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Book Your Carcassonne Castle Tickets
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- Explore the 13th-century Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your own pace with flexible duration options.
- Marvel at the Pierre Embry Room, featuring 3 stunning 15th-century alabaster statues, and enhance your visit with informative leaflets available in 14 languages.
- Climb the Bishop's Tower, the only structure connecting the two imposing ramparts, for unforgettable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Wander through the residence of a prominent 12th-century French family and discover the county castle’s remarkable blend of Gallo-Roman and medieval military architecture.
- Explore the 13th-century Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your own pace with flexible duration options.
- Marvel at the Pierre Embry Room, featuring 3 stunning 15th-century alabaster statues, and enhance your visit with informative leaflets available in 14 languages.
- Climb the Bishop's Tower, the only structure connecting the two imposing ramparts, for unforgettable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Wander through the residence of a prominent 12th-century French family and discover the county castle’s remarkable blend of Gallo-Roman and medieval military architecture.
Inclusions
- Entry to Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts
- Access to the castle courtyards, archaeological museum, and ramparts
- Multilingual leaflets available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, or Polish
Exclusions
- Guided tour
- Transfers
- Audio guide (available for rent on-site for 3 Euros)
- Entry is free for disabled guests with an accompanying adult, jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old), and holders of a valid education pass or culture pass.
- To avoid large crowds at the entrance, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour after the monument opens.
- Animals are not allowed in the Castle.
- The museum will remain closed for safety reasons.
- Exceptional closing dates: Jan 1, May 1 & Dec 25.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo: Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Skip-the-Line Tickets + Carcassonne Walking Tour with Audio Guide
from
€20
- Experience the best of Carcassonne with a cost-effective combo of skip-the-line tickets to Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts and an immersive audio walking tour.
- Step back in time with a 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour, diving into Carcassonne's medieval history, and exploring at your own pace.
- The walking tour includes a professional historian's narration, offline maps, and lifetime access to 19 intriguing audio recordings detailing Carcassonne's past.
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to Carcassonne Castle and Ramparts, including the archaeological museum, and revel in the stunning views from the 13th-century fortified walls.
- The Castle & Ramparts ticket includes multilingual leaflets, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the citadel's history once claimed by Romans, Visigoths, Saracens, and Crusaders.
- Experience the best of Carcassonne with a cost-effective combo of skip-the-line tickets to Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts and an immersive audio walking tour.
- Step back in time with a 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour, diving into Carcassonne's medieval history, and exploring at your own pace.
- The walking tour includes a professional historian's narration, offline maps, and lifetime access to 19 intriguing audio recordings detailing Carcassonne's past.
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to Carcassonne Castle and Ramparts, including the archaeological museum, and revel in the stunning views from the 13th-century fortified walls.
- The Castle & Ramparts ticket includes multilingual leaflets, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the citadel's history once claimed by Romans, Visigoths, Saracens, and Crusaders.
Inclusions
Carcassonne Walking Tour
- 1.5-hour self-guided walking tour of Carcassonne
- Audio guide app for iPhone and Android (available in English, Spanish or French)
- Offline map showing routes for effortless GPS navigation
- 19 audio recordings narrated by a professional historian
- Illustrations of recognizable landmarks
- Lifetime access to the tour in your preferred language
Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts
- Skip-the-line entry to Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts
- Access to the castle courtyards, archaeological museum, and ramparts
- Multilingual leaflets available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, or Polish
Carcassonne Walking Tour
- Tip: Charge your phone to full capacity before your tour - you'll be using it a lot for the audio guide.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the castle.
Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts
- Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at the Great Well. Who knows, it might come true!
- To avoid large crowds at the entrance, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour after the monument opens.
- To avoid large crowds at the entrance, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour after the monument opens.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the castle.
- The museum will remain closed for safety reasons.
- Note that the last admission to the castle is at 5pm and to the ramparts at 5:45pm from Apr 1 to Sep 30.
