Location: Carcassonne
Top Things to do in Carcassonne
What to do and see in Carcassonne, Occitanie: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Restaurants in Carcassonne
1. Eglise Saint-Nazaire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,917 reviews
Reviewed By PJandSJ - Matlock, United Kingdom
This is an imposing church which exudes a sense of deep history. The stained-glass windows at the altar end of the church – the apse – are beautiful, particularly the two rose windows – one at each end of the transept. I sat there for several minutes gazing at their beauty … and returned two days later to have another look. The windows rivalled anything that I’ve seen on visits to various churches around the world.
2. Cathar Castles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
Reviewed By alexanderp982 - Helmsange, Luxembourg
Once you have parked in the village, walked to the entrance and paid the fee (face mask compulsory inside) you then take off your mask for the steepish walk up the hillside paths to reach each of the 4 castle ruins in turn. Allow 2 hours to do the tour. Ticket includes access to viewpoint across the valley which you can then drive to afterwards.
3. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,819 reviews
Reviewed By shonas804 - Auckland, New Zealand
We absolutely loved visiting here. Imagine a real life medieval town, Harry Potter fans would love this place. I loved everything thing about it .... from the cobbled streets, the amazing turrets, to the fantastic shops, the incredible history and being able who walk around in a living city with so much history. The church had gorgeous stained glass windows. Go here, it is amazing!
4. 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
5. Memorial House (Maison des Memoires)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Home of poet Joë Bousquet.
6. 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.
7. Musee De L'ecole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By irishmick2018 - Dublin, Ireland
Really enjoyed this visit.OK you might say it’s just a school and you would be correct at that but it’s a walk back in time to see what a French school looked and felt like way back. A really interesting little museum very quaint and quite a bit of history to it in relation to world war 2. Well worth a visit
8. Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By 124janetk - Southport, United Kingdom
A museum packed with lots of interesting memorabilia and a very helpful your and very good attempt to speak English ,my husband is knowledgeable about all the exhibits and between us filled in all the storylines.David's is history proud of his family history and their part in the wars.
9. Lac de la Cavayere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 590 reviews
Reviewed By Bluebell09 - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Nature, fresh air, peace and quiet a great area to visit. Three small beach areas, refreshments and public conveniences around the lake, a lovely way to spend a few hours
