Landmarks

Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Tickets

4.5/5(3,354)

Pamela B

Couple

Verified booking

Oct 2026

Carcassonne Fortress is an amazing place to visit. It's majestic turrets and cathedral have stood the test of time. I especially enjoyed reading each panel that explained the history of the growth of the fortress. The ancient stonework was remarkable. Walking the ramparts was challenging with so many steps(over 900+), but the views from the ramparts and getting to see the different rooms of the structure was a remarkable experience! Well worth the time and effort!

Michael E

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

The citadel and its walls are very well preserved, and the castle is interesting from an architectural standpoint, but the indoor exhibitions could be improved.

Roberta P

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Was a bit disappointed in this trip's tour compared to the last time I was there 26 years ago. Several sights/ places I wanted to see, I couldn't find. Lots of areas were closed off that previously had been open. It was a good visit nonetheless.

Timea D

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

What an absolutely wonderful little town! And the walk in the castle and on the walls was really special because you could really walk around the whole town, see it from every angle. Informative boards are placed everywhere, giving you the right amount of history and details of the structures. The entry was very easy, there's a dedicated queue for visitors with already purchased tickets. If you are visiting on a sunny day, don't forget your hat and sunscream, plus wear comfy shoes :)

Jessica W

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Booking through Headout was easy, the ticket went straight to my phone, and entry went smoothly. The castle and the walk along the city walls are absolutely worth seeing, especially the views over the towers and the surrounding area. Highly recommended!

Clare C

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Carcassone Castle and ramparts has to be seen to be believed, it is a beautiful place with lots to do and learn about. Highly recommend a trip here if you are visitng the area

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.

Access to the Château of Carcassonne

Access to castle courtyards

Access to the ramparts of Carcassonne

Access to archaeological museum

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

3,354 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
Roberta P
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Was a bit disappointed in this trip's tour compared to the last time I was there 26 years ago. Several sights/ places I wanted to see, I couldn't find. Lots of areas were closed off that previously had been open. It was a good visit nonetheless.
Michael E
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
The citadel and its walls are very well preserved, and the castle is interesting from an architectural standpoint, but the indoor exhibitions could be improved.
Gillian J
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I liked the pace of the tour and that you can take in the points in any order. I expected the guide to include the castle and ramparts but it didn't.
Ana M
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
A visit to the Castle is well worth it: besides being well preserved, walking along such ancient ramparts is very interesting! Highly recommend!
Luz G
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2026
Well-preserved and a very pleasant stay

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.

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.

Know before you go

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