- Note that the last admission to the castle is at 3:45pm and to the ramparts at 4:15pm from Oct 1 to Mar 31.
- Exceptional closing dates: Jan 1, May 1 & Dec 25.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Step back in time with a day tour of Carcassonne, complete with bus transfers from Toulouse and a multilingual driver fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
- Skip the long queues and head straight into the Gallo-Roman charm of Château Comtal, renowned for its majestic stone walls.
- Explore the Gothic-style Saint Nazaire Basilica, known for its intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Carcassonne’s skyline from the fortified city walls, offering perfect photo opportunities.
- Step back in time with a day tour of Carcassonne, complete with bus transfers from Toulouse and a multilingual driver fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
- Skip the long queues and head straight into the Gallo-Roman charm of Château Comtal, renowned for its majestic stone walls.
- Explore the Gothic-style Saint Nazaire Basilica, known for its intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Carcassonne’s skyline from the fortified city walls, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Carcassonne
- Round-trip bus transfers from Toulouse
- English, French, & Spanish-speaking driver
- Skip-the-line entry to Château Comtal
Exclusions
- Guided tour
- Lunch
- 9:30am: Pick-up from Toulouse
- 10:45am: Arrival in Carcassonne
- 10:45am-4:15pm: Free time in Carcassonne, including visiting Comtal Castle
- 4:30pm: Departure from Carcassonne
- 5:45pm: Arrival in Toulouse
- Tip: Explore local cuisine during your lunch break. Carcassonne is known for its delicious cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole with meat & white beans.
- At the bus parking in Carcassonne, a free shuttle will pick you up every 5 to 10 minutes to take you to the Cité de Carcassonne (Porte Narbonnaise). The shuttle lasts 5 minutes.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Dive into history with a 1.5-hour audio guide (available in English, Spanish, or French) walking tour of Carcassonne, an intriguing mix of ancient fortifications, romantic canals, and medieval reenactment camps.
- Enjoy the freedom of a self-paced tour, equipped with an interactive offline map and GPS navigation. The audio guide provides lifetime access in your chosen language.
- Uncover fascinating tales of medieval royalty, Crusaders, Visigoths, and Templars as you explore iconic landmarks like the Chateau Comtal, renowned for its majestic stone walls, and the Basilica of St. Nazarius.
- Experience the tangible history, from the grandeur of the city's defense walls and gates to the oldest stained glass windows in France. Walk in the shoes of the ancients as you traverse the city's paths.
- Dive into history with a 1.5-hour audio guide (available in English, Spanish, or French) walking tour of Carcassonne, an intriguing mix of ancient fortifications, romantic canals, and medieval reenactment camps.
- Enjoy the freedom of a self-paced tour, equipped with an interactive offline map and GPS navigation. The audio guide provides lifetime access in your chosen language.
- Uncover fascinating tales of medieval royalty, Crusaders, Visigoths, and Templars as you explore iconic landmarks like the Chateau Comtal, renowned for its majestic stone walls, and the Basilica of St. Nazarius.
- Experience the tangible history, from the grandeur of the city's defense walls and gates to the oldest stained glass windows in France. Walk in the shoes of the ancients as you traverse the city's paths.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour walking tour of Carcassonne
- Audio guide app for iPhone and Android (available in English, Spanish, or French)
- Offline map showing routes for effortless GPS navigation
- 19 audio recordings narrated by a professional historian
- Illustrations of recognizable landmarks
- Lifetime access to the tour in your preferred language
Exclusions
- Entry tickets
- Live guide
- Smartphone and headphones
- Canal du Midi
- Carcassonne's defensive walls and gates
- The city's museums and medieval reenactment camp
- Castle of the Dukes of Carcassonne - Chateau Comtal
- Basilica of St. Nazarius
- Tip: Time your visit to witness the magical sunset over the city from the fortress for a truly unforgettable sight.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the castle.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Why visit Carcassonne Castle?
