. We stopped for lunch (Hippo Burgers) at the Hippopotamus in a rest area. Nice restaurant actually.

We arrived in Carcassonne in the afternoon but hadn’t heard from our landlord so things were iffy. We went to the addrsss but it was in a tiny street and we went the wrong way up a one way thanks to our GPS. 😑 finally I called the owner in England and we managed to check in eventually. Then we had a very hard time finding a grocery. But we did finally. There are small ones nearby which we will explore later. After the epic drive, tomorrow is a planned down day.

~~~~~~ Friday, September 21 This day we decided to do a walking tour of the old city of Carcassonne. There is also a vibrant city just across the river from us, the Bastide. And another surprise, the Canale du Midi goes right through town. Lots of barges and boats parked alongside. There’s a lock that they all have to navigate. It’s a pretty canal.

We first viewed an excellent movie with a quick history of the city. We wended our way through the walls where there were a number of signs explaining in French and English the history and what we were seeing. The history is long and convoluted. And to confuse things further much of the castle was restored/recreated in the 1800s. The man responsible was as good as it gets and did the best he could given the times. The castle had such a history that he had to chose a point in time to which he restored it.

We went to lunch at a tapas place with wines. It was small and very popular. The morning had been very cool, windy, and gray skies threatened rain. We opted for the inside seat in the window. Good place to watch people. We both had the chorizo in BBQ sauce and I had the patates bravas. Local red wine. And I even broke my rule and had the pain perdu for dessert. We continued our walking tour. We visited the beautiful cathedral. It was so reminiscent of St. Chapelle. Not as many windows but super tall and colorful and a lot of them. Two rose windows. All were created in the 1200s and 1300s.

Tonight we will picnic in again. French TV is definitely worse than Italian in my opinion. Ugh. ~~~~~~ Saturday, September 22 Gorgeous Saturday morning! Breezy and perfect. We decided to explore the “other” old town of Carcassone. We walked down our street to where the Pont Vieux begins. It’s the old way into town across the Narbonne river. At the other end you pass the old hospital. In the Middle Ages you were checked before you could enter the town for disease. If you were deemed sick you could go in the hospital or leave. It’s a pretty bridge.

Saturday is market day in Carcassonne. We headed into town. What a vibrant place!!

Tons of people all about. A lot of locals. But we also heard a lot of Brits. And a couple of Americans. The streets all blocked off except for pedestrians. They have a beautiful street exhibition with hundreds of brightly colored umbrellas suspended over the main streets.

We also hit a couple of wine stores here and there. We then settled into a table to rest ourselves with a glass of wine and/or beer. And good people watching. It struck noon and we watched the vendors begin to dismantle their stands. We headed off to find lunch but our first choice was fully booked. Sadly as it looked great. We ended up at Freaks. It was pretty good. Unusual. Lots of healthy stuff. I had a cured fish and potato salad thing with lots of sprouts and lettuces. Luther had quinoa and lots of lettuces etc. We had a carafe of the local red wine and coffees. It was a nice and less filling lunch.

This night we decided to have the cassoulet. We bought it in a can. They sell it everywhere in containers. The Langdoc, where we are, is famous for this dish. Also foie gras. Sadly as I do have difficulty with the way this is produced. But it is what it is.

Sunday, September 23 Another beautiful morning. Today we had made reservations for a lunch up in the old fortress town in a Michelin one star restaurant in the nice hotel up there. Beautiful garden. Big trees. Breezy.

Luther is enjoying watching the old Avengers TV shows on French TV every night🙄 In French with French subtitles. We had some cured ham, cheese and olives for dinner.

Monday, September 24 We decided to go for a drive today since we’ve been sticking pretty close to Carcassonne. Chose a 100km driving route toward Narbonne. It was on the Plain of Minervois. It was once a sea but now is called a dried up lake. They grow wine and rice there now. We sort of followed the Canal du Midi. Really pretty and so many boats. You can rent a boat and cruise the canals.

We finished our tour and went looking for lunch. Oddly, the little French towns don’t have much in them. No stores or restaurants. I did see a Post office and of course a school. All the kids were out at recess and spied our car coming. They were so excited! We beeped our horn at them creating pandemonium! Anyway, we headed up towards the low mountains to the north to Minerve. Really cute town built of stone and perched above the gorge cut by the Brian and the Cesse rivers. It has a history. It was an old Cathar bastion that was destroyed by Simon de Montfort in 1210 and the village has a column in memory of a stake at which 140 Cathars were burnt at that time. Minerve is also famous for its wine that has been produced here by local winegrowers for centuries.

We headed back to Carcassonne. A really nice day away from the city. Tomorrow we head back to Italy.

Tuesday, September 25 Up and out the door by eight. Pierre was there to take the keys. It was a long day on the road. Stopped for panini just into Italy. Used Google maps on the iPad to navigate through Genova, instead of the 100 kilometer detour our car GPS sent us on when we came last week. We drove right past the bridge that collapsed. Eerie to see the two spans with the big, missing section. Found our hotel Il Bottaccio. It is just next to Carrera where the largest marble mines exist. They’ve been taking marble out of the mountain since Roman times. The mountain is amazing. It is surrounded by smaller forested mountains but the marble mountain has not a trace of soil on it, nor a tree. Just a massive chunk of limestone and marble thrust into the sky thousands of feet. Awesome.

Our hotel is very frufru. Our room is enormous. Twice the size of our living room and dining room. It’s in an old olive mill. I think we are the only guests. It’s owned by an art collector and I think they don’t actually need for it to be profitable.

We had dinner in the dining room and it was very good despite all the bad reviews I read. We had an amuse bouche of bisque with truffles and shrimp. Then I had the scallops with Lardo di Colonnata. This town is just next to us. Famous for the marble mines, chestnut trees and pork products. The Lardo is back fat from the pigs which is aged for months in big marble containers along with spices. The dish I had also had truffles and caviar which were unnecessary. Then I had the house made pici which is the traditional Tuscan pasta shaped like fat spaghetti. It came with a fresh very tomatoe-y sauce. Simple but very good. Luther got sausage stuffed pasta and then lamb. He said they were good.

