Visit the Cité de Carcassonne, France: Castle & Cathedral
Last Updated on: 14th May 2024, 11:45 am
The beautiful medieval Cité de Carcassonne, France is one of the most mesmerizing tourist attractions in France – a must for anyone who loves French history.
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and charming atmosphere, Cité de Carcassonne is a must-visit destination. Carcassonne France, just a quick train ride away from Toulouse, France, feels like stepping into the Middle Ages and for us church lovers has one of the most beautifully preserved medieval Basilicas in the whole South of France!
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Why visit the Cité de Carcassonne, France?
Carcassonne is best known for its medieval fortress, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a beautiful pilgrimage site in France for anyone seeking a spiritual journey.
The main city of Carcassonne France, the lower city, is larger than just the medieval “Cité de Carcassonne” and is a lovely city for shopping and eating in its own right!
As you enter through the grand gates of the walled Cité de Carcassonne and explore its narrow cobbled streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The architecture of Carcassonne France is truly remarkable, with towers, ramparts, and winding alleys that have been beautifully well-preserved over the centuries.
I visited Toulouse in southern France for a weekend after taking some exams at my university in Leuven, Belgium and I was so excited to visit the Cité de Carcassonne while I was there!
Like many people – I’ve played the Board Game “Carcassonne” for years, and I love the episode of “Meurtres à” set in Carcassonne (a French TV show I’m mildly addicted to even if it’s melodramatic!).
Carcassonne France is much more than its board game namesake. Carcassonne France is a truly rich, unique medieval city that is as fascinating historically as it is visually stunning!
I visited the Cité de Carcassonne without a car, by train from Toulouse – and you can too! Carcassonne is an easy day trip from Toulouse and probably even the best day trip from Toulouse you can take! I’ll show you exactly how to get to the Cité de Carcassonne from Toulouse by train, and exactly what to see, do (and eat!) while you are in Carcassonne France!
History of Carcassonne France: The Cité de Carcassonne
The origins of the medieval Cité de Carcassonne can be traced back to the Roman era when it was known as “Carcaso,” a vital trade hub in the South of France. However, Carcassonne truly flourished during the medieval period when it became a fortified stronghold.
The iconic Carcassonne Castle, also known as the Cité de Carcassonne, with its double-walled fortifications, watchtowers, and narrow winding streets, stands as a testament to its use as a fortress. The castle stands as an exemplar of medieval military architecture.
The city played a significant role in the tumultuous events of the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century, which aimed to suppress the Cathar heresy, leaving a huge mark on Carcassonne’s history.
In the subsequent centuries, Carcassonne’s strategic importance waned, and the city fell into disrepair. In fact, sadly, today the wider city of Carcassonne – though beautiful – is one of the poorest in the South of France.
However, in the 19th century, a passionate restoration effort spearheaded by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc brought the Cité de Carcassonne and its castle back to their former glory. This restoration project was instrumental in sparking interest in medieval architecture and heritage preservation across all of France.
Getting to Carcassonne: Toulouse to Carcassonne by Train
Located about 90 kilometers southeast of Toulouse, Carcassonne is easily reachable by train from Toulouse, making it an ideal day trip destination. The train journey from Toulouse Matabiau Station takes around one hour, offering scenic views of the French countryside along the way. It’s a relaxing and gorgeous day trip and well worth your time even if you only have a few days in Toulouse!
To travel to Carcassonne by train from Toulouse start by heading to Toulouse Matabiau Station, the main train station in Toulouse. Make sure you leave enough time once you get there to buy your ticket and find your train platform!
I recommend trying to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time for a stress-free journey.
The best time to leave for Carcassonne would be early morning – an 8 am or 8:30 train would be perfect, giving you 1 hour to get to Carcassonne, and 30 minutes to walk to the medieval Cité de Carcassonne – arriving about 10 am.
Keep in mind Toulouse Matabiau Station is one of the busiest train stations in the whole South of France, with many connections and many passengers changing trains in the station. It was crowded at 8 a.m. on a Friday morning!
Once you are at the station, look for the ticket counters or the automated ticket machines for SNCB. Using those machines, purchase your train ticket to Carcassonne. You can also book your ticket online – I recommend Trainline for all European tickets.
