15 Best things to do in Carcassonne, France, in 1 day

Introdudction

Carcassonne is one of the most visited cities in France, and for good reason. This fairy-tale medieval city feels like a step back in time. With its perfectly preserved double walls and 52 watchtowers, Carcassonne’s fortified old town still stands much like it did centuries ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The original walls date back to Gallo-Roman times, but the bulk of what you see today was added in the 13th and 14th centuries. At the heart of it all is the Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle where you can explore archaeological exhibits and walk along the inner ramparts.

The best part? Visiting the medieval city itself is completely free. You’re welcome to wander the cobbled lanes, admire the fortifications, and even walk the path between the two sets of ramparts at your own pace.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.

Getting there

Carcassonne is located in the south of France, between Toulouse and Montpellier, and is easily accessible by multiple means of transport:

• By Train: There are regular direct trains from Toulouse (about 1 hour), Montpellier (1h30), and even Paris (around 5 hours with a change). The Carcassonne train station is about a 20-minute walk from the medieval city.
• By Car: If you’re doing a road trip through southern France, Carcassonne is an easy stop right off the A61 motorway. Parking is available near the medieval city.
• By Plane: Carcassonne has a small airport (Carcassonne-Salvaza) with low-cost flights from several European cities, especially via Ryanair. The airport is about 15 minutes from the city center.

No matter how you arrive, make sure to wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking on cobbled streets all day.

Check all your transportation options online — from buses to trains and ferries — it makes planning so much easier.

Moving Around

Carcassonne is a small city that’s easy to explore on foot, especially the medieval Cité, which is entirely pedestrian and best discovered by walking its cobbled streets and ramparts.

• Shuttle Services: If arriving by plane, an airport shuttle connects Carcassonne Airport with the city center and train station.
• By Foot: The old city and the lower town (Bastide Saint-Louis) are walkable. It’s about a 20–25 minute walk from the train station to the medieval city, with scenic views along the way.
• By Public Bus: Local buses connect the train station, Bastide, and the medieval Cité. It’s a good option if you’re staying a bit farther out or visiting during hot weather.
• By Car: You won’t need a car inside Carcassonne, but having one is useful if you’re planning to explore the surrounding Cathar castles or vineyards.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

Carcassonne is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary by season.

• Spring (March to May): One of the best times to visit. The weather is mild (average highs between 15–22°C), flowers are in bloom, and the crowds are still manageable. Ideal for sightseeing and walking the ramparts in comfort.
• Summer (June to August): Expect long, sunny days and average temperatures around 28°C. This is peak season, with lively events like the Festival de Carcassonne in July. The medieval city gets crowded, so book accommodation early.
• Autumn (September to November): A quieter alternative to summer. Temperatures remain pleasant (15–25°C), and the golden light over the ramparts adds a romantic feel. Great for photography and wine tasting in nearby vineyards.
• Winter (December to February): Carcassonne slows down, with fewer tourists and cooler weather (around 10–12°C). It’s peaceful, but some attractions may have reduced hours. Good for a relaxed and moody visit.

Recommendation: Visit in May or September for the perfect mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and full access to sites.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

Whether you want to wake up inside the medieval city or just steps away from it, Carcassonne offers some great accommodation options for every budget. Here are three well-located and traveler-approved places to stay:

• (€) SOWELL HOTELS Les Chevaliers A charming and affordable hotel just outside the medieval ramparts, offering views of the fortress and a short walk to all the main sights. Rooms are modern and clean, and the location is perfect if you want easy access without being right in the tourist center.
• (€€) Hôtel Le Donjon – Cœur de La Cité Médiévale For a truly unique experience, stay inside the walled city itself. This hotel blends medieval character with modern comfort and puts you right in the heart of the action. Step out the door and wander the cobbled streets before the crowds arrive.
• (€€€) Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne – MGallery Collection This luxury hotel offers an unforgettable experience within the citadel walls. It features a beautiful garden, a swimming pool, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you want to treat yourself in a fairytale setting, this is the one.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.

What to Eat

Carcassonne may be famous for its medieval walls, but its culinary traditions are just as rich. Here are a few local specialties worth discovering:

• Le Petit Carcassonnais Created in 1928 by Mr. Gau and still made by the Fuster Bakery-Pastry Shop, this little pastry is a local institution—perfect with coffee or as an afternoon treat.
• Les Grès de la Cité These small, brick-shaped candies have been made since 1958 and are a praline-lover’s dream. Pick them up at La Ferme delicatessen for a tasty souvenir.
• Le Carcassonnais Another Fuster specialty, this indulgent brioche filled with candied fruit and pastry cream is ideal for a sweet breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
• Cassoulet No trip to Carcassonne is complete without trying its most iconic dish. This hearty stew of white beans, pork, and sausage (and sometimes duck) is baked in a traditional earthenware pot that gives it its signature flavor and texture.
• Dry Liver Sausage A strong-flavored traditional pork sausage, served cold as an appetizer or warm in salads and dishes. It’s definitely one for meat-lovers.