We decided to head home today as we are ready. The hotel won’t mind since we paid for the room already. So Home agin, Home agin, jiggety jog! Always good to return home and I’m sure our cats will agree.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France)

The astounding walls of Carcassonne’s citadel protected the city for centuries and were left to decay, before getting a full restoration by the 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Never mind that his work might not be the most historically accurate, they’re an architectural wonder all the same and draw visitors to the city from far and wide.

After discovering every niche, passageway and parapet you can navigate the streets of the hilltop settlement or venture into the less touristy Lower City for lunch or a shopping trip. Within minutes of Carcassonne you can also get to vineyards, wine caves, ruined castles and the soothing green banks of the Canal du Midi.

Lets explore the best things to do in Carcassonne :

1. La Cité de Carcassonne

First we’ll deal with what’s inside the walls. The streets within the citadel are a Disney-esque dreamland of passageways and winding alleys.

There’s an engaging lack of symmetry to the old stone buildings, some with exposed timbers and others clad with ivy.

It will be an effort not to walk around with your camera glued to your face.

The ideal time to come is early, before the tourist hordes and lunch time.

Most of the restaurants and crêperies are geared towards day-trippers anyway, and this labyrinth of streets is at its best when semi-deserted.

2. Château Comtal and Ramparts

From above or below, on the ramparts or inside the walls, Carcassonne’s double line of fortifications are a marvel.

The insurmountable walls and 52 towers are deservedly the centre of attention and go on for three kilometres around the old upper city.

You can enter the Château Comtal for a tour, and with an audio-guide you should expect to lose two awe-filled and informative hours finding out about how the walls were built in the 15th century and how they were restored in the 1800s by Viollet-le-Duc.

You can do the full walk along the battlements, and between the walls there are even jousting shows for families to watch in summer.

3. Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus

This church was built over several hundred years from the 800s to  the 1300s and what makes it rare is the way romanesque and gothic design coexist so comfortably.

The sense of harmony is easy to see in the church’s interior, which escaped Viollet-le-Duc’s intervention and boasts romanesque sculpture, stonework and stained glass windows side by side.

In the choir, the long central stained glass window is from 1280, and so one of the oldest outside northern France.

4. Carcassonne Lower City

Known as the Bastide de Saint-Louis, this area of Carcassonne was built outside the walls in the 13th century on the orders of Louis IX (known as Saint Louis). There’s a completely different ambience to La Cité, which is down to the regular grid street-plan, high street shops, the usual French amenities and almost total absence of tourists.

Place Carnot is a handy place to begin your brief jaunt through this area: There are restaurant tables spilling onto the square, and the Fountain of Neptune in the centre dates to 1770.

5. Carcassonne Cathedral

Less acclaimed than the Basilica, Carcassonne’s current cathedral was a simple parish church in the Lower City until the Episcopal seat was switched at the turn of the 19th-century.

But it’s worth calling in, as it was built in the 13th century and is a satisfying piece of southern gothic architecture, with an octagonal bell-tower and a beautiful rose window.

It suffered damage in the 100 Years’ War, and was rebuilt with fortifications, as you can tell from the loopholes on the tower.

Viollet-le-Duc was involved in restoration works in the 1800s, and it was his first project in Carcassonne before he moved on to the fortifications.

6. Lac de la Cavayère

Twenty minutes by car or bus from the city is a lake formed by a dam built in 1988. There’s 40 hectares of water and pine woodland, with three small beaches, a grassy area and all sorts of things for kids to do in summer: You can hire pedalos and play mini-golf, while kids have an inflatable playground to scramble over on the lake.

Motorised craft are banned on the waters, which keeps things peaceful, and you can take gentle walks in the forested hills and have family picnics on the benches beneath the pines.

7. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Carcassonne’s fine art museum was established in 1836, and nearly 200 years and many donations later it provides you with an enlightening journey through French art from the 1600s to the 1900s.

One of the museum’s eight galleries is also dedicated to Flemish and Dutch art from the 1600s.

Among the names that even philistines like us will recognise are Brueghel the Elder, Mattia Preti, Jan van Goyen, Jacob Jordaens  and Gustave Courbet.

Room Five has a display of 19th-century French ceramics and there’s also a telescope used by Napoleon after departing Elba in 1815.

8. Châteaux de Lastours

The hills of the Aude department are peppered with the eerie vestiges of medieval castles that belonged to noblemen loyal to the Cathar sect.

During the Albigensian Crusade the sect was violently suppressed by the French Catholics, and many of these strongholds turned to rubble.

The four castles in Lastours, Cabaret, Tour Régine, Quertinheux and Surdespine, were sacked during the crusade and later repurposed as fortresses.

They are part of the same complex, but are all different structures with courtyards, arcades, towers with loopholes, murder holes and spiral staircases, as well as the ruins of a church.

The location is sumptuous, high on a rocky spur in the Black Mountains.

And the many little flourishes and surprises contribute to a fulfilling hour or two of discovery.

9. Canal du Midi – barge trip

The exceptional work of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi was dug in the 17th century, and helped connect the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

It passes through Carcassonne just north of the Lower Town.

The leg between this city and the Mediterranean town of Sète is touted as the most picturesque of all.

Obviously you needn’t go that far; just outside Carcassonne you can amble east along the tow path for a few miles, as the plane trees meet above the water to form a green tunnel.

There are guided boat tours with Carcassonne Cruises, pointing out the historic locks and bridges.

10. School Museum

In a former school in the old city is this unassuming museum capturing school life in France between the 1880s and 1960s.

You have five rooms to navigate, each with furniture and vintage teaching paraphernalia, like desks, slates, blackboards and lecterns.

The collection of old projectors may bring back memories, as will the schoolyard, with hopscotch and other playground games painted on the ground.

The museum also has old-time dip pens, which kids can try out to see how easy they’ve got it now.

11. Museum of the Inquisition

Not to be taken too seriously, this attraction will kill a few minutes and kids aged around 10 to 14 will probably get a kick out of it, though it’s definitely not for younger minds.

With the help of some sad-looking mannequins the museum exposes the eye-wateringly inventive methods and tools used for torture from medieval times up to the Revolution.

There’s an emphasis on the Catholic inquisition of the Cathars in the 13th century, and most of the exhibits are reproductions.

12. Caunes-Minervois

The Black Mountains rear up behind the pretty village of Caunes-Minervois, 20 minutes north of Carcassonne.

