best travel route to carcassonne

Traveling to Carcassonne

France's Fortified Medieval City Carcassonne

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Carcassonne is an extraordinary place, a perfect medieval city with its massive fortifications dominating the surrounding countryside. Seen from afar it seems straight out of a fairy-tale. Inside, it’s even more impressive. Carcassonne is best known for having an entire city that is a castle. La Cité is double walled, with grassy lices (translated as lists) between the walls you can stroll along. From the massive ramparts, you look down to the lower cité ( ville basse ).

Carcassonne is one of France's top tourist destinations, drawing an average of three million visitors yearly. Some people describe it as a tourist-trap and there are some shops hawking tacky souvenirs, but despite the crowds, Carcassonne is an enchanting place to visit. So it’s no surprise that it has two UNESCO World Heritage Site listings.

Getting to Carcassonne

By Plane: You can fly into Carcassonne's airport ( Aéroport Sud de France Carcassonne ), although if you are departing from the U.S., count on a layover somewhere in Europe or Paris. Ryanair operates cheap flights from the UK to Carcassonne. Once you arrive, a shuttle service to the city center leaves the airport 25 minutes after the arrival of each flight. The cost is 5€ which also gives you one hour’s use of the entire transport system of the city.

By Train: The station is in the lower town and there are regular trains from Arles, Beziers, Bordeaux , Marseille , Montpellier , Narbonne, Nîmes , Quillan and Toulouse. Carcassonne is right on the main Toulouse-Montpellier train route.

Getting around Carcassonne

For short journeys in Carcassonne city center, the bus company Agglo runs a free service. There is a tourist train shuttle (2€ single journey – 3€ day return) between La Cité and Bastide St Louis.

There isn't really a bad time to visit since the weather here is quite temperate year-round, so select a season based on your own tastes. In winter, many of the city's attractions are closed or run on limited hours. Spring and fall can be ideal. The summer months have most events but Carcassonne will also be packed with tourists at that time of year.

A Little History

Carcassonne has a long history stretching back to the 6 th century BC. It became a Roman city then was ruled by the Saracens before they were driven out by the French in the 10th century. The city’s prosperity began when the Trencavel family ruled Carcassonne from 1082 for around 130 years. In the middle of what is known as Cathar country after the heretical movement which challenged the Catholic church, Roger de Trencavel offered a haven to the rebels. In 1208 when the Cathars were declared heretics, Simon de Montfort led the Crusade and in 1209 captured the city before turning his attention to the rest of the anti-catholics. The movement was crushed with appalling cruelty, the last stronghold of Montégur falling in 1244.

In 1240 the people of Carcassonne tried to reinstate the Trencavels but the French King Louis IX was having none of it and as a punishment, he expelled them from the Cité. In time the citizens built a new city – the Bastide St Louis outside the main walls. The takeover by the French Kings of La Cité brought new buildings and it became a powerful place until the late 17 th century when it fell into decay. This was the poor part of a city rich from the wine trade and cloth manufacturing. It was rescued from ruin by the architect Viollet-le-Duc in 1844, so what you see today is a restoration though it is so well done you feel right in the heart of a medieval city. 

Top Attractions

La Cité may be small, but there’s a lot to see.

• You can walk through the lices , but you have to take a guided tour to walk along the ramparts and see the Château Comtal, the palace of the viscounts of Carcassonne. 
• The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is another must-see site with both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and some beautiful stained glass.
• The Bastide St-Louis is in the lower town on the banks of the River Aude. It was built in 1260 and follows a rectangular plan around the central Place Carnot. Just wander along the boulevards full of 8th and 19th-century mansions.
• Walk past the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Santé which is the only surviving trace of the city’s oldest hospital onto the pedestrian-only Pont Vieux. Until the 14 th century, this was the only link between the Bastide St Louis and the old city.

Outside the City

Carcassonne is in the middle of spectacular countryside, so it’s worth hiring a car to take side trips. If you’re interested in the fate of the Cathars, take a walk around Montségur.

• Montsegur  is the site of the biggest stand the Cathars made against the Crusaders during the Middle Ages. Make the grueling climb to the ruins of their castle stronghold, where they held off 10,000 Crusaders for months. When they were finally conquered, many of the Cathars chose to march into the flames rather than convert.
• This is also the heart of the Languedoc  wine country  so check out some of the vineyards you can visit at the Tourist Office in Carcassonne.
• Don't miss  Limoux , a village just south of the city. This is the home to the annual Carnivale from January through March and is also a thriving wine-making community. They even claim to have been the true inventors of sparkling wine, and that Dom Perignon stole the idea.
• Rennes le Chateau  is a very creepy little village where the Baron Sauniere, at the turn of the 20th century, erected a church and other religious structures. There are many rumors about the Baron's work, including allegations that Mary Magdalene stayed there after the crucifixion and that the Holy Grail is hidden there.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne

The Hotel Le Donjon is a wonderful stay for the price. When you enter, the dim lighting and deep red decor take you into what feels like a medieval castle. It also has a wonderful location inside La Cite.

If you have the money, stay at the four-star, luxurious Hotel de la Cite, with its own gardens and well-situated in La Cite next to the Basilica.

Edited by Mary Anne Evans .

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Guide to Carcassonne and Surrounding Region

Daily direct flights from London Stansted to Carcassonne have opened up southwest France, making it a perfect destination for short breaks as well as summer holidays. The medieval city itself is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions, and makes an ideal jumping off point for this rich and varied area which encompasses the department of the Aude, parts of the Tarn, the Pyrenees Orientales and the Ariege. Take any road from Carcassonne (it’s a small town so it’s easy to drive around and out of) and all the pleasures of the South await you. Within an hour you can be in the mountains of the Massif Central or the Pyrenees, the wine regions of the Corbières or the Minervois, or basking on the Med.

Carcassonne makes a perfect base for day trips, but to explore the whole region, I would suggest at least one night stay over. France is still full of wonderful small hotels and auberges which charge a fraction of the price of English hotels, and the food and wine is much cheaper too.

While a car is the obvious way to travel, there are excellent alternatives. Cycling is popular in the flat plain of the Aude, though it requires Tour de France exertions in the mountains. Horse-riding is an option, especially in the Corbières. Travelling by mountain train over the Pyrenees is the best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery, or you can meander slowly by barge along the Canal du Midi, once a key trading link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and now a delightfully indolent way to see the country, floating past little villages, vineyards and poplar-shaded banks.

You can’t fail to eat well, and the region produces increasingly high quality wine. Inland is cassoulet country – Toulouse, Carcassonne and Castelnaudary all compete for the title of inventor of the true cassoulet, a slow cooked casserole of white haricot beans, with sausages and meat – duck, pork or mutton-and a crust of breadcrumbs on top. Other specialities include all sorts of goose and duck products, especially confit, duck preserved in its own fat. The local market stalls are laden with produce, live ducks and geese, walnuts, wild mushrooms, asparagus, pink Lautrec garlic, plums and strawberries

The coast has excellent fish and seafood; from mussels and oysters to sea urchins and crayfish. Look for local specialities on the menu; Bouillabaisse with monkfish, mullet, eel, tomatoes and saffron; soupe de poisson served with croutons and rouille, or bourride with aioli (garlic mayonnaise) added. Brandade is a creamy puree of salt cod and olive oil; anchoiade is a hot anchovy dip served with vegetables. In Roussillon sample cargolade, the famous grill of snails and sausages; local anchovies; and for dessert creme catalane, egg custard with a caramelised crust.

Drink the local vin de pays or sample slightly more expensive wines from the Corbières, Minervois or Cotes de Roussillon. Sweet wines chilled as aperitifs or served with dessert include Banyuls and muscat de Rivesaltes.

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Carcassonne

Landing by plane at Carcassonne you can easily discern the distinctive citadel of pepperpot towers rising above the plain. It’s a a better view than the Romans ever had of the geographic location that for over 2000 years has made it such a strategic site; a critical trade route between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and an important border post on the Pyrenean frontier with Spain. To the north you can see the dark wooded slopes of the Montagne Noire, to the south the snow capped Pyrenees and the Corbières foothills. To the west the patchwork fields of barley, maize and sunflowers stretch as far as Toulouse, and to the east begin the vines and garrigue of the Mediterranean coast.

Visit La Cité itself out of season if you can, and book lunch before you go; several excellent restaurants make a perfect Gallic combination of history and a good lunch. The best approach is on foot over the bridge from the Lower Town (Bas Carcassonne) winding up to the ramparts of rough hewn sandstone. On a rocky spur overlooking a meander of the river Aude is the medieval town, about 25 acres in total area, completely encircled by a double wall of foritfications punctuated by massive towers. Only a little imagination is required to envisage it beseiged by crusading armies. Critics complain that the 19th century restoration by the great Gothic revivalist and architectural historian, Viollet Le Duc is too perfect. The night time illuminations do make it look a bit like Disneyland, especially on the 14th July festival depicting the burning of the Citadel. But Viollet le Duc was not interested in preserving Romantic ruins, and his reconstruction is a rare opportunity to really experience a medieval town, satisfying to visit because you can see what these great citadels were like in use. It has long been favoured by film makers as a medieval backdrop, from Renoir’s first feature film, Le Tournoi dans la Cite, to more recently, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.

Enter through the imposing twin sandstone towers of the Narbonne Gate with its portcullis and drawbridge (one of the more fanciful elements of the restoration.) Between the ramparts are the lices, a further defensible space, once used for jousting and well worth walking round to get a good sense of the defences. Within is a warren of well restored medieval houses and winding streets. Despite the souvenir shops and crowds of tourists this is still a real town with 200 permanent residents behind the lace curtains.

Carcassonne’s fortunes have waxed and waned over centuries of power struggles for southern France. Evidence of settlement dates from the 6th century BC, and when the Romans founded the colony of Narbonensis in 118 BC. it rapidly became a small busy town on the Narbonne -Toulouse road. Parts of the inner walls and towers date from the Roman period, including the Avar Postern Gate, the oldest gate in the town.

By the 12th century Carcassonne had become one of the great powers of south, rivalling the great Duchy of Toulouse. These were the golden years of the powerful Trencavels, invoked with t-shirts and plastic swords in the ubiquitous souvenir shops. Troubadours and poets entertained the nobility in the castle frescoed and hung with tapestries, and construction started on the cathedral of St Nazaire.

But Carcassonne suffered cruelly at the centre of the ferocious 13th century Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics. The French monarchy, allied with the Pope, saw the Cathar crusade as a opportunity to defeat the powerful lords of the South. Toulouse capitulated, Beziers was left a smoking ruin and after a savage siege led by the notorious crusader Simon de Montfort, Carcassonne submitted in 1226.

The French crown’s newly acquired lands were close to what was then the Spanish frontier, so the citadel was massively reinforced with a second ring of ramparts and towers; fortifications so impressive it was never even attacked during the Hundred Years War.

La Cité lost its role of frontier guard once the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659 and the border moved to its present position. The citadel declined into a ghetto of the poor, frozen in the 16th century. By the beginning of the 19th century local builders were eyeing the cut stone greedily, and the cathedral transept was being used as a blacksmith’s forge. Just in time to save it from total destruction the newly created Monuments Historique stepped in, and Viollet Le Duc was commissioned to restore it.

At the heart of La Cité is the Château Comtal, a castle within a castle, where every possible military defense tactic can be seen: watchtowers, posterns, covered wooden walkways and machicolations the better for hurling boiling oil and stones on the attackers.

The cathedral of St Nazaire has some of the finest medieval stained glass in the Midi, seven exquisite windows making a wall of light in the east end of church. Look out for the famous Siege Stone, which probably depicts the death of Simon de Montfort at Toulouse.

Bas Carcassonne on the opposite side of the Aude is an agreeable small town, a good base for touring the countryside or visiting La Cité itself. It retains more or less its original New Town plan, with a grid pattern of streets typical of the many bastides established in the region during the 13th and 14th century, the better to control an increasing population. It was burnt down in 1355 by the Black Prince but subsequently prospered as one of the most important cloth manufacturing centres in South. It is a comfortable town to stroll around, and has two cathedrals worth investigating, and a classic market on Place Carnot.

Around Carcassonne

West of Carcassonne is the Lauragais, a fertile plain of wheat and maize studded with prosperous farms and turretted Renaissance chateaux. Castelnaudary, a pretty bustling town on the banks of the Canal du Midi, is most famous as a contender for the cassoulet crown – Ford Madox Ford claimed the cassoulet he ate in Castelnaudary, “had sat on the fire for the last three hundred years.” Don’t miss the splendid town of Bram, a few miles west of Carcassonne, its circular red roofed streets around a central church easily visible from the air as you fly in. Also within easy striking distance is Montolieu, Village du Livre, the book village of France; modelled on Hay on Wye in Britain and Redu in Belgium. Over a dozen small shops sell new and second hand books, there is a recently opened English Bookshop, a shop selling hand-made paper, even a Cafe du Livre. The village spans two gorges on the edge of the Montagne Noire, its once crumbling houses now restored with charming terraces and gardens of palm trees clinging to the steep sides. It is becoming popular as a literary haven and residents include author Patrick Suskind.

Montagne Noire and Minervois

North of Carcassonne the terrain changes. Here the Massif Central begins, the olives give way to chestnut trees, and the ochre plain fissures into deep black granite gorges flowing with the cold clear rivers that powered the textile, wool and paper industries that once flourished here. (You can visit the paper mill at Brousses, still producing fine quality hand-made paper.) In summer the Montagne Noire is cool and refreshing, sunlight piercing the deep green valleys, though in winter it sometimes has a more gloomy resemblance to the Black Mountains of Wales. Tiny stone villages nestle into the sides of the gorges, tidy vegetable gardens cover the valley floor and here and there the forbidding ruins of castles peer from craggy perches. Lastours in the Orbiel valley, has several ruins, as its name suggests, some of which undoubtedly sheltered the unfortunate Cathars, and make a fine excuse for climbing the gorge.

In the plain beyond the Montagne Noire lies Castres, long a centre of the textile industry, and now famous for pharmaceuticals. It is a lively Southern town, with open air cafes, a well restored old quarter perched over stone arches along the river and idiosyncratic hotels converted from fine old mansions. Pride of Castres is the Musée Goya, housed in the Archbishop’s Palace, the grandest building in town with a wonderful garden, a pocket Le Nôtre, with topiary fleurs de Lys and clipped box hedges. The collection features Spanish still lifes, a Velasquez portrait of Philip IV, and some fine Goyas; a sceptical looking self portrait, and many etchings including Goya’s great anti-war statement, the powerful series, Les Desastres de la Guerre.

To the east of Castres is the Sidobre, a strange wooded plateau scattered with boulders of solidified magma including vast granite “trembling” rocks which look as if a gentle prod would send them tumbling. In the middle is Lacrouzette, which the abundance of local granite has made the tombstone capital of France.

Sidobre is part of the Parc de Haut Languedoc, one of the largest French national parks, with forest and mountain trails for walking and riding and a wildlife research centre at St Pons -de-Thomières, where you can glimpse the mouflons, eagles and wild boar which once were common in the region. Beyond is the Cevennes, another, wilder world of high limestone causses, rugged plateaux and remote sheep farms.

Further east is the Minervois, parched, arid hills covered by vines and little else. Today the region produces increasingly respected wine, and is a favourite retreat for wine writers (Jancis Robinson has a house here.) Minerve itself is well worth a visit, perched on its rocky outcrop at the confluence of two rivers, defended by the Candela, the octagonal tower which is all that remains of the original chateau. The little village looks as defiant as it did in 1209 when it resisted the vengeful Simon de Montfort in a siege which culminated in the immolation of 140 Cathars who refused to renounce their faith. Cross the bridge over the gorge to the 12th century church of St. Etienne, which contains a 5th century marble altar table. Outside is a crudely carved dove, symbol of the Cathars. A rocky path follows the river-bed below the town, where the water has cut natural caves from the soft limestone.

