Landmarks

Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Tickets

4.5/5(3,296)

Timea D

Couple

Verified booking

Yesterday

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 :)

Fulvio M

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The visit to the castle of Carcassonne and its walls was one of the highlights of our vacation in Provence. Thanks to our online ticket purchase, entry was quick and hassle-free. The tour of the castle involved constantly going up and down between the various indoor and outdoor areas, with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Lorraine B

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

I very much enjoyed my visit to Carcassonne. I strongly suggest people get the guided tours listening machines, it makes a huge difference. When I entered, I didn't know they were available, and stumbled upon the place to get them. I suggest it is promoted more prominently. For 5 Euro I found it made a huge difference to learn more about my visit.

Maria F

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We arrived at the north gate; it was early in the morning, and all the shops were just opening. The line to get into the castle moved quickly, and we started with the ramparts. They’re spectacular, but the castle itself was a letdown—it’s pretty basic because the areas that are open to the public aren’t very interesting. Otherwise, it was great.

Fritsch J

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The audio guide is essential for an engaging and interesting tour. You don't even notice the time passing. To be fully appreciated, this site needed an audio guide—it's easier than having to stop every time to read the explanations. The flow of visitors was very smooth.

Monika S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Ordering tickets for the castle went smoothly. The online payment process was straightforward, and the tickets were available right away. I especially appreciated the extra reminder I received before the visit. Everything was great—I’d definitely go again!

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. However, you can use them any time until 4 Aug, 2029.

3,296 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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Guests from Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and over 27 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Lorraine B
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I very much enjoyed my visit to Carcassonne. I strongly suggest people get the guided tours listening machines, it makes a huge difference. When I entered, I didn't know they were available, and stumbled upon the place to get them. I suggest it is promoted more prominently. For 5 Euro I found it made a huge difference to learn more about my visit.
Maria F
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We arrived at the north gate; it was early in the morning, and all the shops were just opening. The line to get into the castle moved quickly, and we started with the ramparts. They’re spectacular, but the castle itself was a letdown—it’s pretty basic because the areas that are open to the public aren’t very interesting. Otherwise, it was great.
Antonina S
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Smooth entree, no problems to use the tickets in the email. Don' t bother the meetingpoint suggestion: no need for that if you don't do a tour .
Timea D
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
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 :)
Fulvio M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The visit to the castle of Carcassonne and its walls was one of the highlights of our vacation in Provence. Thanks to our online ticket purchase, entry was quick and hassle-free. The tour of the castle involved constantly going up and down between the various indoor and outdoor areas, with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

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.

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.

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