The surroundings are heart-achingly idyllic, with rustic stone walls, Minervois vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

The medieval village is built around an abbey founded in the 700s, and historic quarries that provided the pink marble for  the Louvre and Trianon Palace at Versailles.

The abbey is also replete with this stone:  One of the most cherished parts of the building is the apse, which is from the 1000s and epitomises the modest romanesque style.

13. Cuisine

If you’re a meat-eater, and particularly fond of poultry and game, the Carcassone diet will suit you well.

Duck and goose confit are famous specialities, as is Spanish-style cured ham.

But Cassoulet is southwestern France’s most beloved dish, a casserole with white haricot beans, sausage and duck or goose confit.

But Carcassonne has its own version of cassoulet, adding partridge meat to the stew.

More adventurous palates could try Languedoc-style snails, in which their cooked in their shells with onions, ham, tomato and parsley.

In Carcassonne you’re in the centre of the world’s largest wine region.

Not only that, but you’ve got easy access to some of the best AOCs within Languedoc.

Minutes north and east is Minervois, producing mostly reds from a blend of Bordeaux, Mediterranean and Rhône grapes.

South of Carcassonne is the upland Limoux region, famed as the place where sparkling wine was first produced in the 1500s.

Blanquette méthode ancestrale, Crémant de Limoux Blanquette de Limoux are all sparkling whites to discover.

Like champagne, the bubbles are created with secondary fermentation in the bottle, but the flavour is distinct, with fresh, apple notes.

15. Narbonne

Narbonne is east of Carcassonne and reachable in about 45 minutes.

In Roman Gaul “Narbo” was a vital port on the Aude river, but among the many misfortunes that befell the city in the coming centuries was that Aude changing course and the harbour silting up.

The medieval centre is a treat though, with one-of-a-kind monuments like the unfinished cathedral.

It’s symbolic of the fate of the city throughout the middle ages, as work was halted due to an economic downturn in the 1300s, so there’s no nave.

Also marvellous is the Archbishop’s Palace, a gothic complex mostly from the 1400s and containing the city wall as well as museums for Narbonne’s history and archaeology.

15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France):

• La Cité de Carcassonne
• Château Comtal and Ramparts
• Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus
• Carcassonne Lower City
• Carcassonne Cathedral
• Lac de la Cavayère
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Châteaux de Lastours
• Canal du Midi - barge trip
• School Museum
• Museum of the Inquisition
• Caunes-Minervois

Weekend Itinerary in Carcassonne, France: How to Spend 3 Days in Carcassonne

Looking for inspiration for a  weekend in Carcassonne ?  Read our tips below on the things to do in Carcassonne , France plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and the best restaurants to try!

Carcassonne is a hilltop town located in France. It’s known for its Medieval castle. If you’re into historical facts and stuff, Carcassonne is perfect for you! Be amazed by the walls, ramparts, and architecturally beautiful buildings that this town has for us. Don’t forget to bring your camera as everything you will see here is very picturesque!

Other articles you can read:

• 15 Best Things To Do in Carcassonne, France
• 7 Things to Do in Paris, France
• 15 Things to do in Dinard, France
• DIY European Travel Guide: Nice, France
• Travel Tips for Italy and France

Table of Contents

3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Carcassonne, France

Day 1 – weekend guide to carcassonne, france.

Memorial House (Maison des Memoires) – Help yourself in learning about the Carcassonne history by visiting the Memorial House or Maison des Memoires, the former house of the poet Joe Bosquet. You’d get a lot of information about him and his involvement in French history.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Carcassonne, France

La Porte D’aude – You should start your second day in Carcassonne with a bit of elegance. This beautiful entrance would welcome you and your family or friends. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and activities that are waiting for you inside.

Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne – A highly recommended place to visit in Carcassonne, France! Learn French history and enjoy a stunning view of the town while you’re in this place! Definitely worth a visit.

Cathar Castles – A beautiful Medieval French Castle. Don’t miss the chance to go here! You can ride a carriage and feel like a royal while going around the area. Enjoy the atmosphere and the scenic view. A lovely castle indeed!

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Carcassonne, France

Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante – Before leaving Carcassonne, don’t forget to visit this museum. Enjoy seeing artifacts and old military uniforms inside. Not only that, you’d also enjoy your tour here as the guide that will help you is very friendly and willing to share all the information you need to know about the military.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne, France

Where to stay in carcassonne, france if you’re a backpacker.

Hotel Class’Eco Carcassonne

Hotel Class’Eco Carcassonne offers a free secure car park and low-cost rooms with free WiFi access and flat-screen TVs. The guest rooms at Hotel Class’Eco Carcassonne are equipped with satellite channels and have shared bathrooms. Guests of Hotel Class’Eco Carcassonne can enjoy a continental breakfast every morning, in the dining room or on the garden terrace. The hotel staff are available to assist 24 hours a day.

Price: Starts at $33 per night for Triple Room with Shared Bathroom , $0 for taxes and charges, add $4 for breakfast (optional) , it’s free cancellation and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.

Les Orchidées 

Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Les Orchidées offers pet-friendly homestay accommodation in Carcassonne. Free private parking is available on site. You will find a coffee machine and a kettle in the room. Every room comes with a shared bathroom with a bath or shower and a bidet, with free toiletries provided. A flat-screen TV is provided. An infrared massage device can be rented at an extra charge. Carcassonne Airport is 5 km from the property.

Price: Starts at $34 per night for Single Room with Mountain View , $0 for taxes and charges, add $6 for breakfast , and it’s non-refundable.

Premiere Classe Carcassonne

Premiere Classe Carcassonne is located in La Bouriette, near the Deux-Mers motorway A61 and 3 minutes from the airport. Free WiFi is provided. All air-conditioned rooms have a work area and a TV. Bunk beds are available in some rooms for a third guest at no extra charge. 

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Triple Room (1 Double Bed + 1 Single Bed) , $0 for taxes and charges, add $6 for breakfast (optional) , and it’s non-refundable.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne, France if you’re on a Budget

Brit Hôtel Bosquet Carcassonne Cité – A61 

Brit Hôtel Bosquet Carcassonne, renovated in 2014, is 1.5 km from the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free WiFi is provided. Only accessed by stairs, the air-conditioned guestrooms feature satellite TV with Canal + channel, a bathroom with a hairdryer and a telephone. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at the hotel. Restaurants can be found less than 500 m away. 