Narbonne and the Med.

Head east and the poplars give way to cypresses, the scent of rosemary and broom becomes more pungent and in less than an hour you reach the palm trees and sunshine of Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast. There are several large purpose built resorts; Leucate and Barcares are particularly good for watersports and the sea here is claimed to have the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Enlightened planning has also left wide sandy empty beaches in between and seawater lagoons (étangs) which yield an abundance of seafood. The winding streets of small fishing villages like Bages and Peyriac sur Mer overlook lagoons dotted with pink flamingoes, and are becoming favoured retreats, with waterside cottages, tiny art galleries and fish restaurants.

Narbonne was once capital of the largest Roman province in Gaul and a major port until the harbour silted up in the Middle Ages. Today it is prosperous again thanks to the surrounding wine region. In the restored medieval section north of the canal are the monumental Archbishop’s Palace and fine art museum, the Cathédrale with its cloisters, 14th century stained glass and exquisitely wrought tapestries, and the Horreum, a unique underground Roman warehouse. To the south of the canal look out for the elegant lines of the art nouveau market and the mouth- watering produce within.

Between Narbonne and the sea is the Montagne de la Clape, a massif of black basalt covered in vineyards, with a lovely windswept marine cemetery at the top. To the west is Fontfroide Abbey, beautifully restored with fine marble cloisters and a gorgeous rose garden. Guarding the narrow defile between the mountains and Mediterranean that once marked the border with Spain is the Chateau de Salses, its massive walls and rounded towers looking as if they have sprung organically from the ochre earth. This classic example of Spanish military architecture today provides atmospheric backdrop for drama, music and modern art exhibitions.

The Corbières

The Corbières, the Pyrenean foothills south east of Carcassonne, are the very heart of Cathar country. It is a theme now constantly evoked (there is even a Catharama museum) but the various Cathar trails provide a perfect excuse to explore this glorious wild country. Much of the land is untamed garrigue, fragrant with honeysuckle and broom, though vines are planted on any promising slice of land. Tucked away here and there are discreet chateaux, many of them wine estates which offer degustations and often charming accommodation.

You should certainly visit the castles, spectacularly perched sanctuaries for the Cathar heretics, who were so brutally pursued to the far corners of this region. It was the cruellest crusade of the Middle Ages; their simple faith and bold criticism of the established church punished by torture and pitiless vengeance.

The most dramatic castles are in the far south of the Corbières, the natural border between Languedoc and Roussillon. The craggy peaks of these mountains made ideal sites for hilltop fortresses, virtually impregnable and only defeated by long drawn out sieges. Peyrepertuse, most vertiginous of all, is only reached by one long and winding road, and is still a climb of at least half an hour. The wind takes your breath away, as does the view to the sea, to the void below and the far peaks of the Pyrenees. Visible from Peyrepertuse is Queribus, its one solid remaining keep dominating the plain of Roussillon below.

Others worth visiting include Puivert, Arque, Durban, Villerouge-Termenes where an annual medieval banquet is staged in memory of the last Cathar leader, burnt at the stake in 1321, and Puilaurens, a graphic illustration of the complexities of medieval defence with its machicolations, slanted arrow slits and chutes down which stones and boiling water could be tipped over encroaching enemies.

The Aude Valley and Roussillon

Along the edge of the Corbières south from Carcassonne the gentle contours of the Aude valley lead towards Limoux, a pleasant market town of medieval arcades which produces a good value sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, worth stocking up on. The best kept secret hereabouts is Alet-les-Bains, a spa town with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and the romantic ruins of a once noble Benedictine abbey. Esperaza is a must for anyone with small boys; the dinosaur museum is a treat, a good guide to the many sites in the region and you can even watch them glueing dinosaur eggs together ion the workshops. Rennes-le-Chateau is a curiosity for those with a taste for the occult, since the tiny village at the top of a helter skelter road lays claim to every myth going from Cathar treasure to the Holy Grail of the Knights Templar.

To the south loom the Pyrenees, but don’t be put off by the apparent wall of rock that confronts you. There are several stunning routes; the roads are winding, steep, invariably spectacular, but always in good condition. Head perhaps for the great plateau of the Cerdagne, heavenly walking country, thick with jonquils in the spring. Or you might drive through the Fenouilledes towards Perpignan. The valley sides are bordered by jagged rocky escarpments, pierced by dizzily deep gorges like the Gorge de Galamus, overlooked by castle ruins silhouetted against the sky. Everywhere there are vines and opportunities for degustations include powerful local fortified wines such as Maury. Don’t miss the chance to see Tautavel, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, where the earliest known human skull was discovered. There is a good museum, and in summer you can visit the cave where Tautavel man was found, warmed by the rising sun across the ancient plain.

One of the most spectacular routes over the Pyrenees takes you into Roussillon, crossing what was once the border with Spain, via the Gorges de St George where the rocks overhang the road itself. Up through the chestnuts and then the pines, over the 1500 metres Col de Jau at 1500 metres, to be greeted in clear weather by the snow topped peak of Mount Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Catalans. Head down into the Castellane valley on the other side where suddenly the climate is Mediterranean again, herb scented maquis and all. This is Roussillon, which only became part of France in 1659 and still cherishes its Catalan identity. They speak Catalan, fly the red and yellow striped flag and dance the sardana in village squares. Here is the tiny village of Mosset, its tall red roofed houses stacked on the hillside looking distinctly Spanish, and the spa village of Molitg les Bains, favoured by Pablo Casals, and featuring a eccentric neo-Gothic hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant.

The area is rich in Romanesque, from important abbeys to dozens of simple barrel vaulted stone chapels. The 10th century abbey of St Michel de Cuxa just outside Prades, with its Mozarabic arches and pink marble cloisters, is famous today as a sublime setting for the Pablo Casals music festival. Saint-Martin-du-Canigou is more remote, perched on a craggy rock a third of the way up Mount Canigou, only accessible by Jeep or a 40 minute climb on foot. The priory of Serrabonne is also built on the side of Canigou, its serene herb garden commanding a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks.

Foix and the Ariège valley are good for a brief taste of the Pyrenees, with dramatic scenery and castles and caves galore. Foix, once a medieval power base, is a pleasant town of winding old streets and a castle with three different keeps, the earliest dating back to the 12th century, well worth climbing for the strategic view. Major sights nearby are the caves; Mas d’Azil to the west, so enormous you can actually drive through, and several others, all clustered round Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Best are the cave paintings at Niaux, the finest in Europe that you can still see in the original. Entrance is strictly controlled (book ahead by phone.) A long dim walk with hand held lamps into the depths of the earth is rewarded by the deeply moving sight of bison, horses and deer skillfully painted on the rock walls, 12,000 years ago by our European ancestors.

The castles of the Ariège include Roquefixade, perched so high it looks utterly inaccessible, and Montsegur, the strangest and most arresting of all the Cathar sites. This stone relic atop a great dome of rock with mountains rising on all sides, was the last stronghold of the Cathars, who were finally burnt alive on a vast pyre at the foot of the hill, marked today by the Cathar cross. There is a palpable spiritual atmosphere, and the steep ascent feels appropriately like a pilgrimage.

Although the summer is hot and perfect for beaches, spring is wonderful for walking with lots of flowers, and fetes and carnivals abound. Best of all is the arrière-saison, golden autumn days of wine making and mushroom gathering. Winter offers cross-country and downhill skiing, often based in traditional Catalan villages, and peaceful walks in snow-clad pine forests combined with reviving hot springs.

Recommended Hotels and Restaurants

Hotel de la Cite. Place de l’Eglise. Tel 04 68 25 03 34 Fax 04 68 71 50 15. Grand hotel within the walls of La Cité with celebrated restaurant, La Barbacane.

Trois Couronnes. 2 rue des Trois Couronnes. Tel 04 68 25 36 10. Fax 04 68 25 92 92. Modern hotel in Lower town, with excellent view of La Cité, and very good restaurant.

Jardins de la Tour, 11 rue Porte d’Aude. Tel 04 68 25 71 24

Pretty, idiosyncratic restaurant with garden dining and authentic regional dishes and fish.

Hotel Renaissance. 17 Rue Victor Hugo. Tel 05 63 59 30 42 Fax 05 63 72 11 57 Converted 17th century building, all old tapestries and antique furniture, with newly opened restaurant.

Relais du Sidobres. 8 route de Vabre. Lacrouzette. Tel 05 63 50 60 06

A zero decor French restaurant which concentrates on classic regional food, served cosily in winter, on terrace in summer.

Le Portanel. Passage de Portanel. Tel 04 68 42 81 66.

Fisherman’s cottage with view of lagoon, serving splendid fresh fish and seafood.

Domaine Haut Gléon, 11360 Villesque-des-Corbieres. Tel 04 68 48 85 95 Fax 04 68 48 46 20. Wine estate with comfortable stylish accommodation in renovated stable wing.

Le Petit Gris, Route d’Estagel. Tautavel. Tel 04 68 29 42 42 Popular family restaurant with great views of the plain, serving excellent cargolade, snails, pork, sausages etc on your own personal grill.

Molitg-les-Bains

Chateau de Riell, Tel 04 68 05 04 40 Fax 04 68 05 04 37 Neo-Gothic folly of a hotel with palm filled gardens, and superb restaurant, using local ingredients, especially herbs, with great originality.

Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France)

The astounding walls of Carcassonne’s citadel protected the city for centuries and were left to decay, before getting a full restoration by the 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Never mind that his work might not be the most historically accurate, they’re an architectural wonder all the same and draw visitors to the city from far and wide.

After discovering every niche, passageway and parapet you can navigate the streets of the hilltop settlement or venture into the less touristy Lower City for lunch or a shopping trip. Within minutes of Carcassonne you can also get to vineyards, wine caves, ruined castles and the soothing green banks of the Canal du Midi.

Lets explore the best things to do in Carcassonne :

1. La Cité de Carcassonne

First we’ll deal with what’s inside the walls. The streets within the citadel are a Disney-esque dreamland of passageways and winding alleys.

There’s an engaging lack of symmetry to the old stone buildings, some with exposed timbers and others clad with ivy.

It will be an effort not to walk around with your camera glued to your face.

The ideal time to come is early, before the tourist hordes and lunch time.

Most of the restaurants and crêperies are geared towards day-trippers anyway, and this labyrinth of streets is at its best when semi-deserted.

2. Château Comtal and Ramparts

From above or below, on the ramparts or inside the walls, Carcassonne’s double line of fortifications are a marvel.

The insurmountable walls and 52 towers are deservedly the centre of attention and go on for three kilometres around the old upper city.

You can enter the Château Comtal for a tour, and with an audio-guide you should expect to lose two awe-filled and informative hours finding out about how the walls were built in the 15th century and how they were restored in the 1800s by Viollet-le-Duc.

You can do the full walk along the battlements, and between the walls there are even jousting shows for families to watch in summer.

3. Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus

This church was built over several hundred years from the 800s to  the 1300s and what makes it rare is the way romanesque and gothic design coexist so comfortably.

The sense of harmony is easy to see in the church’s interior, which escaped Viollet-le-Duc’s intervention and boasts romanesque sculpture, stonework and stained glass windows side by side.

In the choir, the long central stained glass window is from 1280, and so one of the oldest outside northern France.

4. Carcassonne Lower City

Known as the Bastide de Saint-Louis, this area of Carcassonne was built outside the walls in the 13th century on the orders of Louis IX (known as Saint Louis). There’s a completely different ambience to La Cité, which is down to the regular grid street-plan, high street shops, the usual French amenities and almost total absence of tourists.

Place Carnot is a handy place to begin your brief jaunt through this area: There are restaurant tables spilling onto the square, and the Fountain of Neptune in the centre dates to 1770.

5. Carcassonne Cathedral

Less acclaimed than the Basilica, Carcassonne’s current cathedral was a simple parish church in the Lower City until the Episcopal seat was switched at the turn of the 19th-century.

But it’s worth calling in, as it was built in the 13th century and is a satisfying piece of southern gothic architecture, with an octagonal bell-tower and a beautiful rose window.

It suffered damage in the 100 Years’ War, and was rebuilt with fortifications, as you can tell from the loopholes on the tower.

Viollet-le-Duc was involved in restoration works in the 1800s, and it was his first project in Carcassonne before he moved on to the fortifications.

6. Lac de la Cavayère

Twenty minutes by car or bus from the city is a lake formed by a dam built in 1988. There’s 40 hectares of water and pine woodland, with three small beaches, a grassy area and all sorts of things for kids to do in summer: You can hire pedalos and play mini-golf, while kids have an inflatable playground to scramble over on the lake.

Motorised craft are banned on the waters, which keeps things peaceful, and you can take gentle walks in the forested hills and have family picnics on the benches beneath the pines.

7. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Carcassonne’s fine art museum was established in 1836, and nearly 200 years and many donations later it provides you with an enlightening journey through French art from the 1600s to the 1900s.

One of the museum’s eight galleries is also dedicated to Flemish and Dutch art from the 1600s.

Among the names that even philistines like us will recognise are Brueghel the Elder, Mattia Preti, Jan van Goyen, Jacob Jordaens  and Gustave Courbet.

Room Five has a display of 19th-century French ceramics and there’s also a telescope used by Napoleon after departing Elba in 1815.

8. Châteaux de Lastours

The hills of the Aude department are peppered with the eerie vestiges of medieval castles that belonged to noblemen loyal to the Cathar sect.

During the Albigensian Crusade the sect was violently suppressed by the French Catholics, and many of these strongholds turned to rubble.

The four castles in Lastours, Cabaret, Tour Régine, Quertinheux and Surdespine, were sacked during the crusade and later repurposed as fortresses.

They are part of the same complex, but are all different structures with courtyards, arcades, towers with loopholes, murder holes and spiral staircases, as well as the ruins of a church.

The location is sumptuous, high on a rocky spur in the Black Mountains.

And the many little flourishes and surprises contribute to a fulfilling hour or two of discovery.

9. Canal du Midi – barge trip

The exceptional work of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi was dug in the 17th century, and helped connect the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

It passes through Carcassonne just north of the Lower Town.

The leg between this city and the Mediterranean town of Sète is touted as the most picturesque of all.

Obviously you needn’t go that far; just outside Carcassonne you can amble east along the tow path for a few miles, as the plane trees meet above the water to form a green tunnel.

There are guided boat tours with Carcassonne Cruises, pointing out the historic locks and bridges.

10. School Museum

In a former school in the old city is this unassuming museum capturing school life in France between the 1880s and 1960s.

You have five rooms to navigate, each with furniture and vintage teaching paraphernalia, like desks, slates, blackboards and lecterns.

The collection of old projectors may bring back memories, as will the schoolyard, with hopscotch and other playground games painted on the ground.

The museum also has old-time dip pens, which kids can try out to see how easy they’ve got it now.

11. Museum of the Inquisition

Not to be taken too seriously, this attraction will kill a few minutes and kids aged around 10 to 14 will probably get a kick out of it, though it’s definitely not for younger minds.

With the help of some sad-looking mannequins the museum exposes the eye-wateringly inventive methods and tools used for torture from medieval times up to the Revolution.

There’s an emphasis on the Catholic inquisition of the Cathars in the 13th century, and most of the exhibits are reproductions.

12. Caunes-Minervois

The Black Mountains rear up behind the pretty village of Caunes-Minervois, 20 minutes north of Carcassonne.

