Carcassonne looks like it was plucked straight from a medieval fairy tale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a magical hilltop city in the southwest of France, is one of the most visited destinations in France. It’s also a place where history, legend, and fantastical architecture blend seamlessly. Famous for its medieval citadel, known as La Cité de Carcassonne, the cobbled streets, towering ramparts, and breathtaking views transport you back in time from your first steps into the city.
But Carcassonne isn’t only about old castles. The city has two distinct parts: the medieval upper city and the charming lower town, also known as Bastide Saint-Louis. In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do in both, from historical landmarks to local food, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems.
The Best Things to Do in Carcassonne
1. Explore the Medieval City of Carcassonne
Let’s be honest—you’re probably here for the medieval city, and for good reason! Strolling through La Cité de Carcassonne feels like stepping into a history book.
Your adventure starts at the Narbonnaise Gate, the grand entrance with two imposing towers welcoming visitors into the fortified medieval city. Before you begin, grab a map from the tourist office, conveniently located near the entrance. This will help you navigate the maze of narrow streets and hidden alleys. Trust me, you’ll need it!
My top tip is to walk between the interior and exterior walls (known as the ramparts) and admire the Lists, the area where knights once practiced jousting. While wandering on your own is magical, guided tours can help bring the city’s rich history to life.
If you like private tours, this is a great one to help you uncover the history of Arcachon. However, if you enjoy self-guided tours, I recommend the VoiceMap tour, which shares fascinating stories and historical highlights along the medieval walls. It’ll help you feel a little less overwhelmed as you discover this exciting historical city.
Traveling with kids? Go get a treasure hunt box from the tourist office and give them an interactive, family-friendly way to explore the city.
Must-see spots inside La Cité:
- The Big Well—an ancient water source steeped in legend
- The magnificent Saint-Nazaire Basilica with its stunning stained glass windows
- The Aude Gate, where you can see panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
Tip: During the high season, hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour to circle the ramparts in style!
2. Visit the Royal Castle (Château Comtal)
At the heart of La Cité de Carcassonne lies Château Comtal, the 12th-century fortress that once housed the powerful Trencavel family. This castle within the citadel offers a deep dive into medieval history, from its strategic role during the Cathar Crusade to its stunning restoration by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.
Start your visit by exploring the castle courtyards and archaeological museum, where you’ll uncover artifacts from Carcassonne’s long history. Climb the Bishop’s Tower, the only structure that spans both city walls, for a unique perspective on the fortifications. Don’t miss the Salle Pierre Embry, featuring a rare 15th-century window with three intricately carved polychrome alabaster statues. One of the highlights is walking along the medieval western ramparts, now open to visitors for breathtaking views of the Aude Valley and the Pyrenees.
I won’t say that visiting the château is a must—La Cité is so spectacular that you’ll have an incredible time even without stepping inside. But if you’re a history lover or simply want the best panoramic views, I highly recommend it! You can buy your tickets here.
Tip: The tour is self-guided, but you can rent an audio guide on-site for a deeper dive into the castle’s secrets.
3. Taste Traditional Cassoulet
No trip to Carcassonne is complete without tasting cassoulet, the region’s most iconic dish. This hearty stew consists of white beans, duck confit, and sausage. It originated in Castelnaudary, just 30 minutes away, but you’ll find some of the best versions right here in the medieval city.
My top pick: La Demeure du Cassoulet—A cozy restaurant with a pleasant terrace and a gourmet shop where you can buy local specialties to take home. It’s the perfect place for foodies to indulge after a long day of walking the ramparts, and bring a taste of Carcassonne home.
4. Visit the Haunted House
If you’re traveling to Carcassonne with teens and want to spice up the visit to the cité, check out la Maison Hantée. This haunted house offers a quirky, fun, spooky experience where you walk through dark, eerie rooms filled with special effects, creepy sounds, and actors ready to give you a good scare.
