Map of Carcassonne, France

🏰 What to do in Carcassonne

Immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of Carcassonne with a variety of activities that cater to every budget. From exploring medieval fortifications to indulging in vineyard tours, Carcassonne offers an array of experiences for every traveler.

• Best Budget Activity in Carcassonne:

  Visit to the Carcassonne Medieval City: Wander through the narrow streets, admire the ancient architecture, and soak in the medieval ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Carcassonne:

  Canal du Midi Boat Tour: Cruise along the historic Canal du Midi, a serene waterway lined with picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and charming villages.

• Best Luxury Activity in Carcassonne:

  Hot Air Balloon Ride over Carcassonne: Soar above the city in a hot air balloon and marvel at the panoramic views of Carcassonne's majestic fortifications and scenic surroundings.

🍽️ Where to eat in Carcassonne

Experience the culinary delights of Carcassonne, where traditional French cuisine meets regional specialties like cassoulet and foie gras. Don't miss trying these iconic dishes during your visit to this historic city.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Carcassonne:

  Le Trivalou•$-$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Local comfort food with a modern twist

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Carcassonne:

  Le Parc Franck Putelat•$$-$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Fine dining showcasing seasonal ingredients

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Carcassonne:

  La Barbacane•$$$-$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Michelin-starred French gastronomy

• Best Budget Bar in Carcassonne:

  Le Trouvere•$:

  Local wines and tapas

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Carcassonne:

  Le Petit Ballon•$$-$$$:

  Craft cocktails and artisanal charcuterie

• Best Luxury Bar in Carcassonne:

  Rooftop Bar at Hotel de la Cite•$$$-$$$$:

  Champagne with panoramic views

🏰 What to see in Carcassonne

Embark on a journey through history by exploring the iconic landmarks that define Carcassonne's medieval charm. From ancient fortifications to picturesque squares, each site in Carcassonne narrates a story of architectural marvels and cultural heritage.

• Carcassonne Medieval City

  Step back in time and wander through the cobbled streets of this beautifully preserved medieval citadel, featuring stunning towers, ramparts, and centuries-old buildings.

• Basilica of Saint-Nazaire

  Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture and the stunning stained glass windows of this historic church, which stands as a masterpiece of religious art in Carcassonne.

• Chateau Comtal

  Explore the impressive castle within the Carcassonne Medieval City, where you can learn about its fascinating history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Canal du Midi

  Admire the scenic beauty of this UNESCO-listed canal, lined with lush greenery and picturesque bridges, offering a serene setting for leisurely walks or boat rides.

• Narbonne Gate

  Discover one of the main gateways to the Carcassonne Medieval City, a well-preserved structure that once served as a strategic entrance to the fortified town.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Carcassonne

Discover the charm of shopping in Carcassonne, where quaint boutiques, local markets, and artisan stores beckon for a unique retail therapy experience. From budget-friendly finds to high-end treasures, Carcassonne promises a shopping escapade for all tastes and preferences.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Carcassonne:

  Les Halles Market: Explore this vibrant indoor market brimming with fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal goods, offering a budget-friendly shopping experience rich in authentic flavors.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Carcassonne:

  Rue de Verdun: Wander along this picturesque street lined with charming shops, boutiques, and cafes, where you can find an array of unique gifts, clothing, and souvenirs at affordable prices.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Carcassonne:

  Place Carnot: Indulge in a luxurious shopping spree at Place Carnot, a bustling square adorned with upscale boutiques, designer stores, and elegant shops offering premium fashion and accessories.

🚌 Getting Around Carcassonne

• Public Transport

  Carcassonne offers a convenient public transportation network for getting around the city. The main mode of public transport is the bus, operated by AggloBus. The buses cover various routes within the city and its surrounding areas, with tickets typically priced at around €1.20 for a single journey. Timetables and route maps are available at bus stops and online, allowing visitors to plan their journeys effectively.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  - Carcassonne Train Station: Located in the city center, Carcassonne Train Station is a major transportation hub linking the city to other destinations in France. Trains run frequently to major cities like Toulouse and Narbonne. - Carcassonne Airport: The city is served by Carcassonne Airport, located just a short distance from the city center. The airport offers domestic and international flights, providing a convenient option for air travel.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors can easily rent cars from major providers like Europcar, Avis, and Hertz at Carcassonne Airport or in the city center. Prices for car rentals start from around €25 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. 🚲 Bike Rental: For a more eco-friendly way to explore Carcassonne, bike rental services are available in the city. Providers like La Grange à Vélos offer bicycles for hire, with prices starting from €10 per day. Cycling is a great way to discover the historic streets and scenic surroundings of Carcassonne at a leisurely pace.