The surroundings are heart-achingly idyllic, with rustic stone walls, Minervois vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

The medieval village is built around an abbey founded in the 700s, and historic quarries that provided the pink marble for  the Louvre and Trianon Palace at Versailles.

The abbey is also replete with this stone:  One of the most cherished parts of the building is the apse, which is from the 1000s and epitomises the modest romanesque style.

13. Cuisine

If you’re a meat-eater, and particularly fond of poultry and game, the Carcassone diet will suit you well.

Duck and goose confit are famous specialities, as is Spanish-style cured ham.

But Cassoulet is southwestern France’s most beloved dish, a casserole with white haricot beans, sausage and duck or goose confit.

But Carcassonne has its own version of cassoulet, adding partridge meat to the stew.

More adventurous palates could try Languedoc-style snails, in which their cooked in their shells with onions, ham, tomato and parsley.

In Carcassonne you’re in the centre of the world’s largest wine region.

Not only that, but you’ve got easy access to some of the best AOCs within Languedoc.

Minutes north and east is Minervois, producing mostly reds from a blend of Bordeaux, Mediterranean and Rhône grapes.

South of Carcassonne is the upland Limoux region, famed as the place where sparkling wine was first produced in the 1500s.

Blanquette méthode ancestrale, Crémant de Limoux Blanquette de Limoux are all sparkling whites to discover.

Like champagne, the bubbles are created with secondary fermentation in the bottle, but the flavour is distinct, with fresh, apple notes.

15. Narbonne

Narbonne is east of Carcassonne and reachable in about 45 minutes.

In Roman Gaul “Narbo” was a vital port on the Aude river, but among the many misfortunes that befell the city in the coming centuries was that Aude changing course and the harbour silting up.

The medieval centre is a treat though, with one-of-a-kind monuments like the unfinished cathedral.

It’s symbolic of the fate of the city throughout the middle ages, as work was halted due to an economic downturn in the 1300s, so there’s no nave.

Also marvellous is the Archbishop’s Palace, a gothic complex mostly from the 1400s and containing the city wall as well as museums for Narbonne’s history and archaeology.

15 Best Things to Do in Carcassonne (France):

• La Cité de Carcassonne
• Château Comtal and Ramparts
• Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus
• Carcassonne Lower City
• Carcassonne Cathedral
• Lac de la Cavayère
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Châteaux de Lastours
• Canal du Midi - barge trip
• School Museum
• Museum of the Inquisition
• Caunes-Minervois

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Travel Guide To Carcassonne

The sleepy, picture-book medieval town of Carcassonne is one of France's most popular attractions. Visitors come to explore the citadel's museums, cobbled streets and castle, said to have been the inspiration behind the palace in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty .

Where to stay in Carcassonne

HOTEL DE LA CITE Place de l'Eglise (00 33 4 68 71 9871; http://www.hoteldelacite.com ). This conveniently located hotel features comfortable, spacious rooms and state-of-the-art bathrooms. Also boasting excellent views, an exquisite garden and an outdoor swimming pool, the only drawback is the occasionally iffy service. Closed 24 Jan-11 Mar 2010.£££££ HOTEL DONJON 2 rue Comte Roger (00 33 4 68 11 2300; www.hotel-donjon.fr ). The only three-star hotel in La Cité. Don't be put off by its name: donjon can mean castle keep, as well as dungeon.££ DOMAINE D'AURIAC 554 route de Saint-Hilaire (00 33 4 68 25 7222; www.domaine-d-auriac.com ). An elegant 18th-century neoclassical pink-painted country house, surrounded by parkland, just south of Carcassonne on the route de Saint-Hilaire. A member of the Relais & Châteaux association of distinguished hotels. £££ The Michelin Red Guide France ( www.ViaMichelin.co.uk ) offers the most exhaustive selection of hotels and restaurants in France.

Where to eat out in Carcassonne

LA BARBACANE At the Hôtel de la Cité (00 33 4 68 71 9867). With its Gothic interior and green-and-gold heraldic wallpaper, La Barbacane is splendidly formal. Haute cuisine featuring a lot of game, and a menu where every dish needs a two-line description. Open for dinner 7.30-9.30pm, Thu-Mon until 17 Jan 2010. CHEZ SASKIA Also at the Hôtel de la Cité (00 33 4 68 71 9871), the inexpensive sister restaurant (under the direction of the same chef). Occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in La Cité, with limed beams and an upper storey cantilevered out over the street. Outstanding food. Regional specialities include chestnut and truffle soup, and wild pigeon with a maize galette. Open for breakfast 7-10.30am every day, and for lunch and dinner noon-2pm and 7-9.30pm, Tues and Wed. JARDIN DE L'EVEQUE Also at the Hôtel de la Cité (00 33 4 68 71 9871). The alfresco Jardin de l'Evêque is open for lunch and dinner in the summer, weather permitting. AUBERGE DE DAME CARCAS 3 place du Château (00 33 4 68 71 2323; http://www.damecarcas.com ). Small informal restaurant specialising in regional dishes such as cassoulet (a delicious stew of white beans, Toulouse sausage and duck confit), and meat grilled over a wood fire. BRASSERIE LE DONJON 4 rue porte d'Aude (00 33 4 68 25 95 72; www.brasserie-donjon.fr ). Very brightly lit, but very popular restaurant with a promising Menu Régional, featuring the ubiquitous cassoulet and confit de canard . Booking essential. PLACE MARCOU Lined with cafés, all which have tables laid out under the plane trees which fill the square. Of the half dozen or so establishments, Le Trouvère is one of the most popular. The Michelin Red Guide France ( www.ViaMichelin.co.uk ) offers the most exhaustive selection of hotels and restaurants in France.

Things to do in Carcassonne

Be sure to see Le Château Comtal: the only way to get onto the inner ramparts is to visit the castle. La Basilique Saint Nazaire is a part-Romanesque, part-Gothic church with exquisite stained glass and some impressive stone carving. Then there's Le Musée International du Dessin Animé, Carcassonne's intriguing cartoon museum, and Le Pont Vieux, the bridge over the River Aude that links La Cité with La Ville Basse. It is nothing special in itself, but its view to the citadel, especially after dark when it is illuminated by floodlighting, is sensational.

How to get to Carcassonne

How to get there: AIRPORT Carcassonne. Taxis run from the airport to La Cité. Alternatively, a bus runs to Le Bastide Saint Louis (aka La Ville Basse) where you can catch another bus to La Cité. AIRLINES FROM THE UK Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com ) flies direct from Stansted to Carcassonne.

Should You Take The Time To Visit Carcassonne?

Should you take the time to visit Carcassonne? And if so, when is the best time to visit this medieval city? When I first wrote this post in 2017, I really wasn’t fond of Carcassonne, mainly because of the crowds. I’ve done a full “360” and would, without question, return and have now visited this city in the Occitanie region three times. Let me share with you the Carcassonne I discovered and why you should make a visit there.

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Table of contents

1. carcassonne: unesco world heritage site, 2. should you visit carcassonne, 3. three trips to carcassonne, (a) off-season, (b) shoulder season, (c) high season, what should you see in carcassonne in a day, (a) la cité médiéval de carcassonne, (b) get views of carcassonne from outside the fortress, (c) murals outside of notre dame de l’abbaye, (d) bicycle ride along the canal du midi, (e) lunch at a truly affordable michelin-starred restaurant, (f) basilica of saint-nazaire and saint-celse, (g) la bastide saint louis.

Carcassonne was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is located 95 kilometres south-east of Toulouse and has a fortified city, La Cité, within its boundaries. This is one of the most impressive walled cities in France. It is surrounded by two massive walls and 53 towers which protected it during medieval times.

Throughout its history, there have been campaigns to demolish it and renovate it and in the mid-1800s, renovations began to preserve it as a historical monument. What appears today is a medieval castle children (and adults) would imagine: with a drawbridge, a moat (grassy), and towers.

Check out this page for more details about getting the Carcassonne: Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket .

Today, Carcasssonne is one of the most popular sites in France. Should you visit the walled city of Carcassonne? Yes, but just be aware it could be crowded during high season, which is in the summer. It is packed. Really packed. To make your visit more pleasurable, consider the following suggestions.

You might also like to read these posts:           – Why You Should Visit Rocamadour And Saint-Cirq-Lapopie In The Lot Region   – Where You Can Find The Remains Of The Bastille In Paris   – Rock Sculptures Carved By A Blind Abbott In Brittany   

The first time I stayed in Carcassonne (at the end of July many years ago), my accommodations were located within the walled city at the (Best Western) Hotel Le Donjon. The upside was that the fortress and old town were right there in front of me, but so were the crowds, the minute I walked out the front door.

The second time I did not stay in Carcassonne. My friend and I made a (long) stop in the town on our way to Collioure  so it was just one day in Carcassonne—in La Cité. Laurie toured the fortified city while I did a quick walk inside the fortress and then wandered beyond the walls to take photos. It was not crowded at all and I have to say our visit in the month of January was perfect. The weather was pleasant and the sky was clear blue.

During my most recent visit in early June, I did not find the town overly crowded. I stayed outside La Cité (old city) in the ville basse (lower town) in an Airbnb. The location was perfect—only a 15 minute walk into the old city. Plus, parking was nearby and free.

4. When To Visit Carcassonne?

If you can visit in the off-season, like I did in January, it will be worth it. You’ll have a much better time wandering the cobblestone alleyways and along the ramparts off-season. Take a look at my pictures in this post. Not very many people, right? Keep in mind, however, that some businesses may be closed for the holidays.

I was pleasantly surprised at how lovely the weather was in January—crisp blue sky, few clouds, and only a winter coat was needed (no boots!). It wasn’t particularly cold, about 5° Celsius.

When I visited in early June, which is considered the shoulder season, the weather was perfect for bike riding (22° Celsius) and I had no problem walking through La Cité or getting a dining reservation on short notice.

My first trip to Carcassonne took place at the end of July, which is typically the hottest month in the city (ie. 27°-37° Celsius). So, besides the heat, you’ll have the crowds. Not my favourite time of year to visit France, especially in the south.

If you must travel to Carcassonne in the summer, consider visiting when it has Le Festival de Carcassonne, often held in July. It is one of the largest festivals in France and in the past there have been over 120 shows (with many being free) featuring dance, music, opera and theatre and some acts have taken place in the ancient theatre.

On July 14, to celebrate Bastille Day, there are fireworks which are some of the best in the country. I do not doubt that the spectacle is impressive; however, the crowds are enormous. I debated spending my birthday there but decided I simply didn’t want to fight the crowds or have a problem trying to find (reasonably-priced) accommodations.

5. How Many Days To Visit Carcassonne?

So, is Carcassonne worth a visit? Yes! I have spent 1 day, 4 nights, and most recently, another 4 nights in Carcassonne. My apartment was located in the perfect spot–not far from the Citadel and not far from the centre of town (link to the apartment: Apartment in Carcassonne With Terrace).  Certainly, the one-day visit for my friend only exposed her to the fortress for only a few hours. My second visit had too many excursions outside of the city.

My third time to Carcassonne was perfect. I had a suitable amount of time to wander around the old (and new) city and outside the fortress wall and go for a bike ride for a day. If you have the time, spend at least 3-5 nights in Carcassonne. You won’t be rushed and you’ll have plenty of time to see the town and the area.

In the next section I list many of the sites to see and things to do over a period of a few days; however, if you only have one day I would suggest:

• first, explore the “old” city….just walk everywhere inside La Cité and around the fortress from the outside
• visit Château Comtal and walk along the ramparts
• add in visits to the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse and
• perhaps add in lunch at La Barbacane

Having less than 24 hours in Carcassonne will basically give you an overview and introduce you to the centerpiece of the city, the fortress. You might have time to visit the newer section of Carcassonne, Bastide Saint Louis, but you can always visit it another time.

6. What To Do In Carcassonne

If you only have one day in Carcassonne, this is the place to visit: La Cité, located in the “upper town” of Carcassonne. It’s not big and you’ll enjoy gazing on the immense fortress from the outside and inside. Walk on the cobblestone streets and drop into one of the bars or restaurants or some of the shops (many are touristy, however).

And of course visit the 12th-century castle within, called Château Comtal. There is an admission fee and you can get an audio guide to learn about the history of the castle and how it was restored.   Walk along the ramparts and get splendid views of the valley.

Carcassonne castle opening times : 10:00-5:45 pm

While the inside of La Cité is pedestrian-only and interesting, I much prefer photos taken OUTSIDE the entire fortress rather than of the inside town. The outside walls of the fortress are absolutely stunning.

I was interested in taking a nighttime guided tour run by the tourist office, however, they were not offered in the month of June when I was there. So, I did it on my own.

After dinner, I headed back out and took pictures from Pont Vieux and Pont Neuf—both bridges cross the Aude River and provide excellent views of the fortress. I then walked to La Cité and took photos inside and outside the fortress. I did the same during the day. Do not miss walking around the entire fortress. You’ll be duly impressed.

By chance, I came upon a long wall of frescoes, or murals, outside of Notre Dame de L’Abbaye which is now a hostel. In the mid-1980s, a number of mural painters (Cité de la Creation) collaborated to create a mural about medieval life in Carcassonne. It runs along rue Trivalle and intersects with rue du Reverend Pierre Dupont (just below the fortress walls and entrance). When I asked the tourist office about it, they had no idea what it was, which is sad, as the mural is impressive. I hope they’re protected and preserved.

One of the reasons I wanted to stay in Carcassonne was to see the Canal du Midi. While many people do a barge cruise, I wanted to rent a bike and go at my own speed. With a picnic lunch and lots of energy, I spent the day riding eastward to the town of Trebes and then back to the western edge of Carcassonne at L’Epanchoir de Foucaud. In total, my journey covered 34 kilometres. A lovely day’s outing. Here’s more information about the excursion: Bike Ride Along The Canal du Midi . 

I had a wonderful lunch at La Barbacane, which is run by chef Jérôme Ryon. He was awarded the Michelin star in 2006 (and he still has the star!) and the food was amazing, the service friendly and attentive, and the price? What a deal!  Affordable   Michelin-Starred Lunch: La Barbacane In Carcassonne

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The oldest church in Carcassonne is the Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse basilica. It was constructed in 1096 and was named after two first-century martyrs. Originally a Roman Catholic cathedral, it was demoted to a basilica in 1803. Located in the citadel of Carcassonne, the church design is that of a cross and certainly, the focal point is the choir with the large stained glass windows. They are some of the most beautiful in the south of France.

fortress walls. You might say Carcassonne is made up of two towns—the medieval one up top (La Cité) and the lower town, called Bastide Saint Louis. This town was a “planned town”, built in 1260 to surround Place Carnot in a grid pattern.

Often considered the “new old town” of Carcassonne, it has a commercial district with a (more modern and spacious) tourist office, boutiques, cafes, and more businesses. While considered “newer”, it still retains lots of charm with some narrow, cobblestone streets. Place Carnot has outdoor cafes and a fairly large food market which is held a few times a week.

Have you been to Carcassonne? Do you have any favourite experiences or sights to share?

TRAVEL RESOURCES Booking.com and Expedia : are the companies I use for finding accommodations. VRBO : is super for booking apartments and houses.  AutoEurope : is the only car rental supplier that I will use–with the best prices, and they will refund the difference if the price goes down.  Trainline : offers an easy way to book train tickets. Get Your Guide and Viator : Both offer tours, city cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many other things you’ll need at your destination. Orange SIM Card -this is the company I use when I want a physical SIM card Airalo eSIM -offers eSIMS and get great reviews

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30 Comments

Hi Jan, I enjoy reading your blog! We went to Carcassone on Bastille Day years ago for the fireworks. It was indeed very crowded, and we had to stake out our patch of grass outside the walls hours before the show. But we will always remember the amazing fireworks bursting over the towers and ramparts of the old city, oohing and ah-ing with thousands of people from all over France. Definitely worth it.