Price: Starts at $63 per night for Room with 1 Double Bed , plus $1 for taxes and charges , add $10 for breakfast , and it’s non-refundable.

Au Royal Hotel

Au Royal Hotel is located in the center of Carcassonne, 600 m from the train station and a 20-minute walk from the medieval city. Guestrooms at Au Royal Hotel are comfortable and equipped with a TV and en suite bathroom with a hairdryer. A home-made buffet breakfast is served daily and the staff at Au Royal Hotel are happy to advise guests on local restaurants and sightseeing. 

Price: Starts at $64 per night for Double Room with Shower , plus $1 for taxes and charges , add $8 for breakfast , and it’s non-refundable.

Cité et Ville à pied, WIFI, Imprimante, Ordinateur, 2 chambres, 3 lits

Cité et Ville à pied, WIFI, Imprimante, Ordinateur, 2 chambres, 3 lits is situated in Carcassonne. It is set 6 km from Cavayere Lake and offers free WiFi. The apartment includes a living room with a TV and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The accommodation is equipped with a kitchen with an oven, a microwave, and a washing machine. Bed linen and towels are provided. A baby cot can be provided upon request. The nearest airport is Carcassonne Airport, 3 km from the property.

Price: Starts at $64 per night for Apartment, plus $32 for taxes and charges , and it’s partially refundable.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne, France if you want Luxury

Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell

Hotel du Roi & Spa by Sowell is blessed with a bar and a beautiful garden. It is located just 1.5 km from Carcassonne Cathedral and 4 km from Pont Rouge Commercial Zone. Guests can enjoy its facilities such as restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms at the hotel offer a private bathroom that is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer, free toiletries, and a TV with satellite channels. Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Price: Starts at $204 per night for a Standard Double Room , plus $4 taxes and charges , breakfast for $28, it offers free cancellation, and no prepayment needed.

Domaine d’Auriac – Relais & Châteaux

Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Domaine d’Auriac is located in Carcassonne. Free WiFi is available. Each room at the Domaine has a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom with a bathrobe, free toiletries, and slippers. Some rooms also have a seating area and a dressing room. The Auriac has a gastronomic restaurant with a Michelin star and a bistro with a traditional menu. Guests are invited to relax in the bar and there is a floral garden with a terrace. Guests have access to the Domaine d’Auriac’s bicycle and car rental services.

Price: Starts at $233 per night for Superior Double Room , plus $2 taxes and charges , free breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.

Hotel de la Cité & Spa – Mgallery by Sofitel

The hotel features gardens and an outdoor pool with views of Saint Nazaire Basilica. Free WiFi and wired internet access are available. Classic or Provencal-style decoration and an iPod docking station feature in all of the guest rooms at Hotel de la Cite. Some rooms have a balcony with views of the city. Homemade pastries are served at breakfast and regional dishes are offered in the brasserie and summer restaurant. Guests can also dine at the Michelin-starred Barbacane restaurant or enjoy a cocktail in the bar. The hotel has a shuttle service and valet service available for guests using the private car park. 

Price: Starts at $305 per night for Classic Room with 1 King Bed , plus $2 for taxes and charges , free breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.

List of restaurants that you can try while in Carcassonne, France

La Table de la Bastide

Serves French, European, and Contemporary Cuisine. Visitors love going back to this restaurant for their awesome food and friendly staff. Don’t miss the chance to visit this place.

Operating hours: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Tue-Sat) Address: 55 rue Aime Ramond, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France

Restaurant La Marquiere

It offers French and European cuisine. Try to experience eating traditional food that they offer. With their great location, you’d surely enjoy your dinner while having the best ambiance. 

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM / 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Fri – Tue) Address: 13 rue Saint-Jean, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France

La Table de Franck Putelat

La Table de Franck Putelat serves Fr ench cuisine. Customers enjoy eating here for their awesome food, friendly staff, and peaceful venue. You should experience that too! Visit this restaurant when you’re in Carcassonne.

Address: 80 Chemin des Anglais, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France

Pizzeria Rabah Zaoui

Serves Italian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine. This restaurant would surely satisfy your Italian cravings! 

Operating hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Tue-Sun) Address: 124 av du Pdt Franklin Roosevelt, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France

Restaurant Linh Chi

A restaurant that serves Asian cuisine mainly Chinese and Vietnamese. With its warm atmosphere, you’d absolutely enjoy eating your favorite Asian dishes.

Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM / 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat) Address: 13 rue des 3 Couronnes, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France

How to go to Carcassonne, France from the UK

Via Ryanair: (one way)

*From London Stansted to Carcassonne, France

Ticket Price: £12.99

* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima . My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram .

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Traveling to Carcassonne

France's Fortified Medieval City Carcassonne

Katie Garrod/Getty Images

Carcassonne is an extraordinary place, a perfect medieval city with its massive fortifications dominating the surrounding countryside. Seen from afar it seems straight out of a fairy-tale. Inside, it’s even more impressive. Carcassonne is best known for having an entire city that is a castle. La Cité is double walled, with grassy lices (translated as lists) between the walls you can stroll along. From the massive ramparts, you look down to the lower cité ( ville basse ).

Carcassonne is one of France's top tourist destinations, drawing an average of three million visitors yearly. Some people describe it as a tourist-trap and there are some shops hawking tacky souvenirs, but despite the crowds, Carcassonne is an enchanting place to visit. So it’s no surprise that it has two UNESCO World Heritage Site listings.

Getting to Carcassonne

By Plane: You can fly into Carcassonne's airport ( Aéroport Sud de France Carcassonne ), although if you are departing from the U.S., count on a layover somewhere in Europe or Paris. Ryanair operates cheap flights from the UK to Carcassonne. Once you arrive, a shuttle service to the city center leaves the airport 25 minutes after the arrival of each flight. The cost is 5€ which also gives you one hour’s use of the entire transport system of the city.