5. Explore the Lower Town (Bastide Saint-Louis)
While most tourists stick to the medieval city, take the path less traveled and visit Bastide Saint-Louis. This neighborhood offers a glimpse into Carcassonne’s more modern side. Built in the 13th century, this area is known for its elegant boulevards and charming Art Deco architecture.
Highlights:
- Place Carnot: The bustling main square is perfect for people-watching and enjoying a coffee break.
- Self-Guided Art Deco Tour: If you speak French, this tour unveils the beauty of the district’s architecture.
Start the tour
Shopping Tip: Don’t miss La Ferme, a lovely shop where you’ll find a fantastic selection of high-quality local products. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on regional specialties and gourmet treats from the southwest of France.
Photo Spot: Take a walk on the Old Bridge connecting the two parts of the city, and you’ll get the best view of the medieval citadel—especially beautiful at sunset.
6. Play the Carcassonne Board Game
Did you know that Carcassonne inspired a wildly popular board game? The Carcassonne game is a popular tile-placement game where players build medieval landscapes, including cities, roads, and fields, while competing to claim the most points. Inspired by the real-life city of Carcassonne, it’s a fun strategy game that’s easy to learn and great for all ages.
You can buy a copy to take home at the tourist office or play it at Comptoir Ludique, a lively games bar in town.
7. Stroll Along the Canal du Midi
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi is a masterpiece of engineering from the 17th century. It’s a 240 km-long canal that links Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea, and it passes through Carcassonne. A short walk from Place Carnot brings you to Port du Canal.
Two of the favorite things to do there are a boat cruise (book it here) or cycling along the scenic canal paths. You can rent bikes from Evadeo Cycles or try Carcassone’s city bikes called CycloLibre.
8. Cool Off at Cavayère Lake
Just a 10-minute drive from Carcassonne, Cavayère Lake is the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy outdoor activities. When summer heat hits, this lakeside beach is a refreshing escape—whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or on your own.
The beach is located about an 8-minute drive from the center of Carcassonne, and swimming is allowed from mid-June to early September. In summer, you can also relax at a bar-restaurant overlooking the lake.
9. Discover Nearby Villages
Southwest France is full of charming villages, and the area around Carcassonne is no exception. Why not extend your trip with a visit to these beautiful spots:
- Lastours is home to four impressive medieval castles, dramatically perched on a rocky ridge and offering incredible views and hiking opportunities.
- Montolieu, also called the “Village of Books,” is a paradise for book lovers, with dozens of secondhand bookshops and regular literary events.
- Limoux is famous for creating Blanquette de Limoux, the world’s oldest sparkling wine, and has a lively local market and cozy cafés to enjoy it.
- Minerve is a breathtaking medieval village sitting high above a gorge, known for its natural beauty and fascinating Cathar history.
Where to Eat in Carcassonne
There are plenty of great restaurants in this foodie paradise. Here are my top picks from both sides of the city:
- Agapé – A modern bistro offering creative French cuisine
- Le Réservoir – Casual dining with live music events
- La Barbacane – A Michelin-starred restaurant inside Hôtel de la Cité
- La Table de Franck Putelat – A luxurious two-star Michelin experience
Where to Stay in Carcassonne
Carcassonne isn’t too big, so no matter where you stay, you’ll have easy access to both the medieval city and Bastide Saint-Louis. Here are a few recommended hotels:
Face Cité – Chambres D’Hôtes – A cozy guesthouse with stunning views of the medieval city, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Carcassonne Bed and Breakfast du Palais – A charming and affordable stay in a quiet spot, just a short walk from the Bastide.
Hotel Du Pont Vieux – Budget-friendly, centrally located, and with a lovely terrace to enjoy breakfast with a view.
Hôtel de la Cité & Spa MGallery – For a luxury experience right inside the medieval walls, complete with a spa, pool, and fine dining.
How to Get to Carcassonne
- By plane: The city has its own airport with flights from major European cities.
- By train: A direct train from Toulouse takes about an hour- you can get your tickets online.
- By car: Rent a car for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore nearby villages. Carcassonne is an hour’s drive from Toulouse and 3.5 hours from Bordeaux.
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