Lucky you to be there on Bastille Day. I totally forgot that the fireworks are great there. It would have been amazing!!!

Really packed? We live here in Carcassonne and have toured La Cité with family during July. It can be crowded during lunchtime when it seems everyone tries to find a table at the same instant. The streets are very narrow which is very much part of the charm. Walking the streets in the evening is magical. You feel you have the world to yourself. Don’t forget that there is another formerly walled city just outside the walls where you can find the Canal du Midi, another UNESCO site, markets, many more restaurants, a free art museum, galleries, wine shops, cheese shops, boulangeries and patisseries. Don’t pass the chance to see La Cité and expand your trip down the hill to the centreville and just down the road a bit you can taste sparkling wine where it all began in the area around Limoux.

Thanks for sharing this. That’s true about the evening. Things are much more magical. I’ve found this in a lot of usually “touristy” places.

Handy tips! I haven’t yet been to Carcassonne but will add it to my list for my next trip to France. I’d love to go exploring those atmospheric streets

You’ll love it.

The Carcassonne fortress looks impressive. I would certainly visit it.

I’m glad I went back. I’m so happy the sun came out to take photos of the entire La Cité.

David and I visited Carcassonne decades ago when there were no crowds and it was absolutely wonderful.

You were lucky!

Another spot in France we haven’t been to yet. I think we’ll heed your warning and visit during the shoulder season. As much as I love travel I really struggle with big crowds. They just suck the joy out of my experience. Plus we have a friend who now lives close to Carcassonne so we’ll definitely make the trip. Thanks Jan!

Definitely go then! When I was there in July many years ago I stayed IN the town and it was crazy busy then. Off-season would be much better.

You had me at UNESCO World Heritage Site. I love walled cities and know I will love Carcassonne. And I’ll heed your advice and go in off season.

Yes, and I’m now keen to find more UNESCO sites in France!

We also visited a while ago and missed the crowds thankfully. It’s an interesting town to wander through but I agree with you that the exterior view is lovely as are the views of the nearby Canal du Midi. We actually loved wandering around the main town just down the hill.

Sadly we just didn’t have time to go through the town. I’d like to visit the area again, however.

Great post, Jan. I would love to visit Le Festival de Carcassonne, but I imagine the crowds must be SUPER big during that time. I love local festivals, though, and sometimes, it is worth it to battle those crowds.

True. Festivals can be so much fun and if you really want to be there…so be it!

I have been to Carcassonne twice and loved every visit – although I always travel off season to really avoid all the crowds and this yes a very busy tourist site but nicer in the off season.

Another one who’s been twice! Pretty neat place….especially off season.

I visited Carcassonne many years ago … let’s just say it was before it was a designated UNESCO world heritage site. I loved it: there’s something romantic about a medieval structure like that! I would think that, if the only time you can travel is the summer, you could still get those photos of a crowd-free Carcassonne if you got up early and went out before things started opening up. With the added bonus that the light would be best for photography!

Definitely a bonus when you get up early or go at dusk. Great light then.

I read that a stain glass window in the Basilica there was disassembled & hidden in the mountains to protect it from the Nazis but can’t find anything else about it. Do you know this story?

No I had no idea. I wish I had visited the Basilica. The stained glass looks amazing.

Hi Jan, I’ve never been to France and reading this post confirms that I need to go there.

I’m so happy it inspired you!

My wife and I visited Carcassone on our European Road trip in July 2018 (Paris to Naples via Lake Como). I f you don’t like crowds then I suggest your silly to travel to Europe in peak season. However, having said that we spent three fabulous days and nights staying at the base of the Fortress (still think about that climb up to the Castle along a 600 year old pathway). Our other highlight was walking into the Town square every evening to enjoy the wine, food, music and atmosphere. The people of Carcassone are very open and welcoming and know how to have a good time. The experience of the free Concerts each evening still remains with me. We also had the good fortune to meet another couple from our part of the world (Perth, Western Australia) and to find that we lived only 20 minutes apart. I would highly recommend to anyone to travel to Carcassone and the South of France for that matter in July / August. It will provide many memories for years to come.

Thank you so much for your input on visiting Carcassonne.

Relax Bike Tours drops of bikes in Carcassonne all the time, if you want to do a one-way bike tour along the Canal Du Midi starting in Carcassonne. Heading East from here, towards Béziers or Sète, you will be going downhill and with the wind.

Yes, and your company was very helpful in providing me with information about possible routes. Merci!

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Best Things To Do in Carcassonne, France

Carcassonne can transport you back in time as soon as you see its walled citadel, castles, and centuries-old churches. We tell you what to see in Carcassonne, France, and bring you all the information you need to enjoy your trip.

It is one of the most attractive villages in southern France and will undoubtedly surprise you with its medieval charm.

Recommended: Carcassone Guided Tour

How to Get to Carcassonne, France?

Let’s see what the different ways to get to Carcassonne are.

Carcassonne has its own airport but does not have many connections, and there are no flights from Spain.

It receives flights from London, Dublin, Brussels, and Manchester. In addition, they add some special flights during the summer. For example, it is possible to arrive from Bournemouth, Porto and Cagliari.

There are 2 trains daily from Barcelona to Carcassonne . They are trains of the TGV INOUI company. A connection must be made in Narbonne and in total it takes a little more than 3 hours.

The morning train costs €90 and the afternoon train costs €70.

Carcassonne is quite close to the Spanish border, so getting there from Barcelona takes about 3.5 hours.

If you want to take a more coastal route, you can go as far as Narbonne and then turn left to head towards Carcassonne. Otherwise, you have to turn left when you pass Perpignan.

If you drive from Paris, you must drive 770 kilometers on the A20 highway. The trip lasted almost 8 hours.

• Rent a car in advance and at a good price!
• Read: How to Drive in the South of France

Visit the Castle of Carcassonne and the Ramparts

The castle was built in 1130 and redesigned during the 13th century to become a fortress and became an impregnable witness to the battles between the French and the Aragonese.

You can visit the chapel, the galleries and the entrance over the moat. In addition, the entrance fee allows you to tour the walled citadel. This means that you can visit the towers and see the city and the Aude river from different points of view.

It is the best place to learn about the historical importance of this city and its fortress.

Also known as the Château Condal, it was the home of the King of France and used as both a military base and a prison.

In the 17th century the city lost its military importance and the fortress fell into disrepair. It was not until the 19th century that it was rebuilt.

Therefore, different architectural styles, such as medieval, Gothic and Romanesque, can be observed during the tour.

It currently functions as a museum and since 1997, has been listed as a World Heritage Site.

• I recommend you to read: The best Castle to stay in Provence

Tour the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century to link the Garonne River in Toulouse with the Mediterranean.

Along with the lateral canal of the Garonne, the Canal du Midi links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean via waterways.

You can ride along the canal bank on a bicycle if you want. Many people usually use the grass to rest or have a picnic.

You can also rent a boat and travel along the canal and go to other towns, such as Le Somail, where the canal is surrounded by vineyards and groves. If you don’t feel like driving a boat, you can take guided excursions.

The Canal du Midi has locks, aqueducts, and bridges that make crossing more than 240 kilometers possible .

Visit the Vineyards of Carcassonne and its Surroundings

Vineyards surround the medieval town, so visiting the vineyards offers a truly unique view. You can see a medieval city from a vineyard in a few places.

It is believed that grape production in the region began 2 millennia ago. And it was in Limoux, 25 kilometers from Carcassonne, in the abbey of Saint-Hilaire, that the Benedictine monks discovered in 1544 the process that allowed the production of sparkling wines.

Around Carcassonne, there are wines from different appellations and there are several wineries and cellars, so you will have several places to buy local wines.

Discover the Fine Arts in the Museums of Carcassonne

If you are interested in culture, Carcassonne will not disappoint you. There are many museums within the city, and several are dedicated to the Fine Arts.

One of the museums focuses on the time of the surrealist poet Joë Bousquet . Another museum presents a large collection dedicated to the Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Abbaye .

The museum that we liked the most was the Museum of Arts . It was created in the mid-19th century.

They have focused on European works from the 17th century onwards, including paintings, ceramics and tapestries.

Cuenca with permanent and temporary collections, including contemporary and modern works.

You can see the opening hours and all the information on the municipality’s website .

La Bastide Saint Louis

La Bastide Saint Louis is the modern city of Carcassonne .

Its main attraction is its architecture and the contrast it creates with the fortified city, located on the opposite hill.

La Bastide has many historic buildings, such as the Saint Michel cathedral and Place Carnot, which is the liveliest area of the city center with restaurants, cafes and markets.

Strolling around Place Carnot

The true heart of the city. This is where the locals gather to chat and relax in the shade of the banana trees. So this is where you have to sit if you want to experience the authentic rhythm of Carcassonne.

Its main monument is the Neptune fountain, made of marble, which stands out in the center of the square.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings there is a flower, fruit and vegetable market .

Taking Pictures of the City at Sunset

Around sunset the city begins to empty as many tourists who come only for the day begin to leave. Then you can go for a walk and take some beautiful pictures.

You can go outside the walled city and photograph the towers and the wall. Another great option is to walk along the canal’s banks and take pictures of the bridges, taking advantage of the effects that the reflection of the lights makes on the water.

Walk along Le Pont Vieux

We told you that one of the best photos is of the bridges; more specifically, we were referring to the Old Bridge or Pont Vieux.

This bridge is the one that connects the medieval city with the more modern area. Its 12 arches cross over the Aude river since the 14th century.

From the bridge, you will have a beautiful view of La Cité , the walled city , so you should include it in a list of what to see in Carcassonne.

A Walk Along the Aude river

A good way to get to know the city and its surroundings is to follow the banks of the Aude river. You can take the opportunity to see the Porte D’Aude, one of the gates through which you could enter Carcassonne.

On the river bank, you will find a park with playgrounds, making it ideal for those with children and for families to have a picnic.

The path starts just below the Pont Vieux, so from there you will have a good view of the bridge.

• Read: The best beaches in Cannes, Côte d’Azur, France

Passing through the Portal des Jacobins

It is the last of the ancient gates that guarded the lower town of Carcassonne and allowed to control the entrance to the fortified city. A part of the original wall is also preserved.

Visiting the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celso

It was formerly the Cathedral of Carcassonne, until it was replaced by the Cathedral of St. Michael.

The original construction dates back to 925 and housed Pope Urban II in 1096.

Due to its age and the reforms that have been made over the centuries, two styles can be observed in its architecture, Romanesque and Gothic.

Its organ is one of the oldest in the country, some testimonies assure that it already existed in 1637.

Also noteworthy are the stained glass windows, dedicated to the infancy and passion of Christ.

Tour the Cathedral of Carcassonne

The Cathedral of St. Michael of Carcassonne was built in Gothic style in the 13th century.

When the city was besieged in 1355 the church was badly damaged by fire. At that time it was decided to reinforce it, so its facade has an aspect that combines the religious with the military.

A tower and a 10-meter moat surrounding the entire building were added.

Although it was refurbished after the fire of 1849, its appearance is very sober and only its 14th century stained glass window stands out.

Swimming in the Cavayère lake

The Cavayere Lake is another of the places to see in Carcassonne. The lake is a great place to go for a swim if you visit Carcassonne in summer. It is only 5 minutes away from the city and has a lot of vegetation.

From the lake you can do several trails, so it is also a good option for trekking lovers. In fact, a road surrounds the lake, which is 5 kilometers long and allows you to see the best of the area’s scenery.

And for fun you can go water skiing, zip-lining and jumping on the inflatable games floating in the lake.

There are also restaurants and food trucks, so the lake has everything you need for a great day outdoors.

Explore the Museum of the Inquisition

The Inquisition also left its mark here and it is possible to learn about its history in this museum.

You will be able to see the elements of torture used by the executioners from the time of the Holy Inquisition to the time of the French Revolution.

You will also learn about the Cathar castles and the region’s history.

Taste the wines of the region (Languedoc)

As we told you, there are several wines with the appellation of origin in the region, and one of the ones we like the most is the Languedoc.

Languedoc wines are grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, in the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) Languedoc, Corbières, Minervois and Saint Chinian areas, among others. This region has a Mediterranean climate and a wide variety of soils, which allows a wide variety of grapes to be grown.

Surrounding Carcassonne are many vineyards and wineries. For example, Calmel & Joseph, Château La Villatade or Château de Luc .

Wine-tasting excursions are definitely one of the things to do in Carcassonne.

• Read: Day trip to Champagne and Reims from Paris

Best Time to Visit Carcassonne, France

The best time to visit Carcassonne, France, is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the climate is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall than in winter.

In addition, there are fewer tourists than in the high summer season, which means that tourist sites will not be as crowded and prices for accommodation and transportation may be lower.

Where to Stay in Carcassonne?

Let’s look at 3 types of accommodations with 3 possible budgets in mind.

Au pied de la Cité

It is a one bedroom apartment, with all the comforts that someone visiting the city for a few days might need.

It has an excellent location, close to the Condal castle and the city’s main attractions.

It costs 34€ per night.

Hôtel Montmorency & Spa

Located just a few steps from the entrance of the medieval city, is a great option to stay in Carcassonne.

It has a swimming pool and a whirlpool. It also has a spa and indoor swimming pool. And from its terrace you can have a drink with panoramic views.

Double rooms start at 92 euros.

Hôtel Le Donjon

The hotel is inside the medieval city and is surrounded by its walls. The view is completed by a very nice garden.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast and its restaurant serves traditional French cuisine.

Double rooms are available from 202€.

Is Carcassonne worth a visit?

Of course, it is! We have already told you everything there is to see in Carcassonne, and you will have realized the importance of this city. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited in the south of France.

It is an ideal place for lovers of history, art, architecture, and good food and wine.

Plan Your Trip to the South of France

• 10-day road trip in Provence
• Castles where to spend a fairytale night
• The most beautiful Provençal villages
• The best of Provence

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Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

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How to Easily Day Trip to Carcassonne From Toulouse (2023)

If you’re in Toulouse for a few days and have run out of things to do in the city or are looking for a change of pace, consider day-tripping to Carcassonne. And if you have never heard of Carcassonne, let alone how to get there… don’t worry! In this post, I’ll be providing you with all the information that you need to easily day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse, France!

🏰 Short on Time? Here’s the Easiest Way to Get to Carcassonne

Toulouse to Carcassonne Day Trip — This highly-rated, affordable tour includes hassle-free, round-trip transportation!

Table of Contents

• Is It Worth It to Day Trip to Carcassonne From Toulouse? (2023)

How to Get to Carcassonne, France

7 things to do during day trip to carcassonne, when to visit carcassonne, how long should i spend in carcassonne, where to stay in carcassonne.

• Wrap-Up: Day Trip to Carcassonne From Toulouse (2023)

Is It Worth It to Day Trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse? (2023)

In my totally biased opinion, I found it was well worth paying about $20 USD round trip for a day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse. Not only was it a relatively easy and cheap excursion, but the city was an absolute delight to wander around. The city wall and towers of the medieval citadel are magnificent and well-preserved. At times, I felt like I was stepping back into the Middle Ages and found myself imagining what it was like to live during that time period — probably not great is my answer, but it’s still fun to imagine. That being said, I can acknowledge that this city may not be exactly worth visiting for everyone. For example, if you are looking for somewhere that is bustling with people and attractions to visit and see like in Paris , then this is likely not the place for you.

However, if you’re into seeing old medieval fortifications and don’t mind exploring at a slower pace, then Carcassonne is definitely worth visiting!

What is Carcassonne Known For?

