Carcassonne Castle Tickets
Don't miss out on these sophisticated attractions in Carcassonne! Pick from a variety of options such as guided museum tours, cathedral tours, and wine tasting.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Enjoy self-guided access to one of France’s most impressive historic attractions, the Carcassonne Castle and its courtyards, ramparts, and the archaeological museum.
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Walk along the fortified medieval walls and climb the Bishop’s Tower, spanning both city walls.
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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.
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Use the multilingual leaflets to gain insights about this famous UNESCO heritage site.
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Upgrade: Choose skip-the-crowds option for a more budget-friendly, quieter visit.
More details
-
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.
-
Upgrade: Choose skip-the-crowds option for a more budget-friendly, quieter visit.
-
Skip the lines and explore Carcassonne Castle & its ramparts with an immersive 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour.
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Explore the legendary Cité de Carcassonne as you walk past fortified walls, watchtowers, the Great Well, and the Count’s Castle.
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Stroll through city with GPS navigation and an offline map. Enter the Chateau Comtal, museum and the Basilica of St. Nazarius, guided by your audio tour.
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Discover Carcassonne’s medieval and military past with stories of Crusaders, Visigoths, and Templars.
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Choose your audio guide in Spanish, French, or English for a personalized city tour experience.
More details
-
Skip the lines and explore Carcassonne Castle & its ramparts with an immersive 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour.
-
Explore the legendary Cité de Carcassonne as you walk past fortified walls, watchtowers, the Great Well, and the Count’s Castle.
-
Stroll through city with GPS navigation and an offline map. Enter the Chateau Comtal, museum and the Basilica of St. Nazarius, guided by your audio tour.
-
Discover Carcassonne’s medieval and military past with stories of Crusaders, Visigoths, and Templars.
-
Choose your audio guide in Spanish, French, or English for a personalized city tour experience.
-
Experience an immersive 1.5-hour audio-guided tour of Carcassonne, unearthing the city's rich past while strolling at your own pace.
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Delight in the convenience of an offline map, GPS navigation, and lifetime access, ensuring a seamless exploration of Carcassonne's picturesque landmarks.
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Be intrigued by Carcassonne's medieval history as you wander through city museums, the imposing Chateau Comtal, and the inspiring Basilica of St. Nazarius, a Romanesque-gothic minor basilica.
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Discover the city's well-preserved fortifications, marvel at the architectural grandeur, and learn about the legendary Canal du Midi. Get engrossed in stories of the Crusades, the Visigoths, and the Templars.
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Fun fact: The Carcassonne fortress inspired the design of the castle in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
More details
-
Experience an immersive 1.5-hour audio-guided tour of Carcassonne, unearthing the city's rich past while strolling at your own pace.
-
Delight in the convenience of an offline map, GPS navigation, and lifetime access, ensuring a seamless exploration of Carcassonne's picturesque landmarks.
-
Be intrigued by Carcassonne's medieval history as you wander through city museums, the imposing Chateau Comtal, and the inspiring Basilica of St. Nazarius, a Romanesque-gothic minor basilica.
-
Discover the city's well-preserved fortifications, marvel at the architectural grandeur, and learn about the legendary Canal du Midi. Get engrossed in stories of the Crusades, the Visigoths, and the Templars.
-
Fun fact: The Carcassonne fortress inspired the design of the castle in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
-
Unearth Carcassonne's medieval wonders in a day tour from Toulouse, with round trip transfers and a multilingual audio guide.
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Wander the UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne, famed for its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and historic atmosphere.
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Discover highlights like the Comtal Castle and Saint Nazaire Basilica, with panoramic views and centuries of history (tickets not included in this tour).
-
Explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in French, English, and Spanish, revealing the city's stories.
More details
-
Unearth Carcassonne's medieval wonders in a day tour from Toulouse, with round trip transfers and a multilingual audio guide.
-
Wander the UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne, famed for its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and historic atmosphere.
-
Discover highlights like the Comtal Castle and Saint Nazaire Basilica, with panoramic views and centuries of history (tickets not included in this tour).
-
Explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in French, English, and Spanish, revealing the city's stories.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
About Carcassonne Castle
Discover the captivating history of Carcassonne Castle, a medieval marvel atop 'La Cité.' With roots tracing back to Romans and Crusaders, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts thick walls, spiky turrets, and a moat, reminiscent of a Disney fairytale. From its vantage point, relish panoramic views of Carcassonne, the Aude river, Canal du Midi, and the Pyrénées. Immerse yourself in centuries of history and get your tickets for a one-of-a-kind trip to the magnificent castle.
