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Carcassonne is a city in the Occitanie region of France, located on the outskirts of Paris, 95 kilometres southeast of Toulouse. It is known for its impressive medieval fortress, La Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne, which sits on a hill east of the city. The city is served by Carcassonne Airport, which is just 3 miles from the city centre and accessible via national and low-cost carriers.
Carcassonne’s main attraction is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The city also boasts a fine art museum, a cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows, and the South of France way of life, including relaxed bars and pavement cafes. Outside the city, there is the Canal du Midi, where you can take boat trips, and surrounding villages such as Minerve in the hills.
La Cité is a restored medieval fortress with 52 towers, two outer walls covering almost 2 miles, and a drawbridge. Twice daily, there are medieval jousting displays between the walls. The fortress has an impressive castle, Château Comtal, which you can visit for an admission fee. There are also medieval streets and shops to explore.
The oldest church in Carcassonne, constructed in 1096, is a must-see. It features beautiful stained-glass windows and is located within the citadel of Carcassonne.
Enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the Canal du Midi, just outside the city. You can also rent a bike and go at your own pace, or even do a barge cruise.
Take a trip to the village of Minerve in the hills, or visit Limoux, a village just south of the city, which is known for its annual carnival and wine-making community.
The ideal amount of time to spend in Carcassonne is 3-5 nights. This will allow you to explore the old and new parts of the city, as well as take a day trip outside the city to explore the surrounding area. If you are short on time, it is possible to see the main sights in one day, but it will be a rushed visit.
By Plane
You can fly into Carcassonne’s airport, which is served by national and low-cost carriers. There is a shuttle service from the airport to the city centre, which costs 5€ and includes one hour’s use of the city’s transport system.
By Train
The train station is located in the lower town, and there are regular trains from various cities, including Toulouse, Marseille, and Montpellier.
When you visit Paris or other places of Frances, you need a place to stay. There are a variety of accommodation options in Carcassonne, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious four-star hotels. Here are some highly-rated options:
Hotel Le Donjon – A reasonably priced hotel with a wonderful location inside La Cite.
Hotel de la Cite – A four-star, luxurious hotel with its own gardens, located in La Cite next to the Basilica.
Hotel du Pont Vieux – A highly-rated, good value hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the fortified city.
Hotel Montmorency – Located 30 metres from the entrance to the medieval city, offering an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
Hotel l’Aragon – Situated 50 metres from the historic centre, featuring comfortable rooms and free WiFi.
When planning your trip to Carcassonne, it is important to consider the time of year and how busy the city may be. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when you can enjoy milder temperatures and avoid the peak of tourist crowds. Winter can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind some attractions having limited opening hours or being closed. Summer is the busiest time, with high temperatures and large numbers of tourists, including day-trippers.
If you want to experience the city at its quietest, consider visiting in the early morning or late at night, and opt for an off-season visit if possible. Staying within the medieval city walls can be a great way to fully immerse yourself in the ancient history of the area, but there are also more affordable options just outside the old town, with some hotels offering wonderful views of the walled city from communal areas.
Carcassonne is easily explored on foot, and walking along the ramparts at night is a magical experience, with the illuminated citadel creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. The city is divided into the fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the Ville Basse, or lower town, with the Aude River flowing between them. Both parts have their unique charms, and you can stroll along the riverbank, enjoy a picnic, or explore the markets and cafes.
The medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the main draw for tourists, with its winding alleys, cobblestone streets, and impressive architecture. Entry to the old city is through one of four gates, with the Narbonne Gate being the most impressive. Walking through the gates, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, with the residents going about their daily lives in this enchanting setting.
The Château Comtal, or Count’s Castle, is a must-see, dominating the city and offering a glimpse into the rich history of the area. The castle allows visitors to explore the dungeon and admire the beautiful bastions and towers. The nearby Basilica of Saint Nazaire, or St. Nazaire Basilica, is another highlight, known as the “jewel of the city” for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture and medieval stained-glass windows.
Outside the city, you can take a cruise along the Canal du Midi, explore the vineyards of the Languedoc region, or visit the picturesque Lac de la Cavayère for a relaxing afternoon in nature.
Day trips near Paris
