If you have even the slightest love of history, castles, good food or a glass of something local at sunset, Carcassonne will win you over the moment you lay eyes on it. Sitting high above the Aude River in southern France, and just an hour’s drive from Toulouse, this medieval walled city is a spectacular sight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne is a maze of thick stone ramparts, lookout towers and centuries-old cobbled streets that have seen crusaders, traders, and kings pass through.
Carcassonne Old Town: A Medieval Time Capsule
The fortified old town is the heart of Carcassonne. It’s the largest of its kind in Europe and one of France’s most visited historical monuments outside Paris.The earliest fortifications on the site date back to the 3rd century CE, when it was a Roman stronghold. The medieval fortress we see today began taking shape in the 12th century under the local Trencavel family. After the 1209 crusade against the Cathars, Carcassonne came under the control of the French crown. In the 1800s, architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led a major restoration, adding some creative touches of his own.
Things to Do in Carcassonne
Wandering around Carcassonne is like a full-blown medieval experience with plenty to see and do for all ages.
Château Comtal and Ramparts
Step inside this 12th-century castle and explore the Romanesque keep, its great hall, and a chapel with carved stonework. From the ramparts, you’ll get some cracking views over the lower town and countryside beyond. You’ll need a ticket to enter (book ahead online in summer), but it’s worth a visit. The double-layered walls span over three kilometres and are dotted with 52 towers, built to withstand sieges and strike fear into would-be invaders.
Saint-Nazaire Basilica
Situated near the western gate, this Romanesque-Gothic basilica served as Carcassonne’s cathedral until the early 1800s. The stained glass here is some of the finest in southern France. Outside, keep an eye out for gargoyles – kids will love spotting the animal-shaped faces peering out from the stonework.
Museum of the Inquisition
This small but curious museum has real and reconstructed torture devices used during the Inquisition and beyond. Set inside what was once a watchtower, and later a prison, it tells the darker side of Carcassonne’s history, particularly the persecution of the Cathars in the 13th century. It’s a gruesomely gripping look at the past.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re visiting with children during July or August, don’t miss the summer medieval festival, which includes full-scale jousting shows held in the amphitheatre within the city. Knights in shining armour, galloping horses, and plenty of theatrical flair (a photo with one of the knights made my daughter’s day!) Although you’ll be lucky to make it past the many souvenir shops without going home with a wooden sword.
Day Trips from Carcassonne
If you’ve explored the ramparts, wandered the old town, and polished off a plate of cassoulet, you’ll find more to discover just outside the city. Carcassonne is an ideal base for day trips around the Aude and neighbouring regions.
Canal du Midi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi stretches 240 kilometres from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. You can cycle along the towpaths from Carcassonne or choose a guided boat tour, or even hire a canal boat to cruise at your own pace.
Vineyard Visits
The Languedoc is one of France’s oldest and largest wine regions, and the hills around Carcassonne are perfect for a day of vineyard-hopping. Many local estates offer tastings, tours, and the chance to buy wines directly from the producers. Some of the closest estates to Carcassonne include Château Auzias and Domaine de Baronarques. A little farther afield, the wine route winds through the Corbières, Minervois and Limoux regions.
Other Castles to Visit
The Châteaux de Lastours are a group of four ruined castles perched on a rocky ridge just a 25-minute drive north of the city. They’re linked to the Cathar resistance with spectacular views over the surrounding Black Mountains. The climb up is steep but manageable, and well worth it.
Further afield, Peyrepertuse and Quéribus castles are located near the border with the Pyrénées-Orientales, about 90 minutes by car. Both are set high on rocky outcrops and were part of the “Cathar castles” built as defensive lookouts during the Albigensian Crusade.
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Some of France’s most beautiful villages are tucked into the valleys and hills near Carcassonne.
Lagrasse – officially labelled one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France– is about 45 minutes away and known for its 8th-century abbey, stone bridges, and artisan shops.
Minerve – perched on a limestone plateau and encircled by gorges, is another striking stop. It’s a bit more remote, but well worth the visit to its ancient caves.
The Australian Park
Just in case you’re missing home, the small but quirky Australian animal park has kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and emus, plus workshops on boomerang throwing, didgeridoo playing, and Aboriginal storytelling. It’s a playful nod to Aussie culture and makes for an unexpected but fun family day out.
Getting From Toulouse to Carcassonne
Carcassonne is within easy reach of Toulouse and other cities in southern France, with a range of transport options.