And just as a quick bit of history for anyone who has never heard of the city, Carcassonne is a French fortified city located in the Occitanie region in the Southern part of France. According to historians, the city was originally settled around the 6th century BC, but it wasn’t until the 13th century that the famous strategic site on top of the hill gained its iconic double-walled ramparts. Unfortunately, the medieval citadel was destroyed during the Cathar Crusade that took place in the early 13th century. As a result, the French State had Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restore the city of Cathar to its former glory. Restoration efforts were completed in 1911 and the Cité de Carcassonne was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

How to Pronounce Carcassonne

The correct way to pronounce Carcassonne is: “KahR-cass-own,” with an emphasis/accent on the R I know it can be tempting to say Car-cass-oh-ne, but the word has three distinct syllables, not four. Also, something that helped me remember the pronunciation is that the first syllable is similar to the sound a bird/crow makes: “Ka-kah” — at least the latter part. But, if you’re struggling to get it, don’t stress! I wasn’t able to pronounce it properly until the end of the day trip. 🤷🏽‍♀️

With Carcassonne being located only 95 km or 60 miles from the center of Toulouse, there are a few different ways to get there: by car, by train , and by tour .

The first way to get to Carcassonne is by car. Obviously, this is a great option if already have a car, have access to one via a friend or acquaintance, or are keen on renting a car. You can pass through the idyllic French countryside, make a few pitstops in other small towns along the way, and travel at your own pace.

And if you choose to drive directly from Toulouse to Carcassonne, you can comfortably get there in about an hour and 45 minutes. Thus, it’s definitely doable to day trip to Carcassonne via car.

✅ 🚗 Check rates & availability for Rental Cars from Toulouse

That said, renting a car likely isn’t worth it if you’re just planning on going from Toulouse to Carcassonne. Again, it’s only really worth your time and energy if you’re planning on doing some sort of tour through France or Europe . Instead, opt for easier ways of traveling through France. Both of which I’ll explain below! 😉

The first option is to take the train from Toulouse to Carcassonne, France. This option allows you to take advantage of the fantastic transportation network in France. All you have to do is book a ticket from the Toulouse Matabiau station to the Carcassonne station . There are several direct trains every day, and the train ride one-way takes approximately an hour. Simply click the link below, input the dates you want to go, and then you’ll see the available time slots! I recommend purchasing a second-class ticket since it’s such a short train trip and costs less. And if you’re 25 years old or younger, make sure you purchase a youth ticket, not an adult ticket! It’ll save you an additional couple of dollars 🙂

✅ Reserve your train ticket to Carcassonne via Omio 🚨 P.S. If you’ve never used Omio, you can sign up here and get $11 off

🏰 PRO TIP: Once you’ve bought your ticket, I highly recommend downloading the Omio app to have quick access to your ticket! It’s much easier to have all your tickets on the app rather than having to print them out! You can grab some more tips for using Omio here .

How to Take the Train to Carcassonne from Toulouse

On the day of departure, I recommend arriving at the Toulouse Matabiau station 25 minutes in advance. The reason you will want to do this is that if you’re riding second class, there are no seat reservations. Everything is on a first-come-first-serve seat basis. As a result, you’ll want to be at the station as soon as the platform number is posted, and platform numbers are posted anywhere from 15 – 25 minutes before departure. You can find out what platform your train is departing from by looking at the departure boards. Simply find your departure time, verify the train number on your ticket with the one on the departure board, and wait for a giant number to appear. It’s sometimes posted under the column listed as “ Voie .”

As soon as the platform is posted, follow the signs to the platform. When the train arrives or if it’s already there, go ahead and board. But make sure you are boarding a carriage that is meant for second class if you have a second class ticket. From there, you can pick any available seat.

🏰 PRO TIP: Personally, I always pick seats that face the electronic boards that display the next stop. This makes it easy to know when it’s time to get off!

After you have selected your seat, you can sit back and relax until you reach the Carcassonne station. Just know that a ticket officer may walk down the aisle to scan your ticket. They also may never come to scan your ticket — it’s a bit of a random process. Either way, as long as you purchase a ticket, you’ll have nothing to worry about!

Once In Carcassonne

Once you arrive, you can walk over to Carcassonne and roam around on your own time. However, if you want to explore the medieval city with a knowledgeable guide who can impart their unique insights, there are private tour options . This is a good option for people who don’t mind taking the train and who want to dive a little deeper into the city’s incredible history!

✅ 🏰 Check rates & availability for private tour options of Carcassonne

Now, the second option is to day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse is to go on a tour . What happens with a tour is that you will arrive at a pre-determined meeting point in Toulouse, take a coach to Carcassonne, and then you’ll be able to explore the city at your own leisure. After exploring the city, you’ll meet back at a pre-determined location at a certain time to ride the coach back to Toulouse. As you can likely tell, I personally went with the train option. However, several people in my hostel opted to do a tour and spoke very highly of the experience. The tour they took and recommended is below!

✅ Check rates & availability of this highly-rated tour to Carcassonne from Toulouse

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars — taken by 100+ people! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours

The Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip Tour includes:

• Transportation to and from Toulouse in a Comfortable Coach
• Departure from at 9:30 am
• Arrival in Carcassonne at 10:30 am
• Exploring the Cité de Carcassonne
• Priority access to the Château Comtal
• Self-guided tour of the castle, archaeological museum, & ramparts
• Departure from Carcassonne at 4:30 pm
• Arrival back in Toulouse at 5:30 pm

🏰 This is the highest-rated as well as most affordable tour available from Toulouse to Carcassonne! During this awesome tour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the castle at your own pace, taste the local food (unfortunately not included in the price), and see some other sites around the city. Plus, with this tour, you don’t have to worry about navigating the local train stations and the stress of finding a seat. This is definitely the best option if you are someone who is inexperienced in using the local transportation network.

“ Super worth it – ticket also includes priority access to the Castle which is a great advantage as queues to buy tickets were really long and there’s no shelter for those waiting. Bus was on time for departure and arrival. “ – Malta ( see more reviews )

✅ Check rates & availability for this highly-rated tour to Carcassonne from Toulouse

Now that you know how to get to Carcassonne, you may be wondering what there is to do there! Well, I’ve got you covered on that front too! Here are my top 7 recommendations for things to do during your day trip to Carcassonne.

NOTE: If you opt to take the train from Toulouse to Carcassonne, I have listed the activities in the order that I did them and recommend doing them. You’ll save time in terms of walking and energy! 🙂 And if you want, there’s a private tour option that begins in Carcassonne .

1. Enjoy the View from Pont Vieux

The walk from the Carcassonne train station to the Cité de Carcassonne is about a 23-minute walk. Along the way, you’ll cross over the Aude River via the Pont Vieux or Old Bridge. This beautiful bridge links the new town with the Old town. It’s definitely worth taking a moment to enjoy the view and surrounding scenery. Plus, there are a few lookout points, perfect for capturing a stunning picture of the Cité de Carcassonne!

🏰 PRO TIP: Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes! The streets in Carcassonne are sometimes cobblestone, dirt, and often very uneven!

2. Wander around the Cité de Carcassonne

After you cross the bridge, you’ll be a short walk away from the hill that leads up to the Cité de Carcassonne.

For anyone unsure what the Cité de Carcassonne is, it’s a medieval citadel or fortress. Anytime someone says the Cité de Carcassonne, they are referring to everything that is contained within the medieval walls on top of the hill. Within the Cité de Carcassonne, you’ll find lots of small vendors selling artisanal goods, ice cream shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

3. Tour Through Château Comtal

And of course, no day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse is complete without seeing Château Comtal up close. To do this, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket, which can be bought online or on-site. If you aren’t coming to Carcassonne via a tour that includes an entrance ticket to the castle, I highly recommend booking your ticket in advance . You don’t need to do it super far in advance, but I would do it the morning you leave for Carcassonne. This is because the lines to purchase a ticket on-site can become extremely long and move at a snail’s pace. And instead of waiting for 30+ minutes in a line, you can just show your ticket to the staff at your designated time slot and walk right in!

✅ Purchase your skip-the-line entry ticket to Château Comtal

With your ticket, you’ll be able to walk through the two levels of the castle, view the archaeological museum inside the castle, and stroll along the western ramparts!

4. Admire the Basílica Saint-Nazaire

When you finish touring Château Comtal and walking along the ramparts, you’ll end up near the Basílica Saint-Nazaire. Since you’ll already be in the area, I recommend taking a moment to admire the mesmerizing Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The basilica features a Roman nave with a Gothic apse and was originally built between 1096 and 1321. And along with most of the medieval city, it was restored during the mid-19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who added the exterior carved decorations, such as the gargoyles.

5. Eat Cassoulet or Crepes

By this point, you’ll probably be hungry and want something to eat. The Occitanie region is known for its cassoulet. This is essentially a slow-cooked stew that contains various types of meat and some beans. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of it since it’s a bit heavy for me, but it’s worth trying at least once. I recommend the cassoulet at Meli et Zeli or Le St. Jean as the service is great at both places and the prices are fair. And if that doesn’t sound appetizing or you merely prefer something lighter, you can find pretty cheap crepes within the city walls. I grabbed a simple sugar crepe for 2 euros at a place right next to the Basílica Saint-Nazaire!

6. Musee de Beaux Arts de Carcassonne

If you have spare time and have done all the exploring that you want to do inside the Cité de Carcassone, I recommend stopping by Carcassonne’s Museum of Fine Arts. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Château Comtal and on the way back to the Carcassonne train station. The museum is on the smaller side but features a decent range of paintings and statues dating from the 17th to 19th century. Plus, the museum is completely free, so it’s a nice way to kill time and see some regional artwork!

7. Walk down Main Street

And for the final stop of the day, I recommend strolling down the main street in Carcassonne – Rue Georges Clemenceau . The street is filled with lots of shops and you’ll notice the hundreds of colorful umbrellas hanging from above. You can also pick up a snack for the ride home at Monoprix, which is like the American equivalent of Target. Or, if you just want to sit down and relax, there’s a park that’s right in front of the train station. It has a few benches and a couple of lovely fountains and is great for people-watching before heading back to Toulouse.

🏰 NOTE: You can also visit the Canal du Midi, which runs through the city. It takes a bit more walking, but is worth it in my opinion if you have the time!

In terms of the time of the year, the best time to visit Carcassonne is during the months of April, May, June, September, or October . This is when the weather is at its best and average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s °F. With regards to the time of day to visit, I recommend visiting early in the morning! My friend went early in the morning and said there were hardly any people. She got to enjoy the Cité de Carcassonne all to herself and found it quite peaceful. Meanwhile, I arrived mid-day and found myself battling swaths of tourists and hundreds of little children inside the castle. It wasn’t awful, but it definitely could’ve been better haha.

I recommend giving yourself at least 3 hours to explore Cité de Carcassonne. Personally, I spent about 5.5 hours exploring the medieval citadel and surrounding sites. However, I would argue that’s because I spent a good chunk of time reading all the informational signs in Château Comtal… That said, if you are someone who just likes to walk through and take a couple of pictures here and there, you can probably see the main highlights of Carcassonne in about 3 hours.

Now you might be wondering why I’m including information on where to stay when the majority of the post is detailing how to day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse. The reason is that Carcassonne has a completely different vibe during the evening. At night, 95% of the tourists leave and the floodlights turn on, illuminating the Cite de Carcassonne against the backdrop of the nighttime sky. It can feel a bit haunting, but it really is a delight if you’re somewhat of a history buff or into photography.

So, if you want to experience the magic of this city at night, you can explore housing accommodations in Carcassonne with the interactive map below. Prices are up-to-date, but you’ll want to input your travel dates for the most accurate information.

Or, here are some specific recommendations I have for you on where to stay in the Carcassonne area.

Low-Cost Hotel Stay

📍 Hôtel du Pont Vieux

Location: This excellently rated 3-star hotel that costs less than $100 a night is centrally located in the Old Town portion of Carcassonne, right outside the fortified Cité de Carcassonne. It’s a 2-minute walk from the Pont Vieux and a 7-minute walk from Château Comtal.

Amenities: Along with comfortable rooms, the hotel has a main sundeck, outdoor rooftop terrace, and bar. Some other services provided include a breakfast buffet, walking tours, and bike tours.

Why it’s worth staying at: At the Hôtel du Pont Vieux, guests are able to easily explore both the Cité de Carcassonne as well as the surrounding area. In addition, the staff is extremely hospitable and provides great service. Considering the nightly price, this hotel is where you’ll get the best value.

✅ Check rates & availability for Hôtel du Pont Vieux in Carcassonne

Luxury Stay

📍 Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne

Location: This 5-star hotel is situated on top of the hill within the historic Cité de Carcassonne. Amenities: The hotel’s amenities include beautiful gardens, an outdoor swimming pool with a view of the Basílica Saint-Nazaire, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a bar, and a spa and wellness center. Why it’s worth staying here: At the Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne, guests are not only able to enjoy the best views of the city right from their room but also experience the medieval citadel from a new perspective after most of the tourists have gone home.

✅ Check rates & availability for Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne

Wrap-Up: Day Trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse (2023)

France is a country with so many delightful cities to visit, and Carcassonne is definitely one of the places you shouldn’t miss. With its fair share of history and culture, it’s no surprise that this destination is becoming increasingly popular among tourists.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the Cité de Carcassonne or just want to take in the gorgeous scenery, a day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse is the perfect way to do it. And with this guide in hand, I hope you’re able to confidently explore Carcassonne and have a memorable time! Happy traveling! 🤠

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

Self Guided Walking Tour of Carcassonne France

Carcassonne is a beautiful city which is also home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, which is the largest walled city in Europe. Carcassonne is a very walkable city containing many interesting sites to see along the way. This France travel blog contains a self guided walking tour of Carcassonne France so that you can enjoy the highlights of the city. It also includes recommended places to eat or get a drink along the way. The total walking time is just under one hour. However we recommend allowing a full day to enjoy this walking tour of Carcassonne.

In this Carcassonne travel guide we outline the major attractions of our Carcassonne free walking tour. This walking tour of Carcassonne Center covers the area from Carcassonne train station to the old city. There is a map as well as walking times and distances between each location at the end of the blog.

Carcassonne France Walking Tour: Points of Interest

Place gambetta (square gambetta) carcassonne france.

About Place Gambetta Carcassonne France

Place Gambetta is a large open space with two rows of trees, garden beds, plenty of seating, food kiosks, toilet facilities as well as an underground parking underneath. It is just across the road from the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne.

Constructed in 1861, this square replaced the Place du Charbon (place of coal) as well as various surrounding buildings. It was then renamed Place Sainte-Cécile, after a saint that was popular in the area. Following the death of famous French lawyer and republican politician Léon Gambetta, it was renamed to Place Gambetta in 1883. Significantly, Léon Gambetta is considered the founder of the Third Republic in France.

During WWII Germany occupied Carcassonne and in 1944 they demolished much of the square. Unfortunately, following the demolition only two rows of trees remained. These trees are still present in the square today. Following the Liberation of the City in 1944, the garden was restored in French style. The restored garden was unveiled in 1948.

The latest redesign of the garden occurred in 2015.

Place Gambetta Carcassonne France Address

Square Gambetta, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bimas, Carcassonne France

About pâtisserie chocolaterie bimas carcassonne france.

Pâtisserie Bimas is a French patisserie as well as a chocolate shop. Moreover it is full of mouth watering treats. The owner, Bruno Bimas is a pastry chef, chocolate maker, confectioner as well as ice cream maker. Bimas makes hand crafted creations using the finest products from all the French regions. Additionally, his chocolate comes from countries famed for their cacao production.

Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bimas Address

7 Avenue Arthur Mullot, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bimas Contact Details

Telephone: +33468252701

Website: https://www.patisserie-bimas-carcassonne.fr/

Place La Petite Cuillère Carcassonne France

About la petite cuillère carcassonne france.

La Petite Cuillère is a charming little cafe. It is located just across the Aude River in the shadow of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne France. This cafe is a perfect place to stop for a snack during your free walking tour of Carcassonne. You can buy pastries as well as hot drinks here. They also serve breakfast and lunch. Be sure to try their deliciously thick hot chocolate for 3 euro.

La Petite Cuillère Carcassonne France Address

11 Rue Trivalle, 11000 Carcassonne, France

La Petite Cuillère Contact Details

Telephone: +33967480330

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lpcuillere/

Église Saint-Gimer Carcassonne France

About église saint-gimer carcassonne france.

Église Saint-Gimer is a beautiful gothic style church. It is located just outside the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Significantly, famed French architect Eugène Emmanuel Viollet le Duc designed this church. He is the same architect that restored many prominent medieval landmarks in France, including the medieval walls of the city of Carcassonne as well as Notre-Dame in Paris. Viollet-le-Duc also worked on the engineering of the Statue of Liberty. This church was construction from 1849 to 1859.

Église Saint-Gimer Carcassonne France Address

Pl. Saint-Gimer, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Église Saint-Gimer Contact Details

Telephone: +33468102436

Porte de l’Aude Carcassonne France

About porte de l’aude carcassonne france.

The medieval gateway Porte de l’Aude is the entrance to the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Set up on the hill, it faces the Aude River.

In 2018 an artwork called Eccentric Concentric Circles was installed on Carcassonne. This artwork was part of the celebrations for the 20 th anniversary of the UNESCO heritage listing of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Swiss artist Felice Varini installed giant, bright yellow concentric circles upon the walls of a historic French fortified city of Carcassonne. This was an anamorphic illusion, meaning that the shape of the circles is only apparent when viewing the artwork from in front of the Porte de l’Aude. The intention was for a temporary artwork that would not leave a permanent mark on the building. Yellow aluminium foil wrapped around the building to create the circles. However despite removing the foil, you can still see the form of the circles to this day.

Porte de l’Aude Carcassonne France Address

30 Côte de la Cité, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne France

About the historic fortified city of carcassonne france.

The UNESCO listed Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe. Moreover it is the perfect example of a medieval fortified city. The city is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Aude River. In popular culture, the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed here. It is also the inspiration for the board game Carcassonne.

The land that the city is built on has been occupied since the 6 th century BCE. It was a Roman city before becoming a medieval city. The inner castle has been on this site since the 12 th century and the fortress has been here since the 13 th century.

The Cathars built this fortress. They were an early Christian group that existed in this area between the 12 th and 14 th centuries. The Catholics persecuted the Cathars during the Crusades. Now, all that remains of the Cathars are their castles, such as the one at Carcassonne.

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne France Address

1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Château Comtal Carcassonne France

About Château Comtal Carcassonne France

Château Comtal is the medieval castle within the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. In order to enter the castle and ramparts you need to pay an entry fee. Tickets are 9.50 euro (prices as at 2022). Children under 18 years as well as EU citizens aged 18 to 25 get free entry.

This Cathar castle was built in the 12 th century. Famous French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the castle in 1853.

Attacks on the castle occurred numerous times during the 13 th century. This occurred during the War against the Cathars of the Languedoc as well as the Crusades. Subsequently the castle was enlarged into a fortress.

Address: Château Comtal

Located within the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

Plus Code: 6947+R6 Carcassonne, France

Comte Roger Restaurant Carcassonne France

About Comte Roger Restaurant Carcassonne France

Comte Roger is a fine dining Michelin Plate restaurant. Their menu features the best local cuisine with gourmet dishes carefully prepared by Chef Pierre Mesa. The restaurant includes a modern contemporary dining room with views of the ramparts of the fortress. There is also an outdoor terrace area.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Expect to pay 10-20 euro for starters, 20-30 euro for mains, 8-10 euro for dessert (prices as at 2022).

Comte Roger Restaurant Carcassonne France Address

14 Rue Saint-Louis, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Comte Roger Restaurant Contact Details

Telephone: +33468119340

Website: http://www.comteroger.com/

Basilique Saint-Nazaire Carcassonne France

About basilique saint-nazaire carcassonne france.

Basilique Saint-Nazaire (Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus) is a Roman Catholic minor basilica. It is located within the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Originally a Visigoth church was here from around the 6 th century. Subsequently there was a cathedral from the 12 th century. That cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13 th century. Finally French architect Viollet-le-Duc restored the building in the 1800s. This Gothic-Romanesque style church is a French historical monument.

Basilique Saint-Nazaire Carcassonne France Address

La Cité, Place Saint-Nazaire, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonne Gate) Carcassonne France

About Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonne Gate) Carcassonne France

Porte Nabonnaise is the main entrance to the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Built around 1280, it features two large spur towers. The name of the gate is due to its orientation towards the nearby city of Narbonne. In the 1800s the famous French architect Viollet-le-Duc reconstructed the battlements and the slate roof. He also added a drawbridge which was not in the original design.

Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonne Gate) Carcassonne France Address

Located on the eastern side of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

Buste de Dame Carcas (Bust of Lady Carcas) Carcassonne France

About Lady Carcas Carcassonne France

The name of the city of Carcassonne comes from the legendary figure from local folklore, Lady Carcas. Legend has it that the Emperor Charlemagne had laid siege to the city of Carcassonne and the city had been under siege for 5 or 6 years. During this time Lady Carcas’ husband died and she became the head of the city. Lady Carcas was cunning and used tactics to make Charlemagne think the city was stronger than it was. For example, she used straw mannequins dressed as soldiers to make it look like she had stronger defences than she actually had.

However as the siege went on, supplies of food dwindled. Eventually the town only had one pig and some wheat. Rather than give up or starve, Lady Carcas decided to show one last desperate act of defiance. She stuffed the pig with grain and threw it over the walls of the city. The pig landed in front of the besieging army, exploding with grain. This lead Charlemagne to think that the people of Carcassonne had so much food that they were willing to waste some. Moreover he thought they could easily wait out the siege for many more years to come. As such, he gave up and called off his army.

As Charlemagne’s army left, Lady Carcas sounded the town horn to let those in the surrounding area know that the siege had lifted. This gave rise to the town name, “Carcas sonne”, which means Carcas sounds.

It is likely that this is merely a legend, as Charlemagne never attacked the city of Carcassonne. However it makes for a great story!

Buste de Dame Carcas (Bust of Lady Carcas) Carcassonne France Address

Located on the eastern side of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, in front of Porte Narbonnaise

Plus Code: 6948+M9 Carcassonne, France

Pont Vieux of Carcassonne

About Pont Vieux of Carcassonne

Pont Vieux translates to Old Bridge. This is a medieval stone bridge that dates back to the 14 th Century. The bridge is a pedestrian bridge, crossing the Aude River. For centuries it was the only bridge connecting Bastide Saint Louis, the lower town of Carcassonne, with the Medieval City of Carcassonne. It has been classified as a historical monument in France.

Pont Vieux of Carcassonne Address

Rue du Pont Vieux, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Portail des Jacobins Carcassonne France

About Portail des Jacobins Carcassonne France

Portail des Jacobins is the gateway to the lower town of Carcassonne, known as Bastide Saint Louis. It was built in 1779 and was supposed to be one of the 4 gateways to the city at the cardinal points. However the other gates were not built. This monumental gate was constructed in stone in the neo-classical style.

Outside the gate there is a nice park area as well as the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Brasserie a 4 Temps.

Portail des Jacobins Carcassonne France Address

Rue Courtejaire, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Plus Code: 6963+82 Carcassonne, France

Place Carnot Carcassonne France

About place carnot carcassonne france.

Place Carnot is the central square of the lower town of Carcassonne. The square is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a great place to have a leisurely lunch and people watch. On Tuesday, Thursdays as well as Saturdays a fresh produce market is held in the square. Additionally, during the Christmas season you can find a charming European Christmas market here. In the middle of the square there is a fountain called La Fontaine de Neptune.

The square in its current dimensions has been at this location since 1355. In that time it has been the place of many historic events. During the French Revolution it was used as a site of public executions. One such execution was that of Joan the Black, who was was guillotined here in 1792.

The square was renovated in 2021.

Place Carnot Carcassonne France Address

Place Carnot, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Canal du Midi Carcassonne France

About canal du midi carcassonne france.

Canal du Midi is the other UNESCO World Heritage Site in Carcassonne. The canal is 360km long and spans between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the canal there are 328 structures, including locks, aqueducts, bridges as well as tunnels. Specifically, in the Greater Carcassonne area alone there are 17 locks to pass through. This makes for a leisurely boat trip if you decide to sail down the canal.

The canal was built between 1667 and 1694. Significantly, it is known as one of the great civil engineering works of the modern era. It was designed by French engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet.

There is a path alongside the canal, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll as well as for cycling. There are restaurants on the banks of the canal as well as a port just outside the Carcassonne train station.

Canal du Midi Carcassonne France Address

Plus Code: 6982+X4 Carcassonne, France

Gare de Carcassonne France

About Gare de Carcassonne

This is the train station in Carcassonne France. It connects Carcassonne to other towns and cities within France. Carcassonne is around one hour by train from Toulouse, 40 minutes by train to Narbonne and 1.5 hours from Montpellier.

Gare de Carcassonne Address

1 Av. du Maréchal Joffre, 11000 Carcassonne, France

Self Guided Walking Tour of Carcassonne France Map

The map of this self guided walking tour of Carcassonne France is below.

Walking Distances for Self Guided Walking Tour of Carcassonne France

The walking distances are as follows:

• Square Gambetta to Pâtisserie Bimas: 150 metres (0.1 miles), 2 minute walk (we suggest buying hand crafted chocolates here)
• Pâtisserie Bimas to La Petite Cuillère: 450 metres (0.3 miles), 6 minute walk (you will walk across the Pont Neuf bridge over the Aude River and get views of the Pont Vieux bridge) (we suggest having a snack and a hot drink here)
• La Petite Cuillère to Église Saint-Gimer: 400 metres (0.2 miles), 5 minute walk
• Église Saint-Gimer to Porte de l’Aude: 140 metres (0.1 miles), 2 minute walk uphill
• Porte de l’Aude to Château Comtal: 450 metres (0.3 miles), 7 minute walk
• Château Comtal to Restaurant Comte Roger: 110 metres (0.1 miles), 1 minute walk
• Restaurant Comte Roger to Basilique Saint-Nazaire: 140 metres (0.1 miles), 2 minute walk (we suggest you have lunch here)
• Basilique Saint-Nazaire to Porte Narbonnaise: 400 metres (0.2 miles), 5 minute walk
• Porte Narbonnaise to Pont Vieux: 950 metres (0.6 miles), 11 minute walk
• Pont Vieux to Portail des Jacobins: 550 metres (0.3 miles), 7 minute walk
• Portail des Jacobins to Place Carnot: 270 metres (0.2 miles), 3 minute walk (we suggest having a drink at one of the restaurants and cafes around Place Carnot)
• Place Carnot to Gare de Carcassonne: 600 metres (0.4 miles), 8 minute walk (you cross the Canal du Midi just before the train station)

Total Distance for self-guided walking tour Carcassonne France: 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles), 57 minute walk. Allow for one full day with stops along the way to enjoy the attractions.

Virtual Walking Tour of Carcassonne France

Our virtual Carcassonne Walking Tour in France is in the video below.

Train to Carcassonne France

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Carcassonne France. Carcassonne Train Station is called Gare de Carcassonne in French.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in France . This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates. The TrainLine app was much easier to use than the SNCF website and app, which we found really cumbersome and difficult to use.

Where to stay in Carcassonne France

We recommend the following accommodation in Carcassonne France:

• Best hostel in Carcassonne city – for a great value hostel in the heart of Carcassonne city we recommend Le Couvent Hostel . This hostel is very clean and fairly new. The staff are nice and helpful. There is also a great bar and restaurant on the premises. However there is no communal kitchen and not many common areas.
• Best mid-range hotel in Carcassonne France – for a great value stay in Carcassonne France we recommend Hôtel du Pont Vieux . Located just outside the city, this Carcassonne hotel has comfortable rooms and exceptional service.
• Best bed & breakfast in Carcassonne city – for a charming B&B in Carcassonne Citadel, we recommend Les chambres d’Aimé . This historic property has spacious, beautifully decorated rooms as well as a private pool. It is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Furthermore, their breakfasts are delicious.
• Best luxury 5 star hotel in Carcassonne Citadel – for a luxury experience within the city walls of Carcassonne we recommend Hotel de la Cité & Spa Mgallery . The hotel has a prime position within the citadel and the views from the terrace are amazing.
• Best value self-contained apartment in Carcassonne city – for a beautifully appointed one bedroom apartment in Carcassonne city we recommend Méline – BASTIDE – Appartement . This Carcassonne holiday apartment rental is also conveniently close to the historic city of Carcassonne.
• Best luxury self-contained apartment in Carcassonne city – Apartement d`Églantine is a spacious apartment in Carcassonne with a wonderful host and a great location.

Carcassonne Blogs

You can find our Carcassonne travel blogs below.

10 Best Things To Do in Carcassonne France (with map)

10 Best FREE Things To Do in Carcassonne France (with map)

Carcassonne Travel Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

France Blogs

You can find our France travel blogs below.

20 Best FREE Things To Do in Nice France (with map)

15 Best FREE Things To Do in Toulon France (with map)

24 Best FREE Things To Do in Marseille France (with map)

18 Best FREE Things To Do in Avignon France (with map)

10 Best FREE Things To Do in Nîmes France (with map)

14 Best FREE Things To Do in Montpellier France (with map)

17 Best FREE Things To Do in Toulouse France (with map)

Nice Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Toulon Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Marseille Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Avignon Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Nîmes Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Montpellier Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

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39 Best Stops Between Paris and Carcassonne

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How long is the drive from Paris to Carcassonne?

The direct drive from Paris to Carcassonne is 477 mi (767 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Paris to Carcassonne, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Versailles , Toulouse , Sarlat-la-Caneda , Blois , Limoges , Orleans , Bourges , Fontainebleau , and Cahors , as well as top places to visit like Marie Antoinette's Grotto and Palace of Versailles, or the ever-popular Thoiry ZooSafari.

Top cities between Paris and Carcassonne

Fontainebleau.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Best stops along Paris to Carcassonne drive

Thoiry zoosafari.

Marie Antoinette's Grotto

Palace of versailles, hall of mirrors, château de fontainebleau, cathédrale sainte-croix d'orléans, château de sully-sur-loire, château de chambord.

Château Royal de Blois

Château de cheverny, zooparc de beauval, bourges cathedral, oradour sur glane memory centre, château de hautefort.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Le Parc du Bournat | Un voyage en 1900

Gouffre de proumeyssac, au vieux sarlat, gouffre de padirac, castelnaud-la-chapelle castle, sanctuaire notre-dame de rocamadour, bonaguil castle, chateau cenevieres, pont valentré, najac castle.

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Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

Pl. du capitole, cité de l'espace, foix castle, château de montségur, top searches in carcassonne, other popular road trips from paris, explore nearby places.