France Travel Tip: Unlike in Belgium and some other places in Europe, when you buy train tickets in France you generally buy tickets for a specific time, not the route. I bought a round-trip ticket from Toulouse to Carcassonne with a specific return time and regretted it! Don’t do this! Just buy a one-way ticket to Carcassonne, and then buy the return ticket when you’re ready to leave! This will give you much more flexibility and you won’t be jogging through Carcassonne France to make your train like I was!
Once you have your ticket, proceed to the appropriate platform. The platforms are usually clearly labeled with the train numbers and destinations on a screen near the escalators. Then simply board the train bound for Carcassonne. Trains leave for Carcassonne at least once per hour. Some trains are direct from Toulouse to Carcassonne and some have quite a few stops. Both are fine – although the direct trains are about 15 minutes shorter.
Don’t forget to enjoy the scenic ride as the train takes you from Toulouse to Carcassonne France. You’ll pass beautiful sunflower fields, little French towns and churches, and beautiful countryside.
Important: From the Carcassonne train station, the walk to the medieval Cité de Carcassonne takes at least 20 minutes (honestly, it took me closer to 30 and I’m pretty fit) or you can take a taxi or a bus. Follow signs or ask for directions to the Cité if needed.
Even though the walk to the Cité de Carcassone is a bit long and uphill, I do recommend walking if you are able. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the modern-day area of Carcassonne, the Bastide Saint-Louis, as it had lovely shopping and it was magical looking up and seeing the walled Cité throughout the walk, getting ever closer.
Best Things To See on your Carcassonne Day Trip
The Cité de Carcassonne
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main attraction in Carcassonne. The Cité de Carcassonne is a stunning walled city, complete with towers, turrets, and ramparts.
One of the very best things to do within the Cité on your day trip to Carcassonne is to simply wander and get lost. It’s actually a lot smaller than it looks – so as long as you have Google Maps on your phone you’ll be able to find your way back out! And if you don’t have a SIM Card or Google Maps – you can probably just ask someone!
After enjoying some wandering and window-shopping at the many tourist-focused stores, it’s time to head to the Château Comtal.
The Château Comtal & Medieval Walls of Carcassonne
Visiting the Château Comtal offers an immersive experience of the medieval world of the Cité de Carcassonne. It’s an enormous castle, taking up around 1/2 of the Cité de Carcassonne. You can admire its architectural splendor, learn about the city’s history, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The only way to actually walk along the medieval walls of the Cité is to buy a ticket to Château Comtal – so I highly recommend you do so! Just make sure to check the opening hours of the castle and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time there.
Tickets for the Château Comtal can be bought at the entrance or online in advance. The queue for tickets was quite long, so I hopped on my phone, bought one online in about 2 minutes, showed it at the gate and was inside! Voila! That said – if you want the Audio Guide (which I wished I’d gotten!) you may need to wait in the line! The entrance fee to the Château Comtal is currently 9.5 Euros for adults.
The Château Comtal’s entrance leads you into the inner courtyard. Take a moment to admire the impressive architecture and get a sense of the castle’s historical significance and its history as the home of wealthy merchants in Carcassonne.
The Château Comtal houses the Musée de la Cité of Carcassonne, a museum that showcases the history and evolution of Carcassonne and the castle itself. Inside, you can explore the museum’s exhibits, including artifacts, models, and interactive displays, providing insights into Carcassonne’s past.
The Château involves a lot of winding up-and-down through many eras of construction, ramparts, and defense towers. It’s a wonderfully immersive experience – and not one recommended for those with any kind of mobility issues.
My favorite part of the Château Comtal was a series of rooms with religious art preserved from the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and other cathedrals and monasteries nearby!
Once you’ve explored the Château Comtal itself, it’s time to climb up to the castle’s ramparts, or outer walls, for breathtaking panoramic views of Carcassonne and its surroundings. The ramparts offer stunning vistas of the fortress, the cityscape, and the beautiful landscape of the Aude region. You really get a sense for how this fortified town dominated the country around it!
The visit is not complete without walking along the walls of the Cité de Carcassonne! Upon exiting the Château Comtal you’ll enter a pathway along the inner rampart of the medieval Cité. This walk takes ~30 minutes and, like everything in the Cité de Carcassonne, there are plenty of stairs! It also might not be for you if you are afraid of heights! The views are amazing, however – both of the surrounding city and countryside and of the medieval Cité de Carcassonne itself!