If, like us, you follow a plant-based diet, local cuisine can be a bit tricky—but you’ll still find veggie-friendly restaurants and bakeries around the newer parts of the city. A good option is to grab fresh produce from local markets and pack a picnic to enjoy with a view of the medieval ramparts.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Things to do in Carcassonne

Discover the Bastide Saint-Louis

While most visitors focus on the famous medieval citadel, the Bastide Saint-Louis—also known as the lower city—is just as worth exploring. This lively neighborhood is the heart of local life in Carcassonne. Built in the 13th century, the Bastide offers a charming contrast to the fortified old town with its grid-like streets, shaded squares, and daily buzz.

Wander through the local markets, browse boutique shops, and enjoy a café break in Place Carnot. It’s the perfect place to experience the modern rhythm of Carcassonne while still soaking up centuries of history.

Step Inside Église Saint-Vincent

While exploring the Bastide Saint-Louis, make a quick stop at Église Saint-Vincent, a beautiful example of southern Gothic architecture. With its tall bell tower and peaceful interior, this 14th-century church offers a quiet break from the bustling streets—and a great panoramic view if you’re up for climbing the tower.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.

Cross the Historic Pont Vieux

Take a stroll across the Pont Vieux, Carcassonne’s charming old bridge that once served as the main gateway to the medieval city. Spanning the River Aude, this stone bridge offers picturesque views of both the Cité Médiévale and the Bastide Saint-Louis—a perfect photo stop and a lovely way to connect the two sides of town on foot.

Enjoy the View from the New Bridge

While Pont Vieux is full of charm, the best viewpoint of Carcassonne’s medieval city and its old bridge is actually from a stop on the new bridge nearby. It’s not as scenic up close—with cars rushing by and a more modern setting—but it offers one of the most striking panoramic views of the Cité Médiévale rising above the River Aude. It’s the perfect place to snap a postcard-worthy photo before heading into the historic heart of Carcassonne.

Relax at Square Gambetta

This leafy square at the heart of the Bastide Saint-Louis is the perfect spot to pause your explorations. Lined with benches and shaded by large trees, it’s a favorite place for locals to sit and chat or enjoy an ice cream on a sunny afternoon. It also connects many of the town’s main streets and markets, so it’s a natural stop along your route.

Shop Local at Les Halles Prosper Montagné

Step into this bustling covered market open every morning from Tuesday to Saturday. Les Halles Prosper Montagné is the heart of Carcassonne’s food scene, offering everything from fresh produce and local cheeses to olives, pastries, and regional specialties. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack, pick up picnic supplies, or simply experience the everyday rhythm of local life.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.

Enjoy the Carcassonne Castle Panorama Viewpoint

If you’re traveling by car—or feel like stretching your legs a bit more—make your way to the Carcassonne Castle Panorama Viewpoint. Located on the opposite side of the Bastide Saint-Louis, this spot offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the fortified medieval city.

From here, you’ll see the full silhouette of Carcassonne, with its double walls, towers, and hilltop setting rising majestically above the valley. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, and a perfect way to capture the magic of this iconic destination.

Things to do in the Medieval City

Explore the Cité de Carcassonne

The highlight of the day! The Cité de Carcassonne is a breathtaking medieval fortified city that looks like it leapt straight out of a fairytale. Its origins go back to the Gallo-Roman period, but what makes it truly iconic is its double ring of ramparts stretching nearly 3 kilometers and guarded by 52 towers. Perched above the Aude Valley, the fortress dominates the landscape.

You can wander freely through the cobbled streets, soak up the historic charm, browse artisan shops, and enjoy the magical atmosphere that makes Carcassonne one of the most visited places in France.

Walk the Murs de Carcassonne

One of the most impressive features of the Cité de Carcassonne is its double wall fortification—two massive walls that completely encircle the old city. These fortified walls once protected the city from invasions, and today, they offer a scenic and immersive walk through history.

Strolling between the two ramparts is a must-do. Not only do you get a feel for the medieval defense system, but you’ll also enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, rooftops, and towers. It’s the perfect way to take in the grandeur of Carcassonne from every angle.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.

