Things to do in Carcassonne : the medieval getaway of your dreams !
Nestled between mountains and plains, Carcassonne, known as Carca to locals, is definitely worth a visit ! Located an hour’s drive from our Les Violettes campsite, this city attracts 2.45 million visitors every year, according to its Tourist Office¹. They come for its incredible listed medieval heritage, its museums, its vibrant festival and its local specialities. Ready to discover what you can visit in Carcassonne for an unforgettable experience?
Key facts about tourism in Carcassonne
- The Medieval City of Carcassonne : a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 2,500 years of history, 52 towers and 3 km of ramparts!
- The Château Comtal : the heart of the medieval city, former residence of the Trencavel lords.
- Saint-Nazaire Basilica : a Romanesque and Gothic architectural gem with exceptional stained glass windows.
- The Old Bridge : the ideal vantage point for admiring the city, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- La Bastide Saint-Louis : the historic centre of the lower town, between the Canal du Midi and the medieval city.
- The city’s museums : School Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Centre for Combatant Memory…
- Outdoor activities : walks along the banks of the River Aude, picnics, cruises on the Canal du Midi, etc.
- The Carcassonne Festival : a major summer event in the medieval city.
Local specialities : try cassoulet, fougasse aux fritons and Écus de la Cité!
The Medieval City of Carcassonne
It would be impossible not to mention the Medieval City of Carcassonne ! It is the ultimate symbol of the city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 2,500 years of history await you here! It is the largest fortified city in Europe, with 52 towers and 3 kilometres of ramparts! Nestled 55 minutes from our campsite near Carcassonne, it played a major role in the defence of the Kingdom of France until 1659.
Access is free 24 hours a day and the atmosphere is unique ! Cobbled streets, craft shops and street performances transport you straight back in time.
Adress : 15 rue de la Porte d’Aude, 11000 Carcassonne.
The Château Comtal
In the heart of the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Château Comtal is a must-see !
This ancient residence, dating back to the 12th century, belonged to the Trencavel family, the lords of the region. Its architecture blends Gallo-Roman and medieval styles. When you visit, you will discover a museum and an immersive tour that traces the history of the city. Please note that admission starts at €13, and access is free for children under 18.
Adress : 1, rue Viollet-le-Duc 11000 Carcassonne.
The Basilique Saint-Nazaire
Continue your visit to Carcassonne with the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, a spiritual and artistic masterpiece, nicknamed the Jewel of the City !
This church combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, with origins dating back to the 11th century. It is world-renowned for its stained glass windows, considered among the most beautiful in the South of France. Entering this peaceful place in the heart of the fortress is a timeless experience.
Access to the basilica is free and it is open all year round from 9am to 6.30pm. According to holidaymakers, it is a must-see attraction in Carcassonne !
Adress : place Saint-Nazaire, 11000 Carcassonne.
Le Pont Vieux
Visiter Carcassonne et ne pas passer par le Pont Vieux serait regrettable ! Il s’agit du plus ancien des 3 ponts de la ville, avec une construction débutée en 1315. Il relie la cité médiévale à la Bastide Saint-Louis. Ce pont piéton est fortement apprécié par les amateurs de photographie !
According to many reviews, this is the perfect spot to admire the city, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its most beautiful.
Adress : rue du Pont Vieux, 11000 Carcassonne.
The Bastide Saint-Louis
After exploring the city, visit Bastide Saint-Louis, the historic centre of the lower town, dating back to the 13th century !
Nestled between the Canal du Midi and the medieval city of Carcassonne, this lively neighbourhood lies on the left bank of the Aude River. Its octagonal layout, with streets laid out in a grid pattern, its mansions, bustling shops and cafés are sure to charm you. Here you will find the Saint-Michel Cathedral, with its sober Gothic style.
The museums of Carcassonne
For a complete cultural immersion during your visit to Carcassonne, the city’s museums are an excellent option :
- School Museum : step back in time with this reconstruction of a 19th-century school classroom ! Admission is €4. Adress : 3 rue du Plô, La Cité, 11000 Carcassonne.
- Carcassonne Museum of Fine Arts : in 10 rooms, popular with art and history lovers, you will discover paintings, earthenware and temporary exhibitions, all free of charge ! Address: 15 Boulevard Camille Pelletan, 11000 Carcassonne.
- Centre Culturel de la Mémoire Combattante (Cultural Centre for Military History): this place pays tribute to the region’s military history. Collections, archives and objects retrace the conflicts of the 20th century. Admission is free ! Adress : 102 rue Trivalle, 11000 Carcassonne.
Between picnics, walks and cruises in Carcassonne
Visiting Carcassonne also means enjoying its natural surroundings! The banks of the River Aude are perfect for walking or cycling. You can even organise a picnic at the foot of the Cité, with a panoramic view.
Fancy a different experience ? Enjoy a cruise on the Canal du Midi !
Don’t forget the Jardin du Calvaire, a small, hidden park in the Bastide. It’s the ideal place for a peaceful break surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Adress : rue Voltaire, 11000 Carcassonne.
The Carcassonne Festival
If you plan to visit Carcassonne in summer, the Carcassonne Festival is an event not to be missed!
It is one of the most popular festivals in France, attracting more than 200,000 people each year, according to the Occitanie Tourist Office². It takes place in the medieval city. What’s on the programme ? Concerts, operas, plays, dance performances and open-air screenings.
An ‘Off Festival’ even offers free events throughout the city!
Local specialities you absolutely must try in Carcassonne!
Your visit to Carcassonne would not be complete without sampling its local specialities :
- Cassoulet : this is the dish you absolutely must try. It can be made with partridge or mutton.
- Fougasse aux fritons : flaky and crispy, it can be enjoyed as a starter or with drinks.
- Les Écus de la Cité : these are chocolates shaped like medieval coins.
To savour these delicacies, choose renowned restaurants such as Restaurant Adélaïde or La Demeure du Cassoulet. And for a total immersion in the local terroir, don’t miss one of Carcassonne’s markets ! There is always one open on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. Don’t forget that our Les Violettes campsite, a charming 3-star site with a swimming pool near Toulouse, is the ideal starting point for your adventures in Carcassonne. Book your stay there now !