By Train: The station is in the lower town and there are regular trains from Arles, Beziers, Bordeaux , Marseille , Montpellier , Narbonne, Nîmes , Quillan and Toulouse. Carcassonne is right on the main Toulouse-Montpellier train route.

Getting around Carcassonne

For short journeys in Carcassonne city center, the bus company Agglo runs a free service. There is a tourist train shuttle (2€ single journey – 3€ day return) between La Cité and Bastide St Louis.

There isn't really a bad time to visit since the weather here is quite temperate year-round, so select a season based on your own tastes. In winter, many of the city's attractions are closed or run on limited hours. Spring and fall can be ideal. The summer months have most events but Carcassonne will also be packed with tourists at that time of year.

A Little History

Carcassonne has a long history stretching back to the 6 th century BC. It became a Roman city then was ruled by the Saracens before they were driven out by the French in the 10th century. The city’s prosperity began when the Trencavel family ruled Carcassonne from 1082 for around 130 years. In the middle of what is known as Cathar country after the heretical movement which challenged the Catholic church, Roger de Trencavel offered a haven to the rebels. In 1208 when the Cathars were declared heretics, Simon de Montfort led the Crusade and in 1209 captured the city before turning his attention to the rest of the anti-catholics. The movement was crushed with appalling cruelty, the last stronghold of Montégur falling in 1244.

In 1240 the people of Carcassonne tried to reinstate the Trencavels but the French King Louis IX was having none of it and as a punishment, he expelled them from the Cité. In time the citizens built a new city – the Bastide St Louis outside the main walls. The takeover by the French Kings of La Cité brought new buildings and it became a powerful place until the late 17 th century when it fell into decay. This was the poor part of a city rich from the wine trade and cloth manufacturing. It was rescued from ruin by the architect Viollet-le-Duc in 1844, so what you see today is a restoration though it is so well done you feel right in the heart of a medieval city. 

Top Attractions

La Cité may be small, but there’s a lot to see.

• You can walk through the lices , but you have to take a guided tour to walk along the ramparts and see the Château Comtal, the palace of the viscounts of Carcassonne. 
• The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is another must-see site with both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and some beautiful stained glass.
• The Bastide St-Louis is in the lower town on the banks of the River Aude. It was built in 1260 and follows a rectangular plan around the central Place Carnot. Just wander along the boulevards full of 8th and 19th-century mansions.
• Walk past the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Santé which is the only surviving trace of the city’s oldest hospital onto the pedestrian-only Pont Vieux. Until the 14 th century, this was the only link between the Bastide St Louis and the old city.

Outside the City

Carcassonne is in the middle of spectacular countryside, so it’s worth hiring a car to take side trips. If you’re interested in the fate of the Cathars, take a walk around Montségur.

• Montsegur  is the site of the biggest stand the Cathars made against the Crusaders during the Middle Ages. Make the grueling climb to the ruins of their castle stronghold, where they held off 10,000 Crusaders for months. When they were finally conquered, many of the Cathars chose to march into the flames rather than convert.
• This is also the heart of the Languedoc  wine country  so check out some of the vineyards you can visit at the Tourist Office in Carcassonne.
• Don't miss  Limoux , a village just south of the city. This is the home to the annual Carnivale from January through March and is also a thriving wine-making community. They even claim to have been the true inventors of sparkling wine, and that Dom Perignon stole the idea.
• Rennes le Chateau  is a very creepy little village where the Baron Sauniere, at the turn of the 20th century, erected a church and other religious structures. There are many rumors about the Baron's work, including allegations that Mary Magdalene stayed there after the crucifixion and that the Holy Grail is hidden there.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne

The Hotel Le Donjon is a wonderful stay for the price. When you enter, the dim lighting and deep red decor take you into what feels like a medieval castle. It also has a wonderful location inside La Cite.

If you have the money, stay at the four-star, luxurious Hotel de la Cite, with its own gardens and well-situated in La Cite next to the Basilica.

Edited by Mary Anne Evans .

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The Perfect Carcassonne Day Trip from Toulouse

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

by Emily Marty

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Toulouse is one of southern France’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Not only is the city itself charming, beautiful, and cosmopolitan, but it also makes for a fantastic hub for exploring the surrounding countryside. One fairly popular option among visitors to the city is to head out on a Carcassonne day trip from Toulouse during their stay. 

If you’re planning on visiting Toulouse , we’ll be covering your options for transport to Carcassonne, as well as providing you with a sample itinerary to help you get the most out of your day trip there. 

Table of Contents

How to Get from Toulouse to Carcassonne 

By organised tour .

If you’d prefer not to worry about arranging your own transportation to and from Carcassonne, then taking a guided tour is definitely worth considering.

This full-day tour offers guests entry to Comtal Castle, the Cité de Carcassonne, and the Saint Nazaire Basilica. This is a great option if you’d like a day trip to Carcassonne that gives you some freedom and flexibility in terms of what you see and when.

Alternatively, this full-day tour is great for those who’d prefer a day with some structure. Naturally, having your own guide for the day is also your best bet if you want to learn as much about the history and culture of Carcassonne during your visit.

You can book a private tour that includes wine tasting if you prefer not to visit in an organised group.

For perhaps the majority of travellers, getting to Carcassonne via train from Toulouse will be their most straightforward, convenient option.

A direct service operates from Toulouse Matabiau station to Carcassonne station; with departures every few hours or so, the journey usually takes just over 40 minutes and is considerably faster than driving. You can view train schedules here.

Not that it is about a 30-minute walk from the train station into the centre of the old town citadel. However, this walk will also take you across the Canal du Midi and through the Carcassonne town centre before giving you an excellent view of the citadel from below.

By Bus 

A more affordable way to make the trip from Toulouse to Carcassonne is by bus. Several direct departures leave from Toulouse’s Pierre Sémard Central Bus Station each day, with the journey taking around an hour and a half one way. 

It takes just over an hour and a half to make the drive from Toulouse to Carcassonne. Expect some tolls on the way (you’ll end up paying around €5 or so), with the route itself being fairly straightforward. You’ll pass by some incredibly picturesque villages on your way; making a detour or two is recommended!

While Carcassonne tends not to be overly busy, parking and traffic around the citadel can both be problematic during the high season, in particular. You may need to park in the city of Carcassonne and walk up to the Medieval citadel – heading off early in the morning is also a good way to beat the crowds. 