Pass Through the Porte de l’Aude

Make a stop at the Porte de l’Aude, one of the most iconic entrances to the medieval city. Also known historically as the Door of Toulouse, this gate was pierced through the Visigothic walls in the 12th century.

Its semicircular arch, visible from the exterior, reflects architectural features typical of the period. Built with ancient materials and structure, it offers a unique glimpse into the original defensive layout of Carcassonne. From here, you’ll also get beautiful views over the Aude River and the lower town—making it a perfect photo stop during your exploration of the city.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Enjoy the Atmosphere at Place du Château

Right at the entrance of the Château Comtal, this small square is always bustling with visitors. Surrounded by charming stone façades and shops, it’s a lively spot to soak in the ambiance before entering the castle or resting afterward with a drink or crêpe in hand.

Explore the Château Comtal and Walk the Ramparts

Once you’ve explored the cobbled streets of the medieval city, it’s time to visit the Château Comtal, the heart of Carcassonne’s fortress. Built in the 13th century, likely after the Treaty of Paris in 1229, this castle was designed to reinforce the city’s defenses.

Its courtines and towers were added to enclose the former palace of the Viscounts of Carcassonne, as well as the Sainte-Marie chapel. Inside, you’ll find architectural relics, defensive structures, and access to the ramparts, which offer sweeping views over the surrounding region.

Entrance fee: €9.50 per person – and well worth it!

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Visit the Basilique Saint-Nazaire

End your day within the medieval walls with a visit to the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, one of Carcassonne’s most beautiful religious landmarks. This former cathedral turned minor basilica in 1898 was built between the 9th and 14th centuries, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles in a unique and elegant structure.

Inside, admire its stunning stained-glass windows, some of the oldest in the south of France, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic place of worship. It’s a perfect final stop to wrap up your visit to the fortified city.

Attend a Show at Théâtre Jean Deschamps

If your visit coincides with an event, try to catch a performance at the open-air Théâtre Jean Deschamps, nestled within the medieval city walls. This historic theater hosts concerts, festivals, and theatrical productions—especially during summer. Even without a show, the venue itself is worth a quick look.

Shop Local at a Pottery Store

Carcassonne is home to several artisan potters and ceramic artists. Drop by one of the local pottery stores in or near the old town to see beautiful handcrafted pieces—many inspired by regional Occitan traditions. It’s a great opportunity to bring home a meaningful souvenir and support local crafts.

Visit a Museum (If You Have Time)

While the medieval city itself feels like a living museum, Carcassonne also offers a few indoor museums if you have extra time. The School Museum gives a fun look at 19th-century French education, while the Fine Arts Museum in the lower town features a collection of paintings and ceramics. Great for a rainy day or a deeper cultural dive.

Itinerary

Morning – Explore the Lower Town (Bastide Saint-Louis)

• Start at Square Gambetta Wake up with a stroll through this leafy square, a local favorite in the heart of Bastide Saint-Louis. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and get your bearings.
• Wander through La Bastide Saint-Louis Explore the grid-like streets of the lower town, dotted with 17th- and 18th-century architecture, boutiques, and bakeries. This is where everyday life in Carcassonne happens.
• Visit Église Saint-Vincent de Carcassonne Pop into this elegant Gothic church with its tall bell tower and peaceful interior.
• Cross the Pont Vieux Take the historic Pont Vieux, the medieval bridge that once served as the main connection between the lower town and the old cité. Great photo ops here.

Midday – Dive into the Medieval Cité

• Stop at the Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point (optional detour if you’re driving or up for a walk) Before entering the cité, make a quick stop at this viewpoint for sweeping views of the fortress from across the Aude River.
• Enter via Porte de l’Aude This impressive gate offers a dramatic entry to the medieval city. You’ll be stepping into centuries of history.
• Visit Château Comtal (€9.50) Tour the castle and enjoy the walk along the inner ramparts for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
• Stop at Place du Château After your visit, relax in this charming square just outside the castle gates—perfect for a light lunch or snack.

Afternoon – Discover More Within the Cité

• Basilique Saint-Nazaire Admire this stunning Gothic-Romanesque basilica with some of the most beautiful stained glass in the region.
• Walk Between the Murs de Carcassonne Take a walk between the city’s double walls, a unique architectural feature that sets Carcassonne apart.
• Visit Place du Château’s Pottery Store (optional) If you enjoy local crafts, check out one of the artisan pottery shops nearby.
• Walk by Théâtre Jean Deschamps Take a peek at this iconic open-air theater inside the cité. Even without a performance, the setting is atmospheric.

Here are all your accommodation options in Carcassonne.