The best view of the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is at the end of the walk on the medieval walls of Carcassonne. Have your camera ready and – when you climb down and exit the walls – head straight for the Basilica!
Basilica of Saint-Nazaire in Carcassonne, France
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, or the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, is a remarkable gem nestled in the medieval Cité de Carcassonne, France.
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Nazarius, a Christian saint who was a Roman soldier and martyr.
Dating back to the 11th century but finished in the 12th century, this awe-inspiring Romanesque church stands as a testament to the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. Originally built as a cathedral, it was later elevated to the status of a basilica due to its historical and religious significance.
Over the centuries, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire underwent several modifications and restorations.
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire boasts an impressive Gothic-style facade adorned with intricate carvings, while its interior houses splendid stained glass windows that illuminate the space with a kaleidoscope of colors.
This church has one of the most stunning blends of Romanesque and Gothic elements that I’ve ever seen, creating an atmosphere of spiritual grandeur. Once you enter the Basilica, you can also find a splendid collection of religious artifacts, including ancient relics and exquisite sculptures. And don’t forget to admire the beautiful stained glass windows!
Narbonne Gate in Carcassonne
There are a few main gates that lead you inside the Cité de Carcassonne, the Narbonne Gate is the most famous. Called the “porte narbonnaise” in French, the Narbonne Gate is a large gate with a pointed arch, flanked by two towers. It has a drawbridge and a wooden door, both of which could be raised to secure the entrance. The gate was designed to defend against potential attacks and played a significant role in the city’s defense throughout its history.
Pont Vieux in Carcassonne, France
To get to the medieval Cité de Carcassonne you have to cross over the Pont Vieux. The Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) in Carcassonne refers to an ancient bridge that spans the Aude River in the city of Carcassonne, It’s a really amazing view to walk across the bridge and fully see the medieval walls of the Cité de Carcassonne rising above you. It’s also a great spot for photos in Carcassonne!
Bastide Saint Louis
The Bastide Saint-Louis is not within the famous medieval fortress of Carcassonne, but rather it’s the newer, lower part of the city.
The Bastide Saint-Louis features elegant squares, wide streets, and attractive architecture that reflects the styles of its time. It has historically served as the economic and commercial hub of Carcassonne, with markets, shops, and various institutions located there.
When you get off the train at Carcassonne station, you will first see the Canal du Midi (more below) and then walk through the Bastide Saint Louis to get to the older Cité de Carcassonne. The Bastide Saint Louis is a very sweet town and is the epitome of a little Southern French town! It has some great shopping, restaurants, and squares. I recommend you eat in the Bastide Saint Louis rather than up in the Cité de Carcassonne.
Canal du Midi
Many cities in the south of France have canals through them – and Carcassonne is no exception. You can get a great view of the Cité of Carcassonne and the Bastide Saint Louis from the Canal du Midi, and tours leave regularly. The Canal du Midi is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and so you can visit two World Heritage sites in one day by visiting Carcassonne on a day trip from Toulouse!
Where to Eat in Carcassonne
There are many great places to eat in Carcassonne – everything from Michelin Starred restaurants to cute little cafés.
If you really want to treat yourself, make reservations well ahead of time at the Table de Franck Putelat. This tasting menu is apparently absolutely amazing and bucket-list worthy!
I was only in Carcassonne for the day so stopped at a little spot called Le Bistro d’Alice I would definitely recommend! They have great daily specials and good house wine and a lovely outdoor patio.
Best Places to Stay in Carcassonne
There are many wonderful options for accommodation in Carcassonne if you do decide to stay in the city! The #1 recommended place to stay is right in the medieval Cité de Carcassonne – the Hôtel de la Cité is right next to the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and would be an amazing treat!
For another option in the heart of the medieval Cité de Carcassonne for about half the cost of the famous Hôtel, the Hôtel Le Donjon has great reviews and looks beautiful!
For a hotel with spa facilities outside of the medieval city but with easy access to all Carcassonne has to offer, guests love the spa at L’Antre D’Eaux.
For a budget option, check out Guest-house de l’amandier, which has a view of the medieval city.
There are plenty of places to stay in the Bastide Saint-Louis as well!
