15 Incredible Things To Do in Carcassonne: France’s Amazing Walled City
Carcassonne, the largest walled city in Western Europe, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval fortifications in the world!
With 60 towers and space for 400 permanently stationed archers in its prime, the city was a formidable military stronghold in the Middle Ages and is a jaw-dropping sight today.
Its unique double fortification walls—an inner wall enclosing the city and a second outer wall below—provided a robust defense, making Carcassonne both a massive military investment and a remarkable architectural feat.
No time to read now? Pin it to read later! ⬇️
A Brief Overview of Carcassonne’s Fascinating History
Let’s start out by talking a little bit about makes Carcassonne such an interesting historical site in France. The backstory really matters here!
The area was first inhabited by Iberian tribes in the 6th century BC, then later became part of the Roman Empire before eventually falling to the Visigoths. After that it was part of Iberia again before being folded into France.
Portions of the city’s walls date back to Roman times, with the Iberians later expanding and fortifying the site. By the Middle Ages, Carcassonne had become a nearly invincible stronghold.
Origins of the Name
Legend has it that the name of the city originated from a princess named Carca. After a victorious battle, she rang the bells in celebration, prompting villagers to cheer, “Lady Carca is ringing!”
In French, “ringing” translates to sonne, giving rise to the name “Carca-sonne.” While it’s just a legend, it’s a charming story that adds to the city’s mystique.
The Crusades
One of Carcassonne’s most dramatic events occurred in 1209 during the Albigensian Crusade, the first religious crusade in Europe. At this point, Carcassonne was inhabited by the Cathars, a Christian sect considered heretical by Catholicism for beliefs like reincarnation and rejecting the Old Testament.
Led by Simon de Montfort, a 300,000-strong army aimed to suppress the Cathars attacked the city during the Albigensian Crusade. Despite a 15-day siege, Carcassonne’s walls held. However, facing dwindling water supplies, the city’s lord surrendered himself to secure safe passage for the 3,000 villagers.
Two more sieges followed in the 13th century, with Carcassonne briefly reclaimed by exiled villagers in 1218 before falling under French control in 1240. The region later faced the Inquisition, targeting Cathars and other “heretics” for decades.
While many hundreds to several thousand people lived in the walled city in Medieval times, today only about 50 people live there. Today, the 50,000 people who live in Carcassonne live in the surrounding “new town” areas.
The Walled City
Carcassonne is more than just a castle—it’s a full medieval city (sometimes just called the “Cité“) within the walls. The experience of walking through the gates feels completely immersive, almost bringing you back to Medieval life.
The twisting walls, dozens of towers, arches, and outbuildings create a dominating presence that feels straight out of a storybook.
In many ways, Carcassonne feels like the epitome of a fairytale castle, the kind you’d imagine as a child, but it’s no Disney attraction—it’s real, and its size and scale make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Plus, Carcassonne is incredibly well-preserved and well-restored – a major restoration project was undertaken in the 18th century and everything is in fantastic condition, unlike the many other ruined castles that dot France.
15 Amazing Things to Do in Carcassonne
Okay, so now that we’ve discussed some of the history that makes Carcassonne so interesting and important, and given an overview of what the fortress is like, let’s go into what there is to see and do in the “Cité.”
1. Take a Guided Tour
Okay, so my first and foremost recommendation is to take a 2-hour guided tour of the Carcassonne walled city at the start of your visit. We did this excellent private guided tour and it was SO helpful in making the castle come alive.
We learned so much about the history, people, and stories of Carcassonne (way more than we could share in this post), along with fascinating details about the construction and design of the city.
It was incredible to gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the past, including the unique history of the Occitanie region. While we still certainly are not suddenly experts in Occitanie history, we came away with a much greater understanding of and appreciation for the intriguing past and historical significance of the area.
Plus, the private tour was barely more than a group guided tour would have been for two people while offering a more customized experience and entry to some areas closed to the public.
All this to say – I highly, highly recommend starting with this private guided tour. It takes you around the city, and then you can go back later and explore the ramparts and village more in-depth afterward.
>>Check prices and availability here
2. Castle
While it is tempting to refer to the entire walled city of Carcassonne as a “castle” (and yes, guilty, I do do that in this post), Carcassonne is a fortified city that contains a castle within its walls.
Located in the corner of the walled city, the castle is even more heavily fortified, with thick walls and a dense concentration of towers.
To enter the castle, you’ll cross a historic drawbridge that leads into a spacious courtyard encircled by towering walls.
Inside is a small museum featuring fascinating artifacts, including tombs from various periods (Roman, Visigoth, and others), as well as statues and projectiles from the trebuchets used to attack the city.