If you need to rent a car for your trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Carcassonne Day Trip Itinerary 

This Carcassonne itinerary will take you to the highlights of the medieval city and citadel of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a lesser-known local gem in the form of the Inquisition Museum.

All of these sites are fairly close together and easily accessed, which makes for a fairly relaxed itinerary, even if you’re only spending one day in Carcassonne. You can book entry tickets here or organise a guided tour if you have travelled here independently.

Cité de Carcassonne 

The first stop on your trip to Carcassonne will be its citadel, the Cité de Carcassonne. Known around the world for its disarmingly pretty and charming silhouette, the citadel has, in fact, seen plenty of action since it was first constructed in the 13th century. 

Indeed, the citadel features several striking towers, as well as other typical medieval defensive features, including barbicans and watchtowers. The towers’ crenellated rooves also allowed them to be used as firing posts when the citadel was under siege. 

While you explore the citadel, make sure to check out the mighty gate known as the Porte Narbonnaise. This beautiful example of medieval architecture was originally constructed to defend the main entrance to Carcassonne, and, at first, was also intended to be its own, freestanding structure.

Adjoining the gate is a series of rooms that were used for storage, including a cellar and cistern. The placement of the Porte Narbonnaise, facing the Pyrenees mountains, can also be interpreted as a political gesture; when the gate was built, France and Spain were at war, and, naturally, the French-Spanish border lies just beyond the Pyrenees mountain range.

So, by situating the mighty fortress of Carcassonne such that it directly faces Spain, the French monarch was likely intending to send a clear message to his rivals on the other side of the mountain range. 

Not only is the citadel incredibly historic and beautiful, but entry is completely free! There’s plenty to do and see here, so take your time and make sure you’ve seen everything you want to check out before heading for the imposing Comtal Castle, which is the next stop on our tour. 

Château Comtal 

At the heart of the Cité de Carcassonne is Château Comtal (known in English as the Count’s Castle or Comtal Castle), and it’s a veritable treasure trove for history enthusiasts, especially those who are passionate about the medieval era in particular. Note that, unlike the citadel, you will need to purchase a ticket to gain entry to the castle. 

This remarkably well-preserved castle is perhaps one of the most significant structures still standing from the Middle Ages, and it serves as a testament to the architectural genius of the people who first built it. 

Amazingly, Comtal Castle’s history goes back to the 1130s, when the Trencavel family, who ruled over Carcassonne at the time, ordered that a stately residence be built in the city.

This building would become the core of what is now Comtal Castle; in the 12th century, the Trencavels arranged for their residence to be expanded upon, adding multiple wings in the process. 

This was motivated in large part by a desire to project an image of authority and power to the townsfolk who resided in Carcassonne at the time.

Later, in the early 1200s, the castle would have several defensive features added, and further expansion works which took place shortly after added a second rampart to the structure, transforming Comtal Castle into the fortified castle that we see it as today. 

In fact, not long after this, the citadel of Carcassonne transferred ownership, becoming more or less the property of the French sovereign.

Castle Comtal was given to the king’s seneschal as a place of residence; however, the king and his seneschal had not yet won the loyalty of the local townsfolk, so having a fortified wall between the latter’s residence and the people he had been made to rule over was, in fact, rather necessary. 

Thanks to Carcassonne’s relative proximity to Spain, it would continue to be a place of real military and strategic importance for hundreds of years thereafter. In fact, it would continue to carry out this function until 1659, when the Treaty of the Pyrenees ended the war between Spain and France.

Following on from this, both Castle Comtal and the citadel were more or less completely deserted until they were restored in the 19th century by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. 

Admission to the castle gives visitors not only the opportunity to explore the structure but also access the western ramparts, as well as displays housing several stunning artefacts recovered from the chateau over the years.

Buying tickets to the castle in advance of your arrival is strongly recommended, as long queues tend to form at the ticket booth during peak season. 

Saint Nazaire Basilica 

The Gothic-Romanesque basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is an absolutely stunning structure; in just as good condition as the citadel and castle of Carcassonne, the basilica, which is found within the citadel walls, is well worth checking out if you’re interested in architecture or history, or if you simply want to soak up the deeply tranquil atmosphere that’s present within. 

It’s thought that the first church to be built in this location was constructed all the way back in the 6th century, making this perhaps one of the most historic spiritual sites in the history of France.

The Gothic basilica as we know it today was finished sometime in the 13th century and has certainly stood the test of time since then. 

In fact, the stained glass in the choir of the basilica is said to be some of the oldest in all of France! Given that religious artefacts and iconography were widely destroyed during the French Revolution, this is no mean feat.

The basilica is also, in many ways, a fantastic example of church-building techniques typical to the Languedoc region, with the building’s wall taking on the appearance of a fortress being just one manifestation of this. 

The basilica isn’t huge, so, unless you’re especially interested in architecture or history, you likely won’t need to expect to spend much time here. As mentioned previously, it’s also located within the Cité de Carcassonne, making visiting it once you’ve seen the castle and the battlements pretty straightforward. 

Inquisition Museum

If you find yourself with some time to kill in Carcassonne before heading back to Toulouse and want to immerse yourself in the darker side of the city’s history, then you may want to check out its Inquisition Museum. 

While small and somewhat obscure, the Inquisition Museum is definitely worth a visit unless you’re squeamish (or don’t enjoy hearing or reading about different methods of torture, which, frankly, is fair enough!). You’ll find it housed within a 17th-century building located to the northern side of the citadel. 

The bulk of the museum’s collection is made up of medieval torture devices, but you’ll even see examples of instruments used as recently as during the French Revolution.

Additionally, part of the exhibit is dedicated to the history of the castles of the Cathars; regarded by the Catholic Church as heretics, the Cathars were a sect of gnostic Christians who were subject to persecution, torture, and genocide during the 12th and 13th centuries. 

Catharism, in fact, has its origins in the Languedoc area of France, where Carcassonne is found. By modern standards, the Cathars could probably be considered fairly progressive, at least in some respects; they abhorred killing and violence in all forms, thereby abstaining from consuming any animal products, apart from fish.

Under Catharism, women were also seen as fairly equal in a number of areas, and were allowed to serve as spiritual leaders. 

