Carcassonne is a beautiful fortified city surrounded by ramparts and home to the iconic La Cité, situated on a hill overlooking the plain of the Aude river.
Explore the lovely city of Carcassonne, located in the South of France. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture and interesting history, it’s no wonder that people flock to this region year after year. This guide contains all the tips and tricks you need to make your trip a success – from finding the best accommodation to sampling the local cuisine and exploring the sights. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway, look no further than this guide to Carcassonne!
This historic Medieval castle has been carefully restored over the years, making it one of Europe’s most impressive tourist attractions. There are plenty of other sights worth exploring here, such as the Cathedral of St-Nazaire and several museums specialising in local art and history.
The area around Carcassonne also has plenty to offer – from vineyards producing world-renowned wines to nearby mountains that provide great hiking opportunities. You’ll find many restaurants serving up delicious regional cuisine, and there’s no shortage of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs either.
For those interested in culture, Carcassonne organises annual festivals and events like the Fête des Lumières to celebrate its rich heritage. There are plenty of festivals throughout the warmer months too – from jazz concerts to food markets – so whatever your interests you’re sure to find something for everyone!
How to Visit Carcassonne
When visiting Carcassonne, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to book your tickets in advance. The city gets very crowded during peak season and you don’t want to miss out on seeing the sights. Second, wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and you don’t want your feet to hurt. Lastly, make sure to bring a camera! Carcassonne is absolutely beautiful and you’ll want to take lots of photos.
If you follow these tips, you’re sure to have a great time visiting Carcassonne.
Places to Visit in Carcassonne
There are plenty of places to visit in Carcassonne, and the city is home to many historical and cultural landmarks. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cité de Carcassonne, a medieval fortress; the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, a Romanesque church; and the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other notable places to visit in Carcassonne include the Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle; the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an extensive collection of artworks; and the Jardin botanique de la BastideSaint-Louis, a beautiful botanical garden.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to enjoy some beautiful scenery, Carcassonne has something for everyone. So make sure to add it to your travel itinerary!
Transportation from Charles de Gaulle Airport
If you’re planning on visiting Carcassonne, chances are you’ll be flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airport is located about 18 miles northeast of the city center, so you’ll need to either take a taxi or rent a car to get to your final destination.
Assuming you don’t want to rent a car, there are plenty of taxis available outside of the arrivals terminal. A one-way trip into the city center should cost around €45-€50. Just be sure to have cash on hand as most taxis will not accept credit cards.
Alternatively, there is an airport shuttle that runs between Charles de Gaulle and Carcassonne for just €17 per person. The shuttle leaves every hour on the hour from 7am until 9pm and takes about 1.5 hours to make the journey. You can purchase tickets for the shuttle at the information desk in the arrivals terminal.
Airport Arrivals
When you arrive in Carcassonne, you’ll most likely be coming in via the airport. The airport is located just outside of the city, and there are a few different ways to make your way into town.
The easiest way is to take a taxi. There are always taxis available at the airport, and they will take you right into the heart of Carcassonne. This is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most convenient.
If you’re looking to save some money, you can take the bus that runs from the airport to Carcassonne’s train station. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and then you can either walk or take a short tram ride into town from there.
Finally, there’s always the option of renting a car and driving into town yourself. If you’re planning on doing any exploring outside of Carcassonne during your stay, this might be the best option for you.
Favorite Itineraries by Region
There are so many wonderful places to see in Carcassonne, and it can be tough to decide where to go and what to do. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of our favorite itineraries by region.
If you’re interested in history and culture, the Cité de Carcassonne is a must-see. This medieval fortress city is one of the most well-preserved in all of Europe. For a more relaxed pace, the Canal du Midi winds its way through picturesque countryside, perfect for a leisurely boat ride or bike ride.
Looking for some outdoor adventure? The Pyrénées Mountains offer hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Or head to one of the many lakes in the region for swimming, fishing, or boating.
No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, Carcassonne has something for everyone. Browse our itineraries below to start planning your perfect trip!
What to Do Between 2 and 4 Days
Between two and four days, visitors to Carcassonne can explore the city’s many historical landmarks. The Château Comtal, for example, is a 12th-century castle that was built by the Count of Toulouse. Visitors can also check out the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 11th century. Other points of interest include the Pont Vieux, a medieval bridge over the Aude River, and the Tour de l’Evêque, a 14th-century bell tower.
For something a bit more active, visitors can take a day trip and spend time at one of the area’s many beaches or hike and explore Cathar castles in nearby Lastours. For those interested in traditional French cuisine, Carcassonne offers a variety of restaurants that serve regional specialties like cassoulet and choucroute. Alternatively, visitors can simply stroll through the picturesque streets of the medieval town and soak up the atmosphere.
Aqueduc de Fougeres
France is home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Europe, and the Aqueduc de Fougeres is no exception. This imposing water supply system was built in the late 12th century to provide water to the castle of Fougeres, and it is a perfect example of medieval engineering. The aqueduct consists of two channels, one above ground and one below, that carried water for almost a kilometer from a spring to the castle. Today, visitors can explore the aqueduct and learn about its fascinating history.
Arboretum Le Gallou
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing spot to stroll and take in the beauty of nature, head to the Arboretum Le Gallou. This public park is home to over 70 varieties of trees and shrubs, as well as a pretty pond. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit.
Carcassonne Castle and World Heritage Centre
Carcassonne Castle is a medieval fortification located in the south of France. The castle is built on a hilltop and has a commanding view of the surrounding area. It was constructed in the 11th century and has been used as a military outpost, a fortress, and a refuge. The castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
The Carcassonne Castle is open to the public and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about medieval architecture and history. The castle has a museum which contains exhibits on the history of Carcassonne and its people. The castle grounds also contain a number of historical buildings which are open to visitors.
Adjacent to the castle is the World Heritage Centre which is a scientific research centre dedicated to the protection and preservation of heritage sites around the world. It is a collaborative effort by UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture of France, public authorities and various associations. The centre works to promote awareness about heritage sites, train professionals in conservation techniques, protect monuments and develop training materials for monument workers and local people.
Carcassonne is a beautiful destination full of historical artifacts and charming people that deserve to be explored by visitors. With its breathtaking architecture, delicious cuisine, and pleasant climate, Carcassonne offers something memorable for everyone. Whether you’re looking for late-night tapas or a relaxing day in the sun with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, this is one travel spot you won’t want to miss out on!