The castle is also your gateway to the ramparts, where you can walk along both the castle’s defenses and the city’s upper walls—easily the must-do activity in Carcassonne. The views from the ramparts are incredible—looking out over the city, the church, the countryside, and the walls themselves.
The full rampart walk is about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) and takes roughly an hour, including stops for photos (and trust me, you’ll want to stop). The path is divided into three sections, with early exits available after each one if you prefer not to do the entire loop.
Sidenote: Take note of the sandy spaces between the inner and outer walls. If you visit in summertime, jousting events take place in this area!
As you walk, you’ll pass through multiple towers, climb steep staircases, and navigate some ups and downs along the way. It’s an active but manageable walk and absolutely worth it for the stunning views and the chance to immerse yourself in the history of this incredible city.
- Hours: Open every day from 10-6:30 (last access 45 min before close). October-March closes 5pm
- Cost: €13 – This is the only part of Carcassonne that requires an entry ticket, which can be bought on-site
3. Saint Nazaire Cathedral
The Saint Nazaire Cathedral was first built by the Cathars in 1096 in the Romanesque style. After Carcassonne was taken, the conquerors kept the Romanesque nave but tore down the alter and rebuilt in the Gothic style.
The new Gothic portions placed a strong focus on incorporating Old Testament scripture stories into the stained glass windows and decorative elements of the church (since the Cathars didn’t believe in the Old Testament).
Overall, the church was lovely and the exterior of the church blended seamlessly with the fortress and castle walls.
4. Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre, built in 1908, is a large amphitheater originally designed for Shakespearean plays. Today, it’s mostly used for concerts and serves as the main venue for the summer music festival held each July.
What makes this amphitheater unique is how a part of the inner city wall is incorporated into the stage, connecting the space to Carcassonne’s historic surroundings.
5. The City Gates
Carcassonne’s walled city has two main gates: the Porte Narbonnaise and the Porte d’Aude. Both are incredibly picturesque and are must-sees as you explore the fortress.
The Porte Narbonnaise is the main entrance to the Cité – with its massive towers and defensive design, it’s the most fortified gate in the city. This gate faced the road to Narbonne, giving it its name, and even had a functioning drawbridge in medieval times.
Just outside the gate, you’ll spot the statue of Dame Carcas, the legendary figure for whom the city is named. If you’re driving, there’s parking right outside the gate (and if you’re walking, it’s only 15 minutes from La Bastide).
On the opposite side of the walled city, the Porte d’Aude is a quieter, secondary gate. It’s closest to the New Town (La Bastide), and has picturesque views of the city as you approach it up the hill.
I’d recommend entering the city through the Porte Narbonnaise and leaving through the Porte d’Aude. This lets you experience both gates at their best and helps you appreciate the unique perspectives on the city.
6. Experiencing the Town
Beyond the castle and church, the town of Carcassonne inside the walls is wonderfully charming. The narrow streets are perfect for wandering, with every turn offering something to admire.
It truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by stone buildings and medieval details that make the whole experience so unique.
If you’re looking for a good restaurant, I can recommend Au Four Saint Louis, a typical French-style bistro. We also enjoyed Boulangerie de la Cité – an excellent bakery/tea room with incredible pastries.
7. Two Great Viewpoints of Carcassone From The Countryside
There are several spots with nice viewpoints of the walled city from new town and its surroundings (more on those below), but there are two especially fun viewpoints from the countryside around Carcassonne.
Both of these spots are basically just little pulloffs on countryside roads.
The first is the “Carcassone Castle Panoramic Viewpoint.” This spot is just a pull off and showcases the city rising over rows of grape vines.
This second is from the Aire du Belvedere d’Auriac, a rest area off the interstate when west bound only. So, it’s not super convenient to get to. So, we explored around and found this alternative and this alternative that you can access from local roads.
As you can see, the fortress is lit up at night, and is really pretty at dusk and dark.
The Bastide “New” City
The Bastide, or “New Town,” is the medieval city located on the plains just outside the walled fortress of Carcassonne.
Unlike the hilltop walled city, La Bastide features Medieval, sometimes pastel-colored streets, charming squares, and stone buildings with a more open and expansive layout. While it was originally surrounded by its own fortifications, only a few remnants of the walls remain today.
The rest of the attractions in Carcassonne are in or just outside of the Bastide.
8. Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf is one of the oldest bridges in Carcassonne, connecting La Bastide with La Cité, the walled fortress. From the bridge, you’ll get a fantastic view of the walled city.
9. Bridge on N113
However, we actually think that the bridge on N113, the road just barely north of Pont Neuf, offers possibly even a better view. Why? You get the charming Pont Neuf bridge and the walled city in view at the same time.