By the mid-1100s, wholesale persecution of the Cathars had been endorsed by the Catholic Church, and, sadly, over time, they were repeatedly attacked, driven from their homes, and killed. Naturally, their numbers eventually dwindled until Catharism was all but extinct. 

This strategic, coordinated elimination of Catharism is just one example of the Inquisition, which was a group of institutions established by the Catholic Church with the ultimate aim of eliminating heresy from the world altogether.

And, as you’ll discover by exploring the Inquisition Museum, torture was often used during the medieval Inquisition, generally with the aim of drawing confessions out of people suspected of heresy. 

Inside the Inquisition Museum, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with a range of different instruments used for torture and to carry out executions.

It’s worth noting here that, while the subject matter it covers is undoubtedly very dark, the Inquisition Museum is presented in a way that prevents the exhibition from coming across as upsetting or overly confronting. 

The Inquisition Museum is generally not all that busy, so you should be able to get a ticket on the day with relative ease if you decide to visit. It may sound a bit niche, but I found the museum to be pretty fascinating and would definitely recommend visiting if you’ve got time and are interested. 

Where to Stay in Toulouse

Hôtel Héliot – This mid-range hotel is located close to transport links making it the ideal base. Their rooms are suitable for couples or families and breakfast is available each morning.

Boutique Hotel SOCLO – A luxury hotel in the heart of Toulouse, they offer a range of boutique rooms with guests having access to a pool, garden and restaurant on site.

Appartements Design Hypercentre – These modern studio and one-bedroom apartments are ideal if you prefer to cook some of your own meals or have a large space while in Toulouse.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Toulouse hotels!

Visiting Carcassonne as a day trip from Toulouse is an incredible way to see this beautiful fortified city. Carcassonne has so much to offer visitors and taking a trip here is never a bad idea.

Are you planning to visit Carcassonne? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

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About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

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Captivating Carcassonne: A Magical 1-Day Journey

February 22, 2024 · 1 min read

Embark on a timeless adventure in Carcassonne, where history whispers from the ancient stones. Your journey begins at the formidable Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne, a military marvel that promises to transport you back to the days of knights and battles. Spend two hours exploring its majestic walls and towers. Next, delve deeper into the past at the Carcassonne Castle, another historic site where the tales of yore come to life during your two-hour visit. As the afternoon sun casts golden hues over the city, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire awaits, offering an hour of serene contemplation amidst its sacred walls. Conclude your day with a visit to the Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse, a historic building that stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and spiritual heritage. This two-hour visit will leave you with a sense of peace and a heart full of memories. With this carefully curated itinerary, you're set to experience the best of Carcassonne's historic splendor in just one day.

• Day 1: Majestic Castles and Timeless Sanctuaries of Carcassonne

Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne

Kicking off our Carcassonne adventure, the Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne stands as a formidable sentinel at the heart of this medieval city. With a history steeped in military prowess, this castle is a testament to the strategic importance of Carcassonne through the ages. Spend two hours exploring the ramparts and inner workings of this fortress, where the tales of knights and sieges come to life amidst the stone walls and towers that have withstood the test of time.

Attraction Info

• 1 rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne, France
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 9:30am-5:00pm

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Carcassonne Castle

Continuing our journey through history, the Carcassonne Castle is next on our itinerary. This historic site is not just a castle, but a symbol of the region's rich past. As you wander through its halls and courtyards for another two hours, you'll be transported back to a time when the clashing of swords and the whispers of intrigue filled the air. The castle's architecture and the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are sure to leave you in awe.

• 11000 Carcassonne, France
• Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
• Open from 10:00am-5:45pm

Basilica of Saint-Nazaire

As the afternoon light casts a golden hue over the city, we'll visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. This historic site is a jewel of gothic and romanesque architecture, with its stained glass windows painting the interiors in vibrant colors. Spend an hour here, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere and the intricate details that make this basilica a must-visit for anyone exploring Carcassonne.

• La Cite, Carcassonne, France
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open on Sun,8:00am-10:45am,12:30pm-8:00pm;Open on Mon-Sat,8:00am-8:00pm

Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse

Our final stop for the day is the Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse, a historic building that stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage in Carcassonne. With two hours to explore, you'll have ample time to admire the church's architectural beauty and the peaceful ambiance that envelops it. The church's history is interwoven with the city's narrative, making it a fitting end to a day spent discovering the timeless treasures of Carcassonne.

• La Cité, Pl. Saint-Nazaire, 11000 Carcassonne, France
• Open on Mon-Sat,9:00am-11:45am,1:45pm-6:00pm;Open on Sun,9:00am-10:45am,2:00pm-6:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Hotel de la cite carcassonne - mgallery collection, hotel le donjon – coeur de la cite medievale, adonis carcassonne, hotel pont levis - franck putelat, top things to do in carcassonne-2024.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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• Carcassonne: day...

Carcassonne: day trip or worth an overnighter?

Is Carcassonne worth staying overnight or just a day trip from, say, Toulouse?

You might want to read through this recent thread. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/what-s-wrong-with-carcassonne

Like many of the small but popular towns in Europe, there is value in being there in the very early or late hours - something you can't do on a day trip.

If you're gonna do it, probably best to do an overnight. Because during the day, it's mobbed. Do it as a day trip and you see it at its worst. Be there early (very early) and late, and you can still enjoy its magic. The same is true for anyplace in Europe that's become too popular (Mont St Michel, Toledo, Cinque Terre, et all). Woe to anyone who just shows up for a few hours mid-day.

You should read this post just added a few days ago (it's in the Trip Report section): What's wrong with Carcassonne?

Hi Eugene, if you’re a photographer, plan to stay overnight. We got some excellent photos after dark, after the crowds left. The castle is beautifully lit and you’ll have the place to yourself. Very cool.

Hi Eugene. As others suggest have a read of my post on Trip Report. It probably comes down to what YOU enjoy and what YOU want from your travels. Most posts I read on this forum indicate the posters want to see the key sights and do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. That is fine and if that is how you want to do things then maybe hit Carc late. Check out the Cite late afternoon early evening after much of the crowd has left. Get up there early the next day and maybe do the ramparts/Comtal tour then move on.