Carcassonne Castle pioneered siege tactics, using hoardings – wooden ramparts extending from upper walls – for enhanced protection during medieval conflicts.
Romanticized by poet Gustave Nadaud in the 19th century, Carcassonne became a national symbol, captivating hearts and attracting tourists through the ballad "Carcassonne."
With a captivating backdrop, Carcassonne featured in cinematic classics like "Robin Hood" and "Ladyhawke," as well as fantasy epics like "Dragonheart" and the iconic "Game of Thrones."
Each summer, Carcassonne transforms into a medieval wonderland during the "Fête Médiévale." Street performers, artisans, and jousting tournaments bring the Middle Ages to life in a vibrant spectacle.
Threatened with demolition in 1849, Carcassonne was saved by architect Prosper Mérimée. The restoration, spanning over 40 years, rescued the castle from oblivion, preserving its historical significance.
Why visit Carcassonne Castle?
Highlights
The Ramparts
Walk atop the impressive ramparts of Carcassonne Castle for panoramic views of the city and countryside. Delve into the castle's rich history and architecture while enjoying the expansive vistas offered along the walls.
The Château Comtal
The oldest section of Carcassonne, the Château Comtal, comprises the inner castle. Explore its ancient grounds, which include the keep, chapel, and great hall. Discover artifacts from its history in the on-site museum.
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire
Nestled within the castle walls, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire stands as a Romanesque-Gothic marvel. As a significant religious site, it showcases stunning architectural features and intricate stained glass windows.
The Musée de la Cité
Discover the Musée de la Cité, nestled within the castle walls, housing relics from Carcassonne's past. Exhibits feature weaponry, attire, and insights into the castle's role during the Albigensian Crusade.
The Porte Narbonnaise
Behold the grandeur of the Porte Narbonnaise, Carcassonne Castle's principal entrance. Admire its fortified structure, complete with towers and a drawbridge, a picturesque setting for capturing timeless photographs.
The Tour de la Justice
Ascend the towering Tour de la Justice, the castle's highest point, for breathtaking vistas of the city and its surroundings.
The Château Comtal Gardens
Find tranquility within the Château Comtal Gardens, a serene enclave amidst the castle's walls. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its diverse flora while basking in the peaceful ambiance.
The Cathar Museum
Journey through history at the Cathar Museum, housed within the castle walls. Unravel the narrative of the persecuted Cathars, exploring their culture, beliefs, and tumultuous past through engaging exhibits.
Plan your visit
Narbonne Gate
Serving as the eastern entry point to Carcassonne Castle, the Narbonne Gate features interconnected towers that enhance the fortifications of the castle's inner walls.
Rodez Gate
Positioned to the north of Carcassonne Castle, the Rodez Gate boasts multiple reinforced Roman towers, contributing to the defensive structures of the castle.
Saint-Nazaire Gate
Located in the southern section of Carcassonne Castle, the Saint-Nazaire Gate provides a magnificent vantage point overlooking the town of Carcassonne.
Aude Gate
Formerly known as the Gate of Toulouse, the Aude Gate stands out as the most aesthetically pleasing and impressive entrance to Carcassonne Castle. It offers a quieter and more serene ambiance compared to other entrances.
April 1–September 30: 10am–6:15pm; last admission to the chateau at 5pm and to the ramparts at 5:45pm.
October 1–March 31: 9:30am–4:45pm; last admission to the chateau at 3:45pm and to the ramparts at 4:15pm.
Closed on: January 1, May 1, and December 25
There is a cloakroom located near the entrance of the castle where you can leave your large bags or luggage for a small fee.
An information desk is located near the entrance of the castle where you can get assistance with planning your visit, ask questions, and purchase tickets.
A charming souvenir shop located near the exit of the castle offers a variety of Carcassonne-themed mementos, from postcards and magnets to replicas of medieval armor and weaponry.
Restrooms are available throughout the castle grounds, conveniently located near major points of interest. They are well-maintained and kept clean.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the castle grounds, allowing you to stay connected and share your experience with friends and family.
Limited free parking is available outside the castle walls, on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Some areas of the Carcassonne Castle are wheelchair accessible, while some are not. Staff members will be able to assist you with maneuvering through accessible areas.
Guide dogs assisting the visually impaired guests are allowed.
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