Carcassonne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Walk along charming cobblestone streets and admire views from medieval castle ramparts in one of Languedoc’s most visited cities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Carcassonne

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City of Carcassonne

5/5(5 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 a castle, heritage architecture and landscape views

Bastide Saint-Louis

5/5(2 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
The price is NZ$265 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
NZ$265
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"This hotel is perfect for access to the fortified village and castle and within walking distance of the town . Reception staff were helpful and friendly . Car parking is tight, the hotel takes no responsibility if your car is parked in , as ours almost was !"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
A delightful stay. Highly recommend.
"Exceeded all expectations. The hotel was inside the city gates of Carcassonne. Updated and comfortable. Nice, quite garden in the back where you could escape the crowds. Breakfast buffet was excellent. Staff was friendly, especially the staff stationed for the breakfast buffet. Where to park was ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

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 NZ$141 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$141
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
Great value
"We needed a one night stop to see a concert, the room was great value, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the accommodation and the friendly welcome from the staff."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,054 reviews)
"Perfect for visiting Carcassonne--easy walk to the medieval city. A nice balcony in our room for sipping wine after a long day seeing the sights!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne

Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne

3 out of 5
14 Route de Villemoustaussou, Carcassonne, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and Parc ...
7.8/10 Good! (529 reviews)
"Hotel is around 40 mins up a hill from the centre of Carcassone and public transport to get there isn’t good. There isn’t much around there so if you don’t have a car be prepared to get a lot of steps in. The room itself could do with a renovation."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

15, Rue de la Barbacane, Carcassonne, Aude
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (896 reviews)
Carcassone city break
"The apartment was spacious. 1 bedroom, and sofa bed in living/kitchen area. Very clean and great air-conditioning. Kitchen/cooking area was basic but adequate for a short stay. Reception was welcoming and spacious. Staff were very pleasant and nothing was any bother. Breakfast was self service with ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2024

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

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