Liven up your holidays!

Carcassonne

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Aude

Carcassonne - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Aude
8.6
135

With its 3 kilometres of ramparts and its 52 towers, the high town of Carcassonne, situated on the left bank of the River Aude, is the largest fortified city in Europe! Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the famous and impressive medieval Aude town, which was admirably restored in the 19th century by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, is one of the most visited locations in France.

Those who love heritage and old buildings can have a great time exploring the architectural treasures of Carcassonne... The majestic Gallo-Roman and medieval fortifications which encircle the town, the imposing Narbonnaise Gate flanked by two high, overhanging towers, the 12th century Counts' castle, built in the Trencavel dynasty and today housing a museum of masonry, the Saint-Nazaire Basilica with its Gothic statues and splendid 13th and 14th century stained-glass windows, as well as the Promenade des Lices, nestling between the two city walls, are all wonderful reminders of the past which can be appreciated while strolling about. The charming Marcou square, dotted with shaded café terraces, and the picturesque streets, lined with souvenir and craft shops, are also great places to explore during a walk around the city.

From June to August, the Carcassonne Festival offers a programme of classical music, opera, dance, circus skills, theatre, French and international variety concerts... Also not to be missed are the illuminations in the medieval town on 14 July, and the knights' tournaments within the city walls in July and August.

Additional information
Carcassonne

Located in the department of Aude, near Toulouse and Montpellier, Carcassonne enjoys a strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Bordered on the north by Black Mountain, south through the valley of the Aude, between the plain Lauragais and Corbières, Carcassonne reveals a mosaic of enchanting landscapes.

Things to see and do

World Heritage of Humanity, the city of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi offers lovely walks.

Saint-Nazaire cathedral, castle Comtal, Rodez door, door Narbonne, the city of Carcassonne you into the heart of medieval life through its narrow streets and houses authentic.

Cathedral of St. Michael, Church of St. Vincent, Chapel of Our Lady of Health... the city abounds in sacred places to discover.

For a gentle stroll along the water, go to the banks of the Canal du Midi. Peaceful and romantic, the canal is a haven provided with a fauna and flora absolutely remarkable. This unique structure was built in the seventeenth century by Pierre-Paul Riquet.

City flower, Carcassonne offers visitors many parks. Walk through the aisles of the garden Maria and Pierre Sire, enjoy the shaded areas of the garden Andre Chenier, these small corners of paradise are perfect for relaxing between visits.

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Ticket - Castle and ramparts of the city of Carcassonne (40 minutes from Toulouse)
Culture and education11 € Carcassonne

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

Carcassonne Festival in June, July and August, medieval shows, burning of the City on July 14?? Carcassonne is a vibrant, punctuated by many events throughout the year.

Detailed information

Carcassonne Festival
Concerts and entertainment all summer long in an exceptional settingJuly 2024

Photos

The city
The city
See photo
The old bridge
The old bridge
See photo
The city seen from the old bridge
The city seen from the old bridge
See photo
East Door (© E.J)
East Door (© E.J)
See photo
East Wall (© E.J)
East Wall (© E.J)
See photo
In the lists
In the lists
See photo
The city seen from the vines
The city seen from the vines
See photo
View of the city
View of the city
See photo
Carcassonne
Carcassonne
See photo
First East speaker (© E.J)
First East speaker (© E.J)
See photo
Second East Gate (© E.J)
Second East Gate (© E.J)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Entrance of the city
Entrance of the city
See photo
Bust of Dame Carcas
Bust of Dame Carcas
See photo
Count's Castle
Count's Castle
See photo
Big well
Big well
See photo
Saint Nazaire Square
Saint Nazaire Square
See photo
Basilica of St. Nazaire
Basilica of St. Nazaire
See photo
Narbonne Gate seen from the ramparts
Narbonne Gate seen from the ramparts
See photo
Count's Castle
Count's Castle
See photo
City seen from the old bridge
City seen from the old bridge
See photo
South wall of the city (© Jean Espirat)
South wall of the city (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
First West speaker (© Jean Espirat)
First West speaker (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Rampart West of the city (© Jean Espirat)
Rampart West of the city (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
North wall of the city (© Jean Espirat)
North wall of the city (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
Carcassonne (© Frantz)
See photo
City of Carcassonne
City of Carcassonne
See photo
City of Carcassonne
City of Carcassonne
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Descent Aude canoeing or rafting, climbing cliffs, thrill paragliding, exploring the area by bike or on horseback, relaxing during a fishing trip on the canal, improving his swing golf... the area is ideal for all your favorite sports.

The city of Toulouse with its historic streets, the Basilica of Saint Sernin, the legacy of pastel houses.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
By continuing to browse our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies to improve your experience and make targeted offers.
Find out more and make settings
Your account