Carcassonne

Travel Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Catherine Bibollet
Carcassonne showing a castle and heritage architecture
Carcassonne showing a city
Carcassonne showing heritage architecture and a castle
Carcassonne showing a castle and heritage architecture

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 (14July), 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 featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and landscape views

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
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel

Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel

4 out of 5
18, Rue Camille Saint-Saens, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is RM499 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM499
RM578 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (261 reviews)
Beautiful stay
"Make sure to make a reservation for dinner early. Beautiful grounds. Charming staff. Easy parking. Walkable to castle."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
SOWELL COLLECTION Hôtel du Roi & SPA

SOWELL COLLECTION Hôtel du Roi & SPA

5 out of 5
2 Bis Rue des Calquières, Carcassonne
The price is RM571 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM571
RM662 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (492 reviews)
"Great hotel. However didn’t get a chance to experience all the facilities."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

SOWELL COLLECTION Hôtel du Roi & SPA
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite

Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite

3 out of 5
Rue Camille Flammarion, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is RM268 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
RM268
RM317 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Good welcome from reception large comfortable beds"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cite
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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,088 reviews)
"Basic but more than adequate for our needs. Tired decor and simple furniture. You get what you pay for and compared to nearby hotels very reasonably priced. Large apartment with plenty of storage. Staff could not have been more helpful. Very accommodating and smoothed out some minor issues very professionally. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Cerise Carcassonne Sud
Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne

Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne

3 out of 5
14 Route de Villemoustaussou, Carcassonne, Carcassonne
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Saint-Jean Locks and ...
7.8/10 Good! (548 reviews)
"Hotel is around 40 mins up a hill from the centre of Carcassone and public transport to get there isn’t good. There isn’t much around there so if you don’t have a car be prepared to get a lot of steps in. The room itself could do with a renovation."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Comfort Aparthotel Carcassonne
Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

Adonis Carcassonne Résidence la Barbacane

15, Rue de la Barbacane, Carcassonne, Aude
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (910 reviews)
"Lovely apartment with small kitchen. A short walk from the Cité. Pleasant simple breakfast."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

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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