• Carcassonne
• Carcassonne Center
• Villemoustaussou
• Villegailhenc
• Caux-et-Sauzens
• Villesequelande
• Ladern-sur-Lauquet
• Saint-Hilaire
• Villeneuve-Minervois
• Laure-Minervois
• Brousses-et-Villaret

All related maps of Carcassonne

• Map of Carcassonne
• Map of Carcassonne Center
• Map of Villemoustaussou
• Map of Pennautier
• Map of Cavanac
• Map of Villegailhenc
• Map of Lavalette
• Map of Trebes
• Map of Leuc
• Map of Caux-et-Sauzens
• Map of Aragon
• Map of Verzeille
• Map of Villesequelande
• Map of Villegly
• Map of Arzens
• Map of Ladern-sur-Lauquet
• Map of Montclar
• Map of Badens
• Map of Saint-Hilaire
• Map of Lastours
• Map of Limousis
• Map of Villeneuve-Minervois
• Map of Alzonne
• Map of Laure-Minervois
• Map of Cepie
• Map of Greffeil
• Map of Montolieu
• Map of Les Ilhes
• Map of Brousses-et-Villaret
• Map of Montreal
• Map of Malvies

Carcassonne throughout the year

• Carcassonne in January
• Carcassonne in February
• Carcassonne in March
• Carcassonne in April
• Carcassonne in May
• Carcassonne in June
• Carcassonne in July
• Carcassonne in August
• Carcassonne in September
• Carcassonne in October
• Carcassonne in November
• Carcassonne in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Carcassonne?

Get inspired for your trip to Carcassonne with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Carcassonne Itinerary
• 2-Day Carcassonne Itinerary
• 3-Day Carcassonne Itinerary
• 4-Day Carcassonne Itinerary
• 5-Day Carcassonne Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from paris to carcassonne.

Yes! You can drive from Paris to Carcassonne.

How far is Carcassonne from Paris by car?

The drive from Paris to Carcassonne is 477 miles (767 km).

How long does it take to drive from Paris to Carcassonne?

Driving from Paris to Carcassonne should take you 6 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Paris to Carcassonne?

Gas from Paris to Carcassonne would cost around $42 to $97 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Paris to Carcassonne?

You could check out Marie Antoinette's Grotto and Palace of Versailles, or the always popular Thoiry ZooSafari!

What are the best cities to visit between Paris and Carcassonne?

People love visiting Versailles, Toulouse, and Sarlat-la-Caneda, among others.

What's the weather like in Paris?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Paris in January
• Weather in Paris in February
• Weather in Paris in March
• Weather in Paris in April
• Weather in Paris in May
• Weather in Paris in June
• Weather in Paris in July
• Weather in Paris in August
• Weather in Paris in September
• Weather in Paris in October
• Weather in Paris in November
• Weather in Paris in December

What are some other road trips from Paris?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Paris.

• Paris to London drive
• Paris to Amsterdam drive
• Paris to Barcelona drive
• Paris to Rome drive
• Paris to Brussels drive
• Paris to Berlin drive
• Paris to Prague drive
• Paris to Madrid drive
• Paris to Milan drive
• Paris to Bruges drive
• Paris to Dublin drive
• Paris to Florence drive
• Paris to Edinburgh drive
• Paris to Venice drive
• Paris to Vienna drive
• Paris to Lisbon drive
• Paris to Budapest drive
• Paris to Munich drive
• Paris to Turin drive
• Paris to York drive
• Paris to Lyon drive
• Paris to Copenhagen drive
• Paris to Antwerp drive
• Paris to Cologne drive
• Paris to Istanbul drive
• Paris to Valencia drive
• Paris to Seville drive
• Paris to Liverpool drive
• Paris to Birmingham drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Best French Road Trips – 12 Amazing France Road Trip Ideas

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

France by Car

If you have wheels, wanderlust, and some free time, there’s nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate the diversity of the country at a more relaxed pace. A road trip in France ticks all the boxes of epic drives, amazing food, friendly people, beautiful culture, and some of Europe’s most gorgeous sights. Plus, French road trips are fun!

From the Alps to the French Riviera, from the Atlantic Ocean to cute medieval villages inland, France by car means unforgettable routes that will plunge you straight into the country’s heart and soul.

We’ve taken many road trips through France, and you can find more France road trip ideas here . For this post, however, we asked other experienced travelers and friends to help us complete the list of the very best road trips in France, so if you are looking to plan a France road trip, where’s what and where we recommend.

Plan your Trip to France

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation.

Transportation:   Omio  is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. We use Omio or Trainline to book our train tickets; both sites are good, with lots of information in English.

Accommodation:   Booking.com  offers savings on hotels, furnished apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Car Rental: Discover Cars is a great site because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and makes the comparison of prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

Travel Insurance:  We never travel abroad without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust  Safety Wing , which we’ve used since its launch. Safety Wing is marketed as insurance for nomads, but you can use it also for short trips. Since April 2019, Safety Wing covers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantines for new policies too!

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30 Ideas for an Unforgettable Road Trip in France

If you are looking for an epic road trip, France has it all to make you happy. Here’s an ultimate guide to the best road trips in France, suitable for all types of travelers. These phenomenal France road trip itineraries can be easily combined, shortened, or extended.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Duration: 6 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse – Colmar – Strasbourg
• Region covered: Grand Est
• Best for: sightseeing, small towns, nature, landscapes, French wine

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest and most famous wine routes in France. This France road trip itinerary from Mulhouse to Strasbourg takes 6 days, and it is the perfect road trip for those who love pretty small towns, picturesque landscapes, and wine – Click here to rent a car in Mulhouse

This French road trip starts in Mulhouse , where you will book a hotel for one night. Hotel Bristol is super central and comfortable, and it has secure parking at a small extra cost.

Stroll around Mulhouse’s Old Town with beautiful architecture. Mulhouse has two great museums, La Cité de l’Automobile and La Cité du Train . Depending on your interests and the time available in Mulhouse, visit one museum or both.

From Mulhouse, drive to Colmar and book a hotel for three nights. The James Boutique Hotel is central and with beautiful and cozy rooms and common spaces.

Take the time to explore Colmar’s pretty streets and historical sights; Colmar is the most beautiful town in Alsace! In Colmar, the Museum of Alsatian Wines is an excellent introduction to the wines of Alsace .

Use Colmar as a base to explore the beautiful town of Kaysersberg on day 3 and the towns of Riquewihr plus Eguisheim on day 4, combining sightseeing with wine tastings. Riquewihr and Eguisheim are very small, so if you start early in the morning, you can also squeeze in a short hike through the surrounding vineyards.

On day 5, drive from Colmar to Strasbourg , where you will spend your last two nights of this road trip France. For this last stop, we recommend the Hotel Cathédrale , with incredible views over the Strasbourg Cathedral and public parking available nearby.

Before arriving in Strasbourg , stop at the impressive Château de Haut-Koenisgsbourg , one of the best castles in France . Then in Strasbourg , use this Strasbourg itinerary for two days which covers the city’s main sights.

OTHER FRENCH ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Best of Alsace Road Trip

2. Paris to Nice Road Trip

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Suggested route: Paris – Lyon – Valence – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Region covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: sightseeing, food, and wine

This road trip from Paris to South of France is one of the best road trips France has to offer to admire its diversity of landscapes and cities. It takes ten days, and it is an ideal road trip for those who love history, architecture, food, and good wine – Click here to rent a car in Paris

Arrive in Paris and book a hotel for three nights. The Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  is super comfortable and is situated close to the main sights. Spend four days in Paris , dedicating one of these days to visiting Versailles .

From Paris, drive to Beaune , where you will spend one night. On the way, you can visit Auxerre , which is a beautiful Burgundian village with some wonderful historic sights. For a night in Beaune, book at the Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa located in a beautiful historical building in the center of Beaune.

Continue south to Lyon , where you are going to sleep for one night. Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charms. In Lyon , take the time to visit the Old Town and its famous Traboules and climb up to Fourvière Hill for some fresh air and great views.

From Lyon, drive to Avignon in Provence. Spend one day in Avignon visiting the Palace of the Popes and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine. Hotel Central is a great option for your night in Avignon.

From Avignon, continue south to Marseille , where we recommend spending at least two days. For your time in Marseille, have a look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary   and pick the sights and activities you like most. The hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port has the perfect location for your visit to Marseille.

The last stop of this road trip through France is Nice , where you can use this list of the best things to do in Nice  to visit the city. Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges is a great option and comes with the best view of Nice, over the Baie des Anges.

3. Normandy Road Trip

• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur – Cabourg
• Region covered: Normandy
• Best for: history, small towns, seaside resorts

This 5-day Normandy road trip is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. This France roadtrip through Normandy starts from Paris and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Normandy region – Click here to rent a car in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris is  Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden. Then, in the afternoon, head to Les Andelys to explore this picturesque town and the Château Gaillard , one of the best castles in Normandy . This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century under the rule of King Richard the Lionheart, is located on the top of a high cliff, and it dominates one of the meanders of the Seine Valley.

After exploring Les Andelys, drive to  Rouen , where you will spend the next two nights. For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , a central hotel inspired by the French poet born and raised in this city.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Rouen , which boasts the best Medieval center in all of France and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

On the third day, drive from Rouen to Étretat through the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine. On the way, stop at Jumièges Abbey to visit the ruins of this magnificent building. In the afternoon, visit Étretat , a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast and world-famous for its impressive chalky cliffs. For a unique stay in Étretat,  Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon  is an excellent option, located 500m from the beach.

Day 4 of this Normandy road trip explores Honfleur . This pretty coastal town on the Seine’s estuary is one of Normandy’s top places to visit . For your night in Honfleur, book at  Villa du Cèdre , a property full of charm with a garden and swimming pool.

The last day of this French road trip explores two of the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie: Deauville  and  Cabourg . Both towns are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas.

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Normandy WW2 Sites
• Brittany Road Trip
• Road Trip in Northern France from Paris
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

4. Champagne Road Trip

• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Reims – Epernay – Troyes – Provins
• Regions covered: Grand-Est, Ile-de-France
• Best for: history, small towns, champagne wine

This Champagne road trip is another beautiful roadtrip France has to offer. It explores the historical region of Champagne , well known for its rolling hills, historical sites, and sparkling wine with the same name. This France road trip itinerary is a good combination of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and (of course) champagne – Click here to rent a car in Paris

On day one, drive from Paris to Reims. On the way, do a short stop at  La Ferté sous Jouarre . This small town, and more precisely, its abbey, hosts two wonderful Merovingian crypts from the 7th century listed as Historical Monuments.

Dedicate the rest of the day to exploring Reims , the capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit. The city is well known for its Gothic cathedral, the coronation place for most of the Kings of France. For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , a mythical property in the city nestled in seven hectares of park, 300m from Pommery Champagne House. Once the car is well parked, you can explore the best champagne houses in Reims .

Day two of this road trip through the Champagne region explores Epernay and its surroundings. Epernay is best known as the main “warehouse” for champagne wines – here are the best champagne houses in Epernay . Not far from Epernay, there’s the Abbey of Hautvillers , where Dom Perignon is buried. Dom Perignon (1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk credited with the revolutionary champagne method, which transforms a still wine (without bubbles) into sparkling wine.

Leave Epernay direction to Troyes and stop at  Château d’Etoges for the night. This lovely château-hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne has individually decorated rooms with period furniture and magnificent grounds.

On the third day of this Champagne road trip visit Troyes . This city was one of France’s most important fair towns during medieval times, a center for hosiery and cloth making. Stroll around the Old Town and admire its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.

After exploring Troyes, drive west to Provins, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Provins, book at  Demeure des Vieux Bains ,  a stunning historical property with comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

During the last day of this French road trip, explore  Provins , another medieval fair town. Provins is well-known for its Medieval festival (yearly, in June) and its underground city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century that connected all the houses.

5. Cathar Country Road Trip

• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassonne – Cucugnan – Narbonne – Carcassonne
• Regions covered: Occitanie
• Best for: history, medieval châteaux, small towns

This Cathar Country road trip from Carcassone in Southern France takes five to six days and is the best road trip in France for those who love history, Medieval castles, and small towns. For the history of the Cathar and a complete description of the Cathar sites, check out the road trip’s detailed itinerary – Click here to rent a car in Carcassone

Arrive at Carcassone and book a hotel for two nights. Mercure Carcassonne La Cité  is super comfortable and has a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also boasts amazing views of the walled citadel from the garden and some rooms.

Take a day to explore the medieval Cité de Carcassonne , one of the most important Cathar sites and one of the main targets during the first Cathar Crusade in 1209.

Day 2 of this road trip France visits the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix , and Château de Monségur , where the last Cathars who did not surrender were burnt alive. Spend the night at the  Logis Auberge du Vigneron , in Cucugnan , with fabulous views of the surrounding valley.

On day 3, visit Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus , two fabulous hilltop fortresses and Cathar sites. Then drive to Fontjoncouse , a gorgeous oh-so typical French village in the heart of the Aude department conveniently located close to the next Cathar sites. Book a room (or a full cottage) for one night at   Le Petit Clos , a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, terrace, and garden.

The next day of this roadtrip France visits Fontfroide Abbey and the Medieval village of Lagrasse with the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu . Both abbeys had an important role in the Cathar crusades, and they are interesting to visit.

On the last day of this Cathar road trip, drive to Minerve, a pretty medieval village where you can see a replica of one of the catapults used by the Crusaders. Then, visit Châteaux de Lastours , one of the best castles in Southern France , before driving back to Carcassonne. Châteaux de Lastours is an ensemble of four Cathar castles with a spectacular setting at the top of a rocky spur.

6. Route des Grands Crus, Bourgogne

• Suggested route: Beaune – Vougeot – Dijon
• Regions covered: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

The Route des Grands Crus is one of the best road trips in France for wine lovers. This Burgundy road trip from Beaune to Dijon takes four days and is an ideal road trip for those who enjoy small towns and beautiful landscapes – Click here to rent a car in Beaune

Arrive at Beaune the day before and book a hotel for 2 nights. Château de Challanges , a gorgeous 19th-century country house set in 7 hectares, is perfect for a relaxing stay.

Take a day to explore Medieval Beaune, the capital of wines of Burgundy. Be sure to cover Les Hospices de Beaune , a jewel of Burgundian architecture, and La Maison des Climats to learn more about the (wine) climats of Burgundy.

From Beaune, drive to Vougeot , where you will spend one night. For something special, book at  Château de Gilly , a 14th-16th century château with moats, French-style gardens, and a dining room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

On the way to Vougeot, stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges , a lively small town with a long history of wine-making. Visit the town, and perhaps a domain or two for some wine tastings.

In the afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cîteaux , the founder of the Cistercian order in France. It was its abbot who spotted the best kind of soils and selected certain grape varieties, improving the quality of the wines.

On day 3, visit the Château Clos de Vougeot , a must of any Burgundy wine route. In the 14th century, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux built the first walls separating vineyards, known as  clos , contributing like this to the promotion of the wines of the region. Clos de Vougeot was the first clos built by the monks, and the visit reveals the winemaking genius of the monks in the Middle Ages.

In the afternoon, drive to Gevrey-Chambertin , a small village home to nine Burgundy Grands Crus, perfect for a stroll and some wine tastings. Then, drive to Dijon, where you will spend one night. The  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions.

On the last day of this French road trip, visit Dijon , the historical capital of Burgundy. Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. Follow the owl trail, which takes you to Dijon’s main sights, like the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne , built in the 14th-15th centuries.

OTHER ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

7. Road Trip through the Jura, Eastern France

• Suggested route: Paris – Baume-les-Messieurs – Château-Chalon – Dole
• Best for: landscapes, small towns, hiking

This road trip through the Jura takes four days, and it is the ideal road trip for those who love nature and good food & wine. This Jura road trip covers the region of the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura (a department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in Eastern France), and is one of the best road trips from Paris for nature lovers – Click here to rent a car in Paris

From Paris, drive to Baume-Les-Messieurs , a picturesque village in the heart of a blind valley. Take a stroll to explore the village and its main sights, and then head to the Cascade des Tufs , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura.

