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Cité de Carcassonne

1 Rue Viollet le Duc, Carcassonne, Occitanie

Description

The Cité de Carcassonne is arguably the most impressive medieval citadel in France thanks to the excellent state of preservation of its double layer of ramparts totalling 3km and the 52 towers interspersed within that perimeter. There are also several city gates, a basilica constructed in the 12-14th centuries embellished with large stained glass windows, and a castle built around the same period (the château des comtes de Trencavel) that really is a fortress within the medieval town, complete with a drawbridge and chapel. Historically, Carcassonne grew as a trading settlement during the Roman period between Narbonne and Toulouse but it came to prominence during the 13th-century Albigense crusade when it was besieged and submitted (1209). Afterwards, it was further strengthened under Louis IX to resist the Cathars and the Kingdom of Aragon.

Access & Transport

The citadel is across the Aude river from the modern town, between Toulouse (90km) and Narbonne (60km). It is skirted by the A61 expressway and the train station is on the high speed line between Toulouse and Montpellier. Parking info: https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/en/useful/parking/

Instructions & Recommendations

You may want to consider booking a guided visit (available in French, English and Spanish). Link: https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/preparer/visites/visites-guidees/

Meta review

Extremely famous attraction, even internationally, the online reviews are mostly excellent but not perfect. There is a consistent praise about the visual impression created by the well-renovated ramparts as well as recurring comments that it does get quite busy (so best to get in early, in particular during the summer) and inside it is very commercial with so many stores and restaurants.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves this regional architectural heritage but way over-commercialized, which has a negative influence on the community (mercantile behaviours)

Conclusion

There aren't many like this, not just in France but in the world, so we strongly recommend making a detour if you happen to be travelling somewhere around Toulouse or Narbonne but be aware that during the summer months it won't be just you admiring those defensive walls & towers.

Key positive

Stunning size and state of preservation

Family-friendly activity and free admission for children

Key negative

Busy and over-commercialized

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility may not be able to explore the rampart sections

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

March 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission to the castle is 60-75mins bef. closing and to the ramparts 30mins

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:15

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:15

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:15

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:15

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:15

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:15

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:15

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:30 - 16:45

TUESDAY09:30 - 16:45

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 16:45

THURSDAY09:30 - 16:45

FRIDAY09:30 - 16:45

SATURDAY09:30 - 16:45

SUNDAY09:30 - 16:45

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€11
Adult
18 - 64
€11
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0

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