10. Saint Michel Cathedral
The Saint Michel Cathedral was the first church to be built in La Bastide, at the end of the 13th century. It is located on the edge of town and was actually incorporated into the defensive walls.
In the square just outside the church, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to the soldiers from Carcassonne who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. The length of the list of names is staggering and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by this community.
- Hours: Tues-Sat 10-12, 3-5, Sunday 10-12:30, closed Monday
11. Jardin du Calvaire
The Jardin du Calvaire is a peaceful garden in the corner of Carcassonne’s Old Town, built on the site of a former bastion. Historically, this area was part of the city’s fortifications, with leaders strengthening each corner of the walls for defense.
After its military use ended, the spot became a milling area before being transformed into a garden in 1825 by the Calvary Society.
The garden was designed to recreate the hill where Christ was crucified, with flowerbeds, olive trees, pathways, and stopping stations leading to a crucifix at the top. Raised above the city, the garden offers lovely views and a natural space to wander or take a quiet break.
Hours: 9 AM–12 PM, 2 PM–7 PM (6 PM in winter)
12. Musée des Beaux Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a small but charming Fine Arts Museum in Carcassonne, and it’s free to enter.
It features around 10 rooms filled with a diverse collection of paintings, including religious art, Greek and Roman mythology, regional landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. Many of the works are by local painters, which we thought was a nice, personal touch.
Right next to the museum is Square Gambetta, a lovely park with manicured hedges, a reflecting pool, a small play area, and walking paths—a nice spot to stroll through before or after your visit.
13. Saint Vincent Church + Bell Tower
The Saint Vincent Church is the biggest church in the La Bastide neighborhood. It’s a really beautiful building with large stained glass windows, and arches and embellishments throughout.
Our favorite part, though, was climbing the 220-step spiral staircase up to the top of the clock tower for amazing panoramic views of the city and the fortress.
- Hours: The church is open from 2:30pm-7pm every day. The clock tower is open from 2:30pm-6pm every day.
- Cost: The church is free to enter, but it costs €2.50 (cash only) to climb the bell tower.
A Couple Other Things to Do Near Carcassonne
14. Explore the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi was built in the late 1600’s as a way to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean to both shorten the distance of having to go around the Iberian Peninsula and to focus trade through France.
Its an impressive piece of engineering that has earned it UNESCO status (and is one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France).
The Canal starts in Toulouse and runs down to the Mediterranean as it passes through towns and villages. It’s a charming countryside feature, with paths that line the banks, canopies of trees overhead, and riverboats cruising up and down. Sometimes you can watch the locks in action.
The canal passes right by La Bastide neighborhood in Carcassone and is a charming area to explore. The section right by town is fine, but becomes a lot more idyllic when you get more into the countryside.
You can rent bikes in town, or go on a riverboat cruise that lasts a few hours and gives commentary about the history, design, and notable features of the canal.
A few options are:
- Cyclo Libre: These are self-service e-bikes that you can rent and return from racks throughout the city. Set up your account beforehand through the link.
- River Cruise
- L’Odysee du Canal: This docked riverboat is a floating museum about the history and design of the canal (but it is not a cruise)
15. Les Chateaux de Lastours
Les Châteaux de Lastours are the ruins of four hilltop castles clustered together in the countryside, about a 20-minute drive from Carcassonne. It’s one of the most picturesque ruined hilltop castles in all of France.
The hills surrounding the castles are dotted with olive and cypress trees—the tall, slender evergreens that feel distinctly Mediterranean—and the castles sit perched at the top, with winding stone pathways leading to each one. It’s an incredibly picturesque and charming scene.
While the castles are in ruins, they’re charmingly atmospheric, with various rooms, levels, and towers to explore. The best part, of course, is the many viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside and the other castles.
Getting to the castles requires a moderate hike – it’s not terribly long or difficult, but there are some steep staircases to climb as you make your way up the hillside.
Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here – between the views, the photo opportunities, and exploring the ruins, you’ll want to take your time.
Cost: €8 euro per person. There’s a formal entrance stand where you pay and get a map of the trail.
Tips for Visiting
✅Carcassonne receives 4 million visitors every year, and 2.5 million of those visitors come in August. Because of this, I would avoid visiting in August at all costs – that feels like an absolutely bonkers number of people for the relatively small space. We came in October and it was perfect.
✅Entrance to the walled city is free, but you do have to pay to enter the castle (which gives you access to the ramparts).
✅As I mentioned above, Carcassonne is a spot where I would 100% recommend a guide. There’s so much history in these walls!
✅Plan for one full day to explore the walled city and La Bastide. If you want to cruise or bike down the Canal du Midi or do the Chateaux de Lastours, you’ll need another half to full day.
Pin For Later!
