Carcassonne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
Carcassonne showing a castle and heritage architecture
Carcassonne featuring a city
Carcassonne featuring heritage architecture and a castle
Carcassonne which includes château or palace and heritage architecture
Ready to take a step back in time? To get your fill of hidden treasures in Carcassonne, the ancient fortified town of the Midi?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Carcassonne

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City of Carcassonne

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

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

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

Bastide Saint-Louis

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Bastide Saint-Louis
Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
4 out of 5
2 Rue du Comte Roger, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is ฿3,653 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,653
฿4,230 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (994 reviews)
"Very nice option in the medieval town. The private patio was a nice touch."

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2024

Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
4 out of 5
2 Rue des Calquières, Carcassonne
The price is ฿2,159 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
฿2,159
฿2,650 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (513 reviews)
"We had an excellent 1 night stay at Sowell Le Chevaliers. The staff was very patient during our check in. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Carcassonne. The room was clean and nicely appointed with a walkout spacious terrace. We wish we could have stayed another night. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
Tribe Carcassonne
Tribe Carcassonne
4 out of 5
2 Rue Des 3 Couronnes, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is ฿2,078 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
฿2,078
฿2,497 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (934 reviews)
Traveler
"Ideal location looking out on the old bridge, river, La Cité. Short walk from train station & town center. Great breakfast on 4th floor with great views. Comfy room w terrace."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Tribe Carcassonne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne
3 out of 5
14 Route de Villemoustaussou, Carcassonne, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and Canal ...
7.8/10 Good! (474 reviews)
"I recently stayed at this hotel and was extremely impressed with the cleanliness of the property. From the lobby to the rooms, everything was spotless and well-maintained. The staff did an excellent job of keeping the hotel in top condition. One of the highlights of my stay was the ample parking ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2024

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane
15, Rue de la Barbacane, Carcassonne, Aude
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (851 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
Cerise Carcassonne Sud
Cerise Carcassonne Sud
3 out of 5
1 Rue Darius Milhaud, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (972 reviews)
"We received a phone call from the Cerise"

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2024

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
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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