Carcassonne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,673 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
฿3,673
฿4,253 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 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! (997 reviews)
"This is a historic hotel in the heart of Carcassonne. There are steps to the rooms. It was clean with an accommodating staff. We had a later arrival than planned and the parking attendant waited and got us and all our luggage to the hotel. We were able to access parking after hours also with a code. ..."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

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 ฿2,003 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
฿2,003
฿2,373 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Nice property in front of a supermarket and a shopping mall. Very good for a 1 night stop."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
4 out of 5
2 Rue des Calquières, Carcassonne
The price is ฿2,404 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿2,404
฿2,921 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 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! (511 reviews)
Best location in the city
"Really good location, right next to the old bridge. Halfway to the castle and to the city. Although the room was tight, the bed was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

SOWELL HÔTELS Les Chevaliers
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
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! (993 reviews)
"We received a phone call from the Cerise"

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2024

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
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! (848 reviews)
"Very good value for an overnight stay"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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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