My wife and I are different cats. We travel in a different manner to most of the posters on here. As I posted on the trip report we actually enjoyed Carcassonne not just the Cite.

Yes, overnight so you can walk the ramparts at night. A very memorable experience!

We arrived there late afternoon and stayed overnight on our way to Toulouse to fly home. By the time we arrived, the crowds were gone. We stayed at a Best Western inside the walls (I remember because I try to avoid chain hotels on vacation). It was nothing special but adequate.

I visited 48 years ago and recently read my journal of the visit. I wrote how much more I enjoyed it early in the mornng before the crowds arrived !

We stayed initially at the Astoria. Near the station, pleasant, clean, comfortable, cheap, decent brekkie, helpful staff. Moved on to a place called Art House B&B. Very nice. A little pricier but still great value. As I have said in my trip report. The town, "the Bastide" is a delight. There is more than just the Cite.

I camped walking distance from the Cite. I day tripped away from Carcassonne but enjoyed walking through at night.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Day trip around Carcassonne

Caunes Minervois's village

22 km - 30 minutes

It’s time to start the day and hit the road to Caunes-Minervois (around 30 min drive – 22km). There are lots of reasons why this medieval village among the vines is famous: its architecture , wine , abbey and marble ! Have a lovely stroll on the cobbled lanes and gaze at the Renaissance houses, doorways, windows and fountains.

Full itinerary

60km loop, start and end in Carcassonne ( Check the map )

Average length

Payable admissions.

The red marble village

You’ll be amazed to see red marble sculptures and landmarks as you explore. The village is home to quarries that were excavated from Antiquity onwards and you can visit them today. The blood-red marble was used to build prestigious monuments including the Château de Versailles and Opéra Garnier in Paris!

Crypts, cloisters and benedictines

The benedictine abbey is a must-visit in the village: the church and its opulent marble interior, cloister and crypt are open all year. The buildings also host permanent and temporary exhibitions. The often original exhibitions are popular with all ages as the abbey works with the Belgian Comic Strip Center (Spirou, The Smurfs etc.). Part of the tour includes a unique experience: a 360° film of the abbey with a virtual reality headset! The film lasts a dozen minutes and gives you a unique overview of the abbey’s history…

Our suggestions:

It’s time for lunch and you have two options to choose from: An on-site tapas bar in the vicar’s garden (original!) or a more traditional restaurant under the plane trees. If you’d rather get back on the road then head to Villeneuve-Minervois (6km – 10 min drive)!

La Cantine du curé Caunes-minervois

LA TABLE DE TERROIR BY LA MARBRERIE

Hotel-restaurant CAUNES-MINERVOIS

LA TABLE DU PAREUR

Restaurant VILLENEUVE-MINERVOIS

Did you know? 

Truffles have always been grown in Aude.

Cabrespine's village and its big cave

7 km - 15 minutes

It’s time for a change of scene: explore the Montagne Noire on a road winding along the Gorges de la Clamoux. Make a beeline for one of the biggest cave attractions in the world and one of the most beautiful in Europe (7km – 15 minute drive).

As soon as you step into the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine , you’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the 80m wide and 250m deep cave. You’ll feel so small! Experience the glass walkway over the abyss, “Belvédère des Disques” vista, underground river and thrills! Kids love it! Explore at your own pace and end with a mind-blowing sound and light show!

Back to Carcassonne : 25km – 45 minute drive.

Adventure-seekers : don't miss out on the Accro Grotte de Cabrespine

Put on your wetsuit, helmet and headtorch and you're ready for an amazing 5 hour adventure in the river deep in the cave.

See all the photos

Need to recharge?

Electric charging stations are available in some towns in the Aude region.

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Suggestions: http://www.carcassonne-tourisme.com has tons of great info and an interactive map. As a North American grid pattern city street person--I do not recommend arriving in Carcassonne without a road map. Every street has roundabouts and the streets often change names as a result of a small directional adjustment.

Assuming you are a middle class tourist I make the following suggestions. If arriving by train check out the Bristol Hotel or Hotel Terminus to see if they are appropriate accomodations for you. They are both located within 100 meters of the train station and at the foot of Rue George Clemenceau--which is the start of the pedestrian mall (walkway) enroute to the city square.

I stayed near the airport at the Hotel Campagnile. It is in a light commercial/industrial area suitable for salespeople and about 20 minutes and numerous roundabouts from downtown. Next time I will stay at the Hotel Ibis (city centre). I think this is the best location for my budget and for access to the city square and the castle.

The castle is called "La Cite". There are numerous road signs and it is easy to locate. There is car parking available at the main entrance to La Cite, but, once again, it would be easier and probable just as close to walk across the river on the pedestrian bridge behind the Ibis and entre La Cite from the rear entrance.

There are several very upscale hotels inside La Cite (four star) which provide transportation to and from the airport and appear to be very comfortable. The carcassonne tourist website lists the accomodation and their locations on the website.

Consider doing some brief historical research on the Cathars before visiting La Cite. I returned so that I could visit some of the other historical sites. Spent two days visiting and climbing to very very scenic Montsegur, Queribus, and Perpeytuse Cathar castles. Also indulged in much degustation (wine tasting) at some of the finest French vineyards enroute.

Regarding accomodation Carcassonne to Arles.

The east end of Beziers has several NA style motor hotels that are close and easily accessible to the highway. I seem to recall Novotel, Campagnile, and several others situated there.

I stayed two nights at a small 17th Century hotel in a town close to Beziers (Pezenas) that has been recently renovated by Tracy McVeigh and Robert, a pair of sociable exBrits by way of 10 years in Northern California. The hotel has 5 very spacious clean and comfortable rooms/suites, a very pleasant inner courtyard/balcony for breakfast and wireless internet is available.

Pezenas is a small town--perhaps 5-8,000 people in the middle of a "white" wine region and it has a theatrical history--Moliere lived there. Their hotel is located on a quiet side street two blocks from the town fountain and directly across from the historic city hall (Hotel de Ville). Numerous restaurants and sidewalk cafes within 5 minutes walking. Recommend the crepe restaurant down nearby alley--has sidewalk seating but the interior is intriguing. the crepes (galettes) and other meals very good and affordable.

http://www.hoteldevigniamont.com

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