Planning a visit to Carcassonne and its landmark monument? Generation Voyage is here to help you visit the Cité de Carcassonne!
The Cité de Carcassonne is a must-see monument in the city of the same name. This 3rd-century fortress is the flagship symbol of the Aude department and theOccitanie region. Every year, millions of visitors immerse themselves in its timeless medieval atmosphere.
From the Pont-Vieux to the breathtaking ramparts, via the Château Comtal, there are many places of interest to visit. That’s why we’ve put together all the essential information to help you make the most of your stay. From the length of the tour to ticket prices and timetables, find out all our tips for visiting the Cité de Carcassonne!
History of the Cité de Carcassonne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
The fortress of Carcassonne is deeply rooted in French history. It is at once a protohistoric site, a Gallo-Roman city, a Visigoth stronghold, a viscounty and a seneschal. Indeed, its past is at the center of various power struggles. The town’s first ramparts were built in the 3rd century under Roman occupation.
Over time, it also became an object of covetousness for the Cathars. But above all, the Cité was instrumental in defending France’s borders. It was in 1659 that the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, ensuring the present-day demarcation betweenSpain and France.
In the 19th century, the town was on the verge of demolition and used as a stone quarry. But thanks to the efforts of Viollet-le-Duc and his successor Paul Boeswillwald, the Cité still retains its enchanting allure today. In fact, it’s one of the largest restoration projects in Europe.
Our tips for visiting the Cité de Carcassonne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – pamuk
To make the most of your visit to the Cité de Carcassonne, follow the advice below.
The best times
The Cité de Carcassonne is accessible all year round. Tourist numbers are highest in summer, from April to September. We recommend visiting in autumn, from October to November, or in winter, from December to March.
As for the weather, average temperatures fluctuate between 10° and 29° between January and July. The rainiest months are November, December and April.
We recommend arriving before 9:30 am, the site’s opening time, for easy parking in the Cité Médiévale parking lot.
Length of visit
Several tour options with different durations are offered at the entrance.
- A 1-hour self-guided tour of the entire site, from the castle courtyards to the archaeological museum. You will be accompanied by tactile booklets;
- An audioguide tour of 1h30 to 2h: the same formula with an audio guide in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Catalan. Prior booking is required for groups;
- A 45-minute guided tour: follow a detailed explanation of the Cité’s points of interest in French, English and Spanish;
- A private tour: with or without catering and outside opening hours, treat yourself to a private tour of the premises.
Do’s and don’ts in the City
There are, however, a few internal rules to be observed during your visit to the Cité de Carcassonne.
- Pets, such as dogs, are allowed inside the fortress if kept on a leash. However, they are not accepted during visits to the ramparts and the Château Comtal;
- Photographs may be taken inside the Cité, but must not be used for professional or commercial purposes;
- For reasons of safety and the smooth running of the tour, the guide may exclude anyone who fails to observe the rules of good conduct.
What to see and do in the Cité de Carcassonne?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pabkov
A few steps over the Pont Vieux and the Cité de Carcassonne is revealed in all its splendor. Inside, enjoy the incomparable atmosphere created by the preserved walls and buildings. ThisUnesco World Heritage site will take you back in time.
- First of all, play the role of knight and make your way along the walkway, venturing onto the fortress ramparts;
- The tour then takes you to the Chateau Comtal, the sublime residence of the Trencavel royal family;
- The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, another point of interest in the walled city, promises a singular spectacle with its magnificent stained-glass windows;
- Finally, round off your visit with the Inquisition Museum.
How much does a ticket to the Cité de Carcassonne cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Claudio Giovanni Colombo
To enter the Cité de Carcassonne, buy your ticket online in advance. Keep it with you, either on paper or by phone, until you leave the park.
- Children under 6: the visit is free;
- Young people aged between 6 and 17: a ticket costs just €7;
- Students: the price will also be €7 if you provide proof of en rolment;
- For visitors with disabilities: the rate is the same as for students;
- An adult ticket costs €12.
How do I book a ticket for the Cité de Carcassonne?
Book your ticket online
We strongly advise you to book your tickets online. To do so, first visit the Carcassonne Patrimoine Mondial website or the town’s digital tourist office. Then select a visit time and date, and buy your ticket according to availability.
On the other hand, tour operators offer guided tours with an accompanying guidebook. Prices range from €20 to €400, depending on the options chosen and the number of participants.
Book your ticket on site
If the reservation is made at the Tourist Office counter, the deposit can be made by cheque or cash.
Cité de Carcassonne opening hours
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
The Cité de Carcassonne is open all year round: as an open medieval city, it is accessible day and night. Only the château and ramparts are subject to opening hours:
- Every day: 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ;
- April to September: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m;
How do I get to the Cité de Carcassonne?
To reach Carcassonne and its medieval city, several means of transport are available:
By car
The A10, A20 and A61 freeways will take you directly to Carcassonne. The journey takes 8h from Paris, 1h11 from Toulouse and 10h from Lille. Alternatively, if you’re taking the bus or train to get here, rent a car in Carcassonne for your travels in the region.
Since cars are not allowed inside the fortress, there are three parking lots for travelers.
- Parking P0: reserved for local hotel guests and people with reduced mobility;
- Parking P1: 100 m from the housing estate, open to all;
- Parking lot P2: on the Ile de la Cité, Porte de l’Aude.
By train
The medieval city is a 30-minute walk from Carcassonne SNCF train station. This station is home to TGV, OuiGo, TER and Intercités trains.
By plane
For air travel to Carcassonne,Carcassonne-Salvaza airport has the best connections. To find the flight offer best suited to your needs, use a flight comparator like Skyscanner.
Where to stay in the Cité de Carcassonne?
You’ll find plenty of Airbnb, apartments and hotels near the Cité de Carcassonne. To maintain the medieval atmosphere, we recommend staying in one of the mansions in the Cité, or on the Pont-Vieux if you’re on a budget.
But the city of Carcassonne and the department of Aude also have a number of unusual accommodation options to make your stay as comfortable as possible. To find the best accommodation offers, don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator.