Landmarks

Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Tickets

4.5/5(3,235)

Esteban T

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The staff was friendly and professional, and the castle was wonderful and very well maintained. Everything was explained—the history of the castle and the ramparts—and the view was incredible. In fact, I'll be going back there next year.

Héctor A

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

It was a wonderful trip. We arrived in Carcassonne and stayed at a hotel called Le Florentine, which is very close to the entrance to the walled city—you can even see the castle from there. Inside the city, the streets are charming, and there are plenty of places to eat and buy souvenirs. I 100% recommend buying tickets to the castle, since it’s the heart of the city and it’s totally worth learning about its history and seeing what it’s like inside.

Enjoy self-guided access to one of France’s most impressive historic attractions, the Carcassonne Castle and its courtyards, ramparts, and the archaeological museum.

Walk along the fortified medieval walls and climb the Bishop’s Tower, spanning both city walls.

Marvel at 15th-century polychrome alabaster statues in the Salle Pierre Embry and take in panoramic views from the ramparts as you learn about Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s restoration work that revived the city to it's medieval grandeur.

Use the multilingual leaflets to gain insights about this famous UNESCO heritage site.

Access to the Château of Carcassonne

Access to castle courtyards

Access to the ramparts of Carcassonne

Access to archaeological museum

Leaflet in multiple languages

These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 4 Aug, 2029.

3,235 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Héctor A
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It was a wonderful trip. We arrived in Carcassonne and stayed at a hotel called Le Florentine, which is very close to the entrance to the walled city—you can even see the castle from there. Inside the city, the streets are charming, and there are plenty of places to eat and buy souvenirs. I 100% recommend buying tickets to the castle, since it’s the heart of the city and it’s totally worth learning about its history and seeing what it’s like inside.
Esteban T
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The staff was friendly and professional, and the castle was wonderful and very well maintained. Everything was explained—the history of the castle and the ramparts—and the view was incredible. In fact, I'll be going back there next year.
Patrick R
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
No wait at the entrance. Self-guided tour, which lets you take your time and enjoy it to the fullest. A wonderful experience.
Frank A
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
A very warm, friendly, and efficient welcome. The audio guide: excellent commentary—accessible, fun, and informative—it was great. The city is truly a beautiful place to explore...
Dovgiy O
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The fortress is in good condition. Everything is perfectly organised, there is no queue. There's a pretty big exhibition. It's very easy to buy tickets. Thank you all

Explore Carcassonne’s 2,500-year history with access to the castle and ramparts.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the main entrance, where your ticket is validated for entry. Collect your multilingual leaflet and proceed through a brief security check before exploring at your own pace.

What to expect

This self-paced experience lets you explore the castle’s walkways, towers, and galleries. Whether you're stopping for panoramic photos or diving into centuries of historical detail, you have the flexibility to shape your own route. With the provided leaflet, learn key highlights and linger at sections that interest you most.

Features

Fortified Walls & Galleries: Walk along double ramparts and covered galleries, tracing the city’s layered defenses and strategic design.

Bishop’s Tower: Climb the square Bishop’s Tower, uniquely bridging both city walls and offering insight into Carcassonne’s defensive ingenuity.

Archaeological Museum: Explore curated exhibits that reveal the site’s evolving history, from Roman origins to medieval restoration.

Salle Pierre Embry: View 15th-century polychrome alabaster statues, an example of intricate medieval craftsmanship.

Western Ramparts: Enjoy panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside from the western walls.

Restoration by Viollet-le-Duc: Discover the impact of 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, whose restoration revived the castle’s original grandeur.

What to bring

Bring a valid passport or photo ID card for entry and age verification.

What’s not allowed

Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and large luggage are not permitted inside the Château Comtal or on the ramparts.

Animals are not allowed inside the monument.

Accessibility

The monument is accessible to people with limited mobility in the Barbican and main courtyard only.

Other areas, including the ramparts, are not fully accessible.

Expect to climb a lot of stairs with the Bishop's tower having 230+ steps.

Additional information

The monument is open daily from 10am to 6:15pm, with last access at 5:45pm. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. The ramparts are closed on July 14 due to fireworks.

Entry is free for visitors under 18 and EU citizens under 26 with valid ID; a timeslot must be pre-booked on the Carcassone website.

Free entrance is available on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December, and during European Heritage Days (3rd weekend of September).

Certain areas may be closed due to weather conditions; check availability before your visit.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

If you have purchased reduced-price or free tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

Ticket redemption point

Redeem your ticket at Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne.

Address: 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France.

Get directions to the redemption point