By Train
Services from Toulouse to Carcassonne by train go regularly from Toulouse Matabiau station and take around 45 to 60 minutes.
By Bus
If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, long-distance bus companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus also run routes between Toulouse and Carcassonne. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By Car
Hiring a car gives you more freedom to explore the surrounding Languedoc region, especially if you’re planning to squeeze in some vineyards, castles or canal villages. The drive from Toulouse to Carcassonne takes just under an hour via the A61 motorway, and car rental agencies are available at both Toulouse and Carcassonne stations and airports.
By Air
Carcassonne Airport is a small airport located about 10 minutes from the city centre. Budget carriers like Ryanair operate flights from the UK and other European cities.
Getting Around Carcassonne
The walled city is pedestrianised, so you’ll need to park just outside the walls and explore on foot. Free shuttles run between the new town and the citadel from June to September. Walking is perfectly doable, and the climb from the town centre to the old city takes about 20 minutes. If you want to explore further, bike hire is a great option, especially for a ride along the Canal du Midi.
Places to Stay in Carcassonne
Here are some standout options across a range of budgets, both within and outside the city walls:
Hotel de la Cité
One of only two hotels located within the medieval walls, Hotel de la Cité has views over the ramparts. There’s even a Michelin-starred restaurant, La Barbacane, where you can dine on local produce.
La Maison Vieille
Down in the lower town at the foot of the citadel, La Maison Vieille is a charming B&B perfectly placed for walking up to the medieval city in the morning and returning for a quiet evening in the garden.
Le Couvent
This former 17th-century convent has been transformed into a lively hostel in the centre of Carcassonne. With vaulted ceilings and a rooftop bar looking out to the bell tower, Le Couvent is a great choice if you’re travelling solo or in a group. There are dorms and private rooms.
There’s also a range of Airbnbsthroughout the city, from cosy studios to stone houses. For more ideas on places to stay nearby, especially if you’re doing day trips from Toulouse, check out our guide toToulouse Accommodation and Hotels.
Where to Eat in Carcassonne
If you’re looking for classic French cooking or hearty local fare, there’s a range of options for all tastes and budgets. This is the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, so expect dishes rich in flavour and paired with wines that rarely travel far to reach your glass.
Cassoulet
The one dish you absolutely should not leave without trying is Cassoulet. It’s a slow-cooked stew of white beans, confit duck, pork sausages and lardons, baked until bubbling and golden. Rich in flavour and deeply satisfying, it’s the signature dish of the region and features on nearly every traditional menu.
One of the best places to try it is Restaurant Comte Roger, located right inside the medieval city. Their version is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The menu also includes other regional classics, as well as a vegetarian menu. Another great option for Cassoulet is Restaurant Le Saint Jean, which is also inside the cité. Known for its generous portions and local wines, it’s a popular choice for visitors.
Fine Dining
If you’re after something more refined, La Table de Franck Putelat is a two-Michelin-star experience just outside the old city walls. Menus range from €105 to €235 per person in an elegant but relaxed setting, and with a superb wine list.
Casual Dining and Vegetarian Options
For something more casual, the Bastide Saint-Louis area in the lower town has several bistros and cafés. Many have vegetarian-friendly dishes such as ratatouille. There are also crêperies and a few international options scattered around Place Carnot and the nearby streets.
Markets are another good way to experience the local food scene. The Carcassonne market on Place Carnot runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and is full of fresh produce to stock up on picnic supplies.
For more tips on dining well in the region, take a look at our guide to theBest Restaurants in Toulouse.
When to Visit Carcassonne
You can visit Carcassonne all year round, but the most popular time to come is July, when the city hosts the Carcassonne Festival. With over 120 events across music, theatre and dance, plus medieval fairs and jousting tournaments inside the citadel, it’s one of the biggest cultural festivals in France. Bastille Day on 14 July is another highlight, with a fireworks display over the castle.
If you’d prefer fewer crowds, May to June and September to October are more relaxed, with pleasant weather, and easier access to accommodation and restaurants. Ideal if you’re looking to travel outside the local school holiday periods.
Entry to the medieval city is free, but tickets to Château Comtal and the ramparts start at €13 for adults. Guided tours are available, or you can pick up a tourist map from one of the local information points to explore at your own pace.
Travelling with children is easy here. The walkable layout, castle towers, and summer jousting shows make it a great choice for families. Just come early in the day if you’re visiting in summer, it gets hot and busy quickly.
