City: Occitanie
Top Things to do in Occitanie
Things to do in Occitanie, France: The Best Castles
Occitanie is an administrative region of France that was created on 1 January 2016 from former French regions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Restaurants in Occitanie
1. Chateau Comtal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
Reviewed By Karen7 - London, United Kingdom
This well restored castle costs 9 euros to enter plus 3 for an audio guide which is good for English info on the history and events in the castle even though it's amusingly voiced by an Aussie and Irishman acting as the restorer Violet de Duc. You get to walk around so much of the castle and ramparts. We really enjoyed the night lights show too for 13 euros with films and music played on the castle walls. Helps to be fairly mobile though to navigate the various stone staircases
2. Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,328 reviews
Carcassonne was settled as early as the 6th century BC and later became an important Roman town. It was fortified in the 4th century and was a strategic site in the Middle Ages. It took on its definitive shape in the 13th century with the king’s decision to construct the distinctive double-walled ramparts and extend the castle. The city was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century and is a testimony to 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,600 years of history. See a 12-minute film combining 3-D images and close-up footage; walk along the galleries, the fortified walls and the north ramparts; discover the museum of masonry and many other attractions. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > April to September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > October to March: from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By azeemcobb
Carcassonne is an old walled medieval city. If you like history and peace and quiet this city is well worth the visit, Very few cars are allowed in the city, so walking and enjoying the shops and sights is quite enjoyable. Spending a day walking the ramparts and looking at all the ancient artifacts and then enjoying the fine food and drink in the evening is most relaxing and enjoyable.
3. Chateau de Montsegur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By 99qwerty99 - Arrowtown, New Zealand
The walk up to the chateau can be done in as little as 30 minutes from the car park below and is well worth the effort. However, there is little information and I would suggest that anyone going there read my book "The Heretics' Revenge" available on Kindle as an Ebook. After several visits and extensive research, it is the most comprehensive story ever written about the Cathars at Montsegur and more particularly their hidden relic. Montsegur saw 210 Cathars burnt alive as heretics as just a small, but highly significant, part of the genocide of the Cathars.
4. Chateau de Roquefixade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By 603ericam - Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
It's off the road between Lavelanet and Foix. You see the cliff as you go by and wonder what its like up there.... When we finally went, we discovered a very very sleepy tiny French village with a small cafe ajoining the Fire de etap, a lovely walk from the village to the chateau and really truely amazing view of Ariege , along the way up and from the ruins. The chateau itself is basically a very large pile of stones, some of them still forming a building of sorts, but that specific part is actually closed off to the public as its unstable. The ridge is part of one of our area's best hikes!
5. Chateau de Peyrepertuse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By SuzInDenver - Denver, United States
It’s a short trek to the rocky top but it totally pays off. There are lots of the castle ruins to explore plus 360 gorgeous views in several spots. Take water and a snack. It was really windy at the top so not the best for a full on picnic. There is an entrance fee, but we thought it was worth it.
6. Chateaux de Lastours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By Archaeobuff - Sydney, Australia
I drove up to the belvedere for a birds eye view from the amphitheatre like seating opposite the four Cathar castles on a ridge. These castles held out for many years, resisting sieges in 1209 and 1227, until eventually falling during the Cathar crusades. What a great sight. I did not need the 2 hr climb to see them - I had a bigger fish to fry in Carcasonne. But what a sight this was sitting on a ridge opposite. To access keep on driving past the castles entry through the village. All the facilities.
7. Forteresse de Najac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By DougieM392 - Dumfries, United Kingdom
Lots of steps to climb but worth it for the view from the top. The stone staircase, to the top of the tower, is quite narrow for passing others. A written guide is available in English.The 5 euro entry is very responsible.
8. Towers and Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,755 reviews
The fortified city of Aigues-Mortes was built in the 13th century on the order of Saint Louis to provide the kingdom of France with a port on the Mediterranean. The complex consists of 1,634 metres of ramparts flanked by twenty towers and one of the most splendid keeps in the architectural style of the Middle Ages, the tower of Constance, which was used as a prison for Protestants from the Cévennes region from 1685. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Ticket office closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (from 1st September to 30th April). Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 6,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups (40€)
Reviewed By michaelgW4189MQ - Noosa, Australia
Aigues Mortes is a charming small place with much to do. Visit the salt pans and the near by sea resorts There are many restaurants with a wide array of food and wine at very reasonable prices We stayed in 13-17 century old house which we booked for a month at a very reasonable price
9. Chateau Fort of Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
Reviewed By michaelsX3039KB - New York City, United States
Lourdes is said to be the place where heaven touches the earth. Whilst the Sanctuary for Christian pilgrims represents heaven, this medieval castle symbolizes the earth walking in its botanical garden, dwelling in the intimate museum of the Pyrenees, or visiting the Notre Dame du Chateau (where the original tabernacle of St. Bernadette's Church can be admired and the original cross of Jesus and the statues of St. Peter and Paul) is just a celebration for the eyes as they notice stunning views on the beautiful town of Lourdes, the churches & cathedrals, the Sanctuary along the river Gave, and the majestic snow-covered mountains the local staff doesn't speak much English (hey this is no Chicago), but quite friendly and fairly customer-oriented (not money minded at all), and the General Manager who I believe has a background in the history of fine arts often organizes sublime exhibitions on Lourdes and the Pyrenees for master Rodin aficionados, there is a sanguine drawing from the sculpture August Rodin tucked in the exhibition room right from the majestic tower. Enjoy your visit in this must see historical monument on your journey toward eternity!
10. Chateau de Calmont d'Olt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
A Medieval castle in the south of France that is being rebuilt. During the summer season you can experience live shows with the firing of the trebuchet, the canon and the archery tournament. In low-season the castle can be visited without a guide. Numerous games will challenge your friends and family all throughout the site !
Reviewed By 568Traveller1
A great half day out! A really interesting castle -we went with our 3 sons aged 11,14 and 16. There were lots of 'activities' on - lots ofgames to play, demonstrations - the one of the trebuchet and canon firing was definitely the best! Staff were very engaging and enthusiastic and helpful to us. We were the only English people there so all the talks were in French only, but with our school day french and lots of miming we could figure out the gist of it! Amazing views from there too.
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