For the first night, book a hotel in one of the villages nearby. La Maison du Lac Chalain , in Doucier, is a good option, and it has an excellent restaurant perfect for tasting the regional cuisine.

The second day is dedicated to exploring some of the best lakes and waterfalls of the Jura. The hike to the Belvédère des 4 lacs and Pic de l’Aigle (12 Km) is one of the area’s main highlights. If you start the day early, you can also hike to the Cascades du Hérisson , a beautiful 4 km trail that links many waterfalls.

Then drive to Château-Chalon , another pretty village in the Jura, where you are going to spend the night. Les Relais des Abbesses is a beautiful, historical property in the heart of the village, and it has a terrasse with magnificent views over the Jurassic plateau.

Spend the morning of the third day visiting Château-Chalon , one of the villages with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France.’ In the afternoon, head to Dole, which was the capital of the County of Burgundy until its annexation to the Kingdom of France.

Dole is a picturesque city bordered by the Doubs River, a city of canals and interesting architecture from the 16th century. Dole’s Old Town is a confusion of alleyways edged by Renaissance homes with turrets and courtyards. Book a night at Hotel de la Cloche , a charming property with an excellent location for exploring the city on the last day of this road trip.

• French Alps Road Trip from Annecy to Chamonix

8. Loire Valley Road Trip from Nantes

• Suggested route: Nantes – Saumur – Amboise – Angers
• Regions covered: Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire
• Best for: Renaissance châteaux, small towns, French wine

This Loire Valley road trip from Nantes Airport takes five days and visits some of the best Loire Valley Castles . This itinerary through the Loire Valley is one of the best French road trips for history and architecture lovers – Click here to rent a car at Nantes Airport

Arrive at Nantes Airport and drive about 90 minutes to Saumur , where you will book a hotel for two nights. Hotel St. Pierre is super comfortable, has a great historical feel, and is situated right on the main square. Dine at Michelin-starred Le Gambetta to treat yourself to an amazing French meal.

From Saumur, drive to Château d’Usse (the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty) with a stop at Château Miniere for a walk among the vines and some wine tasting on the way. The sumptuous and artistic gardens at Château Villandry are also a must-see and easily accessible from Saumur.

Continue east along the Loire Valley to Amboise for two nights. Hotel Le Manoir St. Thomas is a great choice of hotel and even features a suit of armor to guard the lobby. Amboise is home to the Royal Château d’Amboise and the Clos Luce , where Da Vinci spent the final years of his life.

From Amboise, drive to the Loire Valley’s most iconic chateaux: Château Chenonceau and Château Chambord . Enjoy dinner in Blois , followed by the exciting light show after dark at Château Royal de Blois .

On the return to Nantes Airport, break up the more than 3-hour drive with a stop in Angers to see the Apocalypse Tapestries at Château d’Angers . Château d’Angers resembles a menacing fortress rather than an elegant château and is an excellent counterpoint to the other places visited during this Loire Valley Itinerary.

By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) | Sidewalk Safari

• Road Trip Castles of the Loire Valley

9. West Coast of France Road Trip

• Duration: 10 days
• Suggested route: Etretat – Ile de Ré – Bordeaux – Biarritz
• Regions covered: Normandy and Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Best for: architecture, sightseeing, nature, and landscapes

Stunning landscapes, old cities, and historically important places are all part of a road trip along the west coast of France. Whether you camp or stay in hotels, this France roadtrip will be epic.

Start this road trip through France’s western coast in Étretat , known for its huge chalk cliffs. Enjoy a breathtaking walk on the cliffs and finish off with a delicious seafood dish in one of the seafront restaurants of this pleasant village.

The next stop is the WW2 beaches of D-day , such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. Visiting this place will leave an everlasting impression. The last stop in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel , the Medieval abbey that speaks to anyone’s imagination. It is built on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by a bridge during high tide. For a magical experience, book a night in one of the hotels inside Mont Saint-Michel .

This road trip through the west coast skips the region of Brittany. The next stop of this itinerary is the island of Ile-de-Ré in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Ile-de-Ré is a fantastic small Island, right off the coast, reachable by a toll bridge. The island is known for oysters, the local drink Pinot, salt production, and the lighthouse watching over its rugged coastline. Rent a bike, as this is the main way of transport on the island.

After 1 or 2 days visiting Bordeaux , continue your journey to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat . This dune is the highest and biggest sand dune in Europe! Walking across it will give you the feeling of being in a desert. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dune while watching over the Bassin of Arcachon. A moment you’ll never forget.

End this west coast of France road trip with a visit to Biarritz , close to the Spanish border, and go surf in the Atlantic waters.

By Hellen | the Global Wizards

BEST ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Basque Country Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Road Trip Dordogne

10. Gorges du Verdon Road Trip

• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested route: Aix-en-Provence – Valensole – Verdon Natural Regional Park
• Regions covered: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: nature and landscapes

If you are looking for South of France road trips, you will love this itinerary from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Natural Regional Park , which is considered one of the most scenic drives in France – Click here to rent a car in Aix-en-Provence

Did you know that there was a Grand Canyon in France? Yep. Well, it’s not as big as the one in the US, but when you get there, you’ll have the same feeling. It’s called the Gorges du Verdon , and it’s a stunning rocky landscape with towering cliffs, where a turquoise-green river meanders at the bottom.

To start this Gorges du Verdon road trip , you can drive from Aix-en-Provence or any nearby major cities: Marseille, Nice, or even Cannes. The trip takes three days to complete, with one day in Valensole and the lavender fields, one day driving around the different lakes, and one day driving the epic road on top of the Gorges du Verdon. Here are the major stops on this trip:

– Valensole is famous for its lavender fields , which bloom from the end of June to the end of July. Valensole is a cute little village where you can spend the night after exploring the fields around.

– Esparron de Verdon , and Lac Quinson de Verdon , are two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main lake in the area and the perfect place to stop for a while and relax on the beach.

– Gorges du Verdon is the main attraction around here, France’s Grand Canyon. Drive on top of the gorges on an epic scenic route ( Route des Crêtes ), and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in France.

– Sillans la Cascade . Before you leave, check out this secret waterfall, it is absolutely worth the trip!

One of the best places to establish your home base while exploring the area is the village of Valensole, for the ultimate traditional French experience. The bed & breakfast Les Terrasses de Valensole is exceptional.

By Kevin |  Kevmrc

• Lavender Fields in Provence Road Trip
• Route Napoleon Road Trip
• Luberon Road Trip
• The Ultimate Provence Road Trip

11. Gorges du Tarn Road Trip

• Suggested route: Millau – La Malène – Florac
• Regions covered: Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Best for:  nature, landscapes, and small towns

Les Gorges du Tarn is another beautiful south of France road trip. This 4-day itinerary will take you through The Causses, and The Cévennes , a region that offers the ultimate scenery for an amazing French road trip, from deep gorges with hairpin bends to wide-open pastoral landscapes. Because of its uniqueness, the region has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

This road trip in France starts and ends in Millau . On the first day, visit the world’s tallest bridge – Millau Viaduct –, and the tiny village of Payre . Stay the first night in Millau and use the evening to explore this beautiful Medieval city. Hotel des Causses in Millau is comfortable, central, and has an on-site restaurant.

The next day head to the heart of the Gorges du Tarn . The road (D809, D907, and D907bis) follows the bends of the River Tarn, which has cut deeply into the cliffs forming this stunning canyon. You’ll be passing through lots of lovely villages along the Tarn.

At Les Vignes, take the D46 road to Point Sublime , from where you will have the most breathtaking view over the canyon. Go back to Les Vignes and follow the road towards La Malène . On the way, stop at Pas de Soucy for some more amazing views.

You can stay the second night at La Malène. The Hotel Le Manoir de Montesquiou is a beautiful and historical building with a great location in the middle of the Gorge area.

On day 3, head to Sainte-Enimie – a postcard beautiful village. On the way, you can stop at Saint-Chélly-du-Tarn . After Sainte-Enimie, continue to Florac , where you can spend the third night. Grand Hotel du Parc has a perfect and relaxing setting in the Cévennes National Park.

The next day take D16 and D63 to the famous cave Aven Armand. You’ll be crossing Causse Méjean , a plateau with a totally different landscape from the canyons. After the cave, stop at the nearby Medieval Farm to learn more about the local traditions in this area ( Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois ).

Afterward, continue to Meyrueis on D986. When you arrive at Meyrueis, take D996 to Le Rozier. Follow the road along the canyon on La Jonte River – Gorges de la Jonte . Stop at Le Rozier and Peyrelau – two lovely places where the La Jonte River flows into the Tarn River. Afterward, continue to Millau, the end of this road trip.

By Daniela | Ipanema Travels

12. French Riviera Road Trip

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Suggested route: Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Monaco
• Best for: landscapes, and sightseeing

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes follows one of the best drive routes through France, with the French Riviera coastline being dotted with picturesque towns and pristine coves along the way – Click here to rent a car in Cannes

One of the best starting points for this France road trip along the Côte d’Azur is Cannes , a city filled with glitz and glamour that will make you feel as though you’ve arrived in the French Riviera in style! Book one night or two in the Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes soaking up the atmosphere and visiting Cannes’ top sights before moving on towards Nice.

On your way to Nice, you might want to stop off in Antibes . This is a lovely place to unwind after the buzz of Cannes, and you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend your afternoon at the Picasso Museum . If you want to hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend an extra day on the beach, consider staying a night in Antibes itself.

Next, you’ll drive to Nice , where you can explore the city’s narrow streets, bustling markets, and ochre-colored architecture. For your stay in Nice, book at Hotel Locarno , which has an excellent location 200 m from the beach and offers the best breakfast ever.

After spending 2 days in Nice and around, you can drive on to Monaco , stopping off at the medieval village of Eze and perhaps Villefranche-sur-Mer . You can then choose whether you want to stay in Monaco for a chic casino break or move on to Menton , a small foodie town on the French /Italian border.

The distances between the destinations are relatively short, so you can easily tick off two places in one day. We would suggest spending at least seven days on this French Riviera road trip, but of course, you can spend much longer delving into this stunning French region.

By Chrisoula | Historic European Castles

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIPS NEARBY

• Road Trip Southern France
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa

And there you have it, our favorite road trips in France to inspire your next trip. Check out our Road Trips category for the detailed itineraries and more French road trip ideas.

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6 of the best European train routes for summer 2024

May 3, 2024 • 5 min read

From scenic trains through Germany's Rhine Valley to sleeper services from Brussels to Prague, here are the best train routes for summer 2024 © Boarding1Now / Getty Images

Are you planning some European travel this summer? Me too. Getting from A to B by train has never felt so exciting, with a thrilling mix of new routes, classic journeys, and under-the-radar options to choose from.

Here are some of the most enticing European train journeys available for summer 2024. Some services kick in when summer timetables begin in June, while many are in operation now. Either way, it’s time to start planning!

1. There's a new service linking the Baltic capitals

Lithuania has been quietly building up international rail connections in recent years. A cross-border service to Warsaw and Kraków in Poland began in late 2022, and since December last 2023, it has been possible to travel between two of the Baltic capitals by direct train. The journey north from Vilnius to the capital of Latvia , Riga , takes 4 hours and 15 minutes and runs daily, making it a competitive alternative to the bus. Booking in advance is recommended, though. This new route through the Baltics is a precursor to a hoped-for extension towards Tallinn which would link the three capitals. Back in Vilnius, connecting with an onward train to Kaunas is possible. 

How to book: Book online through LTG Link. Ticket prices start at €24.

2. Travel at high speed from Barcelona to Seville

Iryo, a recent entrant into Spain’s seemingly ever-expanding range of high-speed services, has established a foothold on the high-traffic Madrid to Zaragoza and Barcelona route. Its new offering extends from Barcelona and Madrid to the Andalucían cities of Córdoba and Seville , making the journey between the Catalan capital and Seville in 5 hours and 50 minutes. Using the same rolling stock as Trenitalia’s slick Frecciarossa trains, Iryo is also notable for an onboard food service that includes cheese and ham tapas and sustainably sourced Spanish wines to help the high-speed scenery flash past.

How to book: Tickets from €40 one way can be bought online through Iryo .

3. Take the night train from Brussels to Prague

Europe’s night train revolution continues to reshape the experience of traveling across the continent. Only last year, there was no option to reach Prague from the west by sleeper. Now, there are options to lull you to sleep from Paris or Brussels to Berlin , then onto Prague by lunchtime. One approach is the thrice weekly Austrian Nightjet service from Paris and Brussels to Berlin, where you change trains for Prague. More conveniently, there is the privately run European Sleeper train on alternate nights, which takes you all the way. Don’t expect too many frills, though: this train consists of older carriages leased from various train companies around Europe. You will, however, travel directly to Prague with a friendly train crew and enjoy a time-efficient, continent-spanning journey. 

How to book: One-way tickets from Brussels to Prague on the European Sleeper start at €79 for seats, €109 for couchette space, €179 sleeper berth.

See more of Europe on the sleeper train.  Here's our guide to the best routes

4. Scoot along İstanbul's Sirkeci seafront line

If ever a station was a shadow of its former self, it’s Sirkeci, sitting on the shores of the Bosphorus in İstanbul ’s Sultanahmet district . Best known as the one-time terminus for the fabled Orient Express trains, Sirkeci lost its long-distance services in 2013. While the city bustles around Sirkeci, the ground-level platforms have sat unused since, while the underground Marmaray railway flashes underneath the old city bearing travelers from Europe to Asia. There’s life in old Sirkeci yet though. The opening of the new 5.2-mile light rail service to Kazlıçeşme restores trains to the original trainshed. In time, these renewed tracks may even see a return of Sofia - and Bucharest -bound services to the banks of the Bosphorus rather than their less convenient departure point at Halkalı, the western end of the Marmaray line. For now, this is an excuse for nostalgically-minded travelers to hop on a train from one of Europe’s most storied stations, perhaps for a seafood meal in lively Kumkapi, one of the stops on the new line.

How to book: A journey on İstanbul’s trains costs around €0.50. Find out more about transport within İstanbul with our guide to getting around .

5. Ride the summer-only route from Budapest to Koper on Slovenia's Adriatic

Some journeys are so perfectly made for hot weather that they only exist during Europe’s hottest months. Pulling out of Budapest ’s Deli station – not to be confused with the more famous Keleti – the Citadella train noses its way every morning to the Slovenian border and onto the compact capital, Ljubljana . While the views on the Hungarian journey are less remarkable, the stretch of track running alongside the Sava River between Celje and Ljubljana introduces Slovenia’s natural beauty. Between June 16 and August 24, taking this train past the capital to Koper on the Slovene riviera is possible. Koper is home to a historic center stuffed with Venetian architecture and, combined with an unusual journey to get here, more than justifies being added to any central European plans this summer.

How to book:  Tickets cost from €22 one way and can be bought on the MÁV website . 

6. Spend a month traveling Germany by train for just €49

One of the continent’s great travel deals can open up a host of slow journeys in Germany. For €49, travelers can purchase a Deutschlandticket for a month. The price includes regional and suburban (but not ICE or IC long-distance) services across Germany, plus buses, trams and subways. As well as covering urban exploration, this ticket is perfect for hopping around the Rhine and Moselle valleys , taking a tour of the Black Forest or exploring many of the Harz Mountain lines. It also opens up possibilities for some regional international services across borders. Even if you end up paying for the occasional inter-city service, you’ll still save money.

How to book: The Deutschlandtickets (€49 per month) are sold through the DB website , but they're not aimed at visitors, so buying one as a non-German resident can be fiddly. See Seat61's how-to  for the latest guidance.

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