The Best Travel Guide to Carcassonne

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Carcassonne

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Overview

Carcassonne The guide was updated: 2022-05-23

Hilltop town in the south of France, Carcassonne lies at the crossing of two major routes: from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast and from the heart of France to Spain, both used since antiquity. The medieval fortified Cité is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No wonder Carcassone is home to a unique historical and cultural past. If you add the local traditional dishes, the hospitality of its inhabitants, and some of the best vineyards in the south of France, your stay holds promise of being a most memorable one.

Facts

Population:	49,600
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112 Police: 17 Ambulance: 15 Fire Brigade: 18
Newspapers:	La Dépêche du Midi (www.ladepeche.fr) Le Midi Libre (www.midilibre.fr)
Opening hours:	Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am-7 pm, but smaller shops may be closed at lunchtime from 12 pm-2 pm. Stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, except for annual sales events.
Tourist information:	Tourism Office 28 rue de Verdun, Carcassonne +33 468 10 24 30 Opening hours: July and August: Mon-Sun 9 am - 7 pm April, May, June, September and October: Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm, Sun 10 am - 1 pm. October: Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm November - March: Mon - Sat: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm

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Section in Carcassonne

The mix of modernity and historical wealth offer a very rich cultural life. Within a unique scenery and authenticity, the city has managed to provide all amenities for both tourists and business travellers. If you have time, the whole region has much more to show, like going on a “péniche” (or barge) on Canal du Midi or explore the huge vineyards. A closer look at the medieval fortress is of course something that should not be missed as well as the gothic-styled Saint-Michel Cathedral or why not see a concert outdoor at the Théâtre Jean Deschamps? You will for sure find plenty of exciting sites to explore when travelling to this historical and cultural city.

Cité de Carcassonne

Cité de Carcassonne

This impressive UNESCO world heritage medieval fortress is unique in Europe for its beauty and size and walking along its 3 kilometres of ramparts is a must. There is no entrance fee, unless you would like to take a tour on the small train which means a small fee. The site was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

Basilica Saint Nazaire

Basilica Saint Nazaire

The “Jewel of the Cité” (11th-14th centuries) is a prime example of Norman and Gothic architecture existing comfortably side by side. It is home to the tomb of Bishop Pierre de Rochefort (14th century) and one of the oldest and most important organs of South of France. This national monument offers masses every Sunday at 11 am.

Château Comtal

Château Comtal

Originally the dwelling of powerful feudal lords, the The Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) has undergone many changes over the centuries. This very well looked after and repaired 12th century Medieval castle is part of Cité de Carcassonne (the medieval city). Learn more about its history by taking an informative audio tour. The castle also houses a small museum with historical painting, statues and relics.

Bastide Saint Louis

Bastide Saint Louis

The Bastide Saint Louis is the heart of Carcasonne, built in 1260, to a checkerboard layout around the Place Carnot and its colourful market. Wandering in rich southern French charm, you will see beautiful religious buildings like Church Saint Vincent, private mansions as well as restful parks and gardens. Among top attractions is the Gothic-styled Saint-Michel Cathedral, which features a wealth of objects of worship and art work.

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi

Nearby Bastide Saint Louis, you can continue your visit along the famous Canal du Midi that is suitable for its fine trekking, but there are also several boat trips to choose from. The canal was built in the 17th century and together with some other waters it connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Canal du Midi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carcassonne Croisière offers plenty of fun and relaxing boat trips:

Vineyards

Vineyards

If you have time, Carcassonne and the surrounding region are home to some of the best French vineyards. This is a real pride of the city and well worth a visit. O'Vineyards is located just 10 minutes’ taxi ride from the train station and is a good example of a winery-vineyard where you can learn how they make their wine and where the wine samples are generous. You can also add dining and even an overnight stay on this wine tour.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts

This art gallery, located in the former courthouse, has a wide collection of European paintings and art objects from the 17th century until today. English speaking staff are there to answer your questions.

Lac de la Cavayere

Lac de la Cavayere

Just a few minutes from the city, you find this lake that offers several outdoor activities. You can walk around the lake and watch the wide variety of landscape conditions. There are sandy beaches to relax on, playgrounds for the children, fishing spots and different sport activities such as horseback riding, water sports and beach volleyball. This place is fun for the whole family.

Théâtre Jean Deschamps

Théâtre Jean Deschamps

Théâtre Jean Deschamps is an outdoor theatre in the area of the medieval city. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century and is designed to cater for tragedies, operas and lyric dramas. A large festival is held in July every year to celebrate the theatre as well as concerts and other shows. See website below for a more detailed show program.

Mayronnes Sculpture Trail

Mayronnes Sculpture Trail

This 5 kilometre long sculpture trail is located approximately 35 kilometres from Carcassonne, up in the Corbieres hills in a beautiful green nature. To walk the whole trail and watch all the sculptures takes about 2,5 hours so this is a day trip from the city. Not only sculptures to look at when walking this trail, but also amazing views across the mountains.

Acrobranche O2 Aventure

Acrobranche O2 Aventure

In the area of Lac de La Cavayere you can find this acrobatic park. There are different trails of different levels with monkey bridges, wall climbing, Tarzan jumps and much more. For parents or anyone who is not fond of heights and adrenalin kicks of this sort there are also picnic areas to watch the spectacle from.

Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante

Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante

This small museum is located very close to the medieval city walls. Its exhibition with photos, recollections, uniforms and memorabilia focus on the French military history and it has a section that shows the local area during World War II. There is also a small library featuring journals and books that deals with this topic.

Spa Carita

Spa Carita

After a day of walking around the medieval city, a visit to Spa Carita will treat your sore feet. In the Hôtel du Château, close to La Cité, you find this place of relaxation. There is a swimming pool, jacuzzi, a steam room and rooms for treatments such as massage etc.

La Maison Hantee

La Maison Hantee

This haunted house is good fun for everyone that likes being scared. Ghosts, dark rooms and scary noises will get your heart beating faster. After entering this building all you will wish for, is to get out from it as fast as possible.

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