In February 2024, I finally made it back to one of my dream destinations: La Cité de Carcassonne—a sprawling medieval fortress in Southern France, as outlined in this travel guide to Carcassonne. Nestled in the heart of the Occitanie region, this UNESCO World Heritage site truly transports you to a different era with its three miles of double-walled ramparts and 52 towering watchtowers.
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Having first glimpsed this historic citadel during a hitchhiking adventure at age 21, I had always yearned to return. This time, I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with some dear travel companions, including my husband Gavin, and two friends: Mark and Brian, from Charlottesville, Virginia. Together, we explored the towering fortifications and wandered through Carcassonne’s cobblestone streets, bathing in the tranquil quiet of an off-season visit.
As an avid traveler, I can guide you on a journey of your own to Carcassonne. My love for this medieval wonder runs deep—from my familiarity with its historic legends to my nerdy enthusiasm for the Carcassonne board game (yes, it’s even better played with the real citadel as your backdrop!). Read on for tips to create an enchanting and seamless adventure.
Why Carcassonne Should Be on Your Travel List
Carcassonne, one of Europe’s most iconic medieval cities, is located in the Occitanie region of Southern France. This travel guide to Carcassonne will show you why it’s a must-visit.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and charm, making it an essential stop for any traveller. Its three miles of double-walled ramparts, 52 watchtowers, and labyrinthine streets transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. The city’s long history, from Roman times to its 12th-century fortifications, offers something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or the Carcassonne board game, this destination has something to captivate you.
How to Travel to Carcassonne
In this travel guide to Carcassonne, I’ll share how we made our way to the city, beginning in Montpellier, where we rented a car.
Driving through the scenic landscapes of Occitanie, we stopped in Séte and passed through Narbonne before continuing on to Carcassonne. The journey was filled with beautiful views, and we arrived just in time to watch the sunset cast a golden glow over La Cité’s towering walls. Carcassonne is also well-connected by train, with regular services from Toulouse and Montpellier, making it an easy destination to reach.
Where to Eat in Carcassonne
Carcassonne’s culinary scene is just as rich and exciting as its history. Here are some of the best places to dine during your visit:
- Breakfast: Start your day with buttery croissants and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at Pâtisserie Bimas. The sweet smells of the bakery will entice you as you make your way toward the city.
- Morning Coffee: Inside La Cité, stop by La Boulangerie de la Cité for a second coffee and enjoy the peaceful morning hours before the city comes alive.
- Lunch: For a taste of local flavor, Carcassonne cassoulet is a must-try—picture a hearty stew of duck, sausage, and beans—at La Demeure du Cassoulet. Cassoulet is traditionally associated with the Languedoc region of France, particularly the towns of Carcassonne, Castelnaudary, and Toulouse, each claiming its own version of the dish. Carcassonne’s version often includes partridge and mutton and is perfect for my fellow French foodies wanting to try something authentic and local to the region.
- Dinner: End your day with a hearty burger and fries or comforting bowl of mushroom soup at Le Bistrot d’Alice, the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
I also highly recommend walking the perimeter around Place Carnot and having a look at the restaurant menus and reviews as there are many options. We visited La Briocherie Arpin one morning for coffee and pastries and La Cantine du Saint- Roch for dinner and enjoyed soup, salad, generous duck burgers and fries.
Where to Stay in Carcassonne
For a truly memorable experience, we stayed at the Wine Loft Castle View Airbnb—a cozy space with spectacular views of Carcassonne’s illuminated ramparts. There’s nothing like sipping a glass of local wine while gazing out at the fortress. We loved being near Place Carnot and visiting the Saturday Market off Rue Jean Bringer for crêpes, dried fruit, fresh produce, cheese and charcuterie.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider staying within the walls of La Cité itself. Carcassonne Bed and Breakfast du Palais offers comfortable rooms with easy access to all the major attractions in the city.
La Cité de Carcassonne: Exploring France’s Iconic Medieval Fortress
Walking through the ancient streets of La Cité de Carcassonne feels like stepping into a fairy tale. With its fortified walls and ancient towers, this historical landmark is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The fortress dates back to Roman times and has been an important military stronghold throughout history.
As you walk through its cobbled streets and explore the imposing ramparts, you’ll be transported back in time.
One of the highlights of our visit was taking a walk along the ramparts. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Aude region—rolling hills, vineyards, and timeless villages. Visiting off-season allowed us to experience Carcassonne’s magic without the usual crowds, making it even more special.
The Legend of Lady Carcas
During your visit, be sure to learn about the legendary Lady Carcas.
In the 8th century, during a siege of the city, Lady Carcas used a brilliant trick to deceive the besieging army into thinking the city still had plenty of food. By throwing a fattened pig over the walls, she convinced the invaders that the people of Carcassonne had ample provisions, prompting them to retreat. In celebration, Lady Carcas rang the city bells, which is how Carcassonne, meaning “Carcas rings”, got its name. 🐷🔔
Carcassonne Board Game: A Nerdy Delight
For those who love board games, playing the Carcassonne board game while visiting the city is an experience you won’t forget. We enjoyed an evening of friendly competition in our Airbnb while the real-life citadel stood illuminated just outside our window. Strategically placing meeples on the game board, we tried to build our own medieval empire while soaking in the history surrounding us.
This connection between the game and the city added an exciting layer to our visit, making it extra memorable. I highly recommend pairing the board game with the real-life Carcassonne experience for a true medieval-themed evening. If you’re a fan of the game, I can’t recommend this experience enough—it’s like living inside the game you’ve always played!
Beyond the Walls: Exploring the Aude Region
While Carcassonne itself is a treasure trove of history and beauty, the surrounding Aude region is just as captivating. We spent a few days exploring the scenic countryside, discovering picturesque villages like Minerve, winding rivers, and vast vineyards. Highlights included hiking to Peyrepertuse Castle and visiting Cathar ruins. Occitanie offers endless adventure and natural beauty.
Carcassonne Travel Tips: Your Travel Guide
- Best Time to Visit: If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting Carcassonne in winter. The city is quieter, and you can explore the fortress in peace.
- Getting Around: Renting a car is ideal for exploring Carcassonne and the nearby towns of the Aude region. The scenic drives are a highlight in themselves and it’s seamless to set up your car rental ahead of time through DiscoverCars and simply pick it up on your arrival.
- What to Pack: Comfortable shoes are a must for walking on cobblestone streets, and if you’re visiting in winter, pack warm layers to stay comfortable.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on cassoulet, a local dish that’s a true comfort food, or some freshly baked pastries from the local boulangeries.
- Where to Stay: Book a stay near Place Carnot at Wine Loft Castle View for stunning views or Carcassonne Bed and Breakfast du Palais for a more immersive experience within the city walls.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit Carcassonne?
Carcassonne isn’t just a medieval fortress; it’s a journey through history, folklore, and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its impressive architecture, the intriguing legends like Lady Carcas, or you’re a fan of the Carcassonne board game, there’s something magical about this city that will leave you enchanted. And with the stunning Aude region and the Occitanie countryside just a short drive away, it’s a destination that offers both history and adventure.
Should you visit Carcassonne, France? If you’re a nerd and intrigued by medieval history and the chance to play the Carcassonne board game in Carcassonne, it’s a definite yes from me! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide to Carcassonne and stay tuned for my upcoming guides to Cathar castles in the Aude region.
🌟 This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Carcassonne.
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Bon voyage!
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