- 2500 years of history: Carcassonne has a rich history dating back over 2,500 years. The origin of the castle dates back to Roman times, but its most iconic form was constructed in the 12th century.
- Reminiscent of a fairytale castle: With its think thick walls and towers, spiky turrets, heavy drawbridges, and a moat, it looks like something straight out of a Disney fairytale.
- Get transported to the Middle Ages: Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets within the castle walls transports you back in time. It's like stepping into the Middle Ages with its charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Stunning panoramic views: Climbing the towers and the ramparts provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the modern city of Carcassonne.
- Inspiration for Hollywood: Fans of the popular TV series, Game of Thrones, might recognize Carcassonne as one of the design inspirations for the fictional city of King's Landing.
Your Carcassonne Castle tickets explained
If you are on a budget
Go for: Entry tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
- Standard entry tickets to Carcassonne Castle give you access to the archaeological museums, courtyards, and ramparts.
- Take in stunning panoramic views of the Carcassonne countryside as you ascend to the top of the ramparts.
Recommended tour
If you are an enthusiastic explorer
Go for: Day trips
Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
Guide: No
- Explore Comtal Castle and Carcassonne on a day trip that includes a skip-the-line entry to the Comtal Castle.
- Day trip tickets include round-trip transfers with a driver well-versed in English, French, and Spanish.
Recommended tour
Carcassonne Castle Highlights
Sculpture of Lady Carcas
Carcassonne, was named after the legendary Lady Carcas, who saved her city from a siege by Charlemagne after her husband was mortally wounded.
Northern Gallo-Roman Rampart
Built centuries ago, this rampart is known to have preserved ancient round towers (with no roof) superbly. It also boasts over 1,000 years of military architecture and is, therefore, a must-visit site while in Carcassonne.
The Western Medieval Rampart
From the only other Rampart, you will see the picturesque town of Carcassonne. You will also be able to climb the square Bishop’s tower, a sturdy construction that straddles both city walls.
Château Comtal (Count's Castle)
Located inside the fortress, the medieval Count’s Castle dates back to the 12th century. The castle serves as a prime example of military architecture.
Basilique Saint-Nazaire
The Basilique is a Romanesque and Gothic-style cathedral that is known for its intricate stained glass windows, ornate sculptures, and impressive nave.
Towers
Carcassonne Castle is adorned with numerous towers. Some of the most notable towers include the Tour du Trésau, Tour Pinte, and Tour de la Justice.
Museum of the Middle Ages
Located within Château Comtal, the museum’s collection and exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, art, and architecture of the Middle Ages.
Plan your visit to Carcassonne Castle
Timings
Getting here
Entrances
Facilities
Tips and guidelines
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Opening hours
- April to September - 10 am to 6:30 pm
- October to March - 9:30 am to 5 pm
Closed: 1st January, 1st May and 25th December
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
Best time to visit: Plan your visit during spring or autumn, since crowds are less and the weather is pleasant. If visiting on weekdays, try and visit the castle during the mornings or mid-afternoon for a comfortable and leisurely experience.
Address: 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France.
- By bus: Multiple buses
Nearest stop: Carcassonne - By train: SNCF lines, on the main Toulouse-Montpellier train route
Nearest stop: Carcassonne - By plane: You can fly into Carcassonne's airport (Aéroport Sud de France Carcassonne).
To get to the castle: Shuttle bus or taxi
There are four entrances to Carcassonne Castle:
- Porte du Bourg-Rodez Gate to the north
- Porte Narbonnaise-Narbonne Gate to the east
- Porte Saint-Nazaire-Saint-Nazaire Gate to the south
- Porte d’Aude-Aude Gate to the west
- Washrooms: Male and female washrooms are available.
- Baby changing stations: Female washrooms are equipped with a diaper changing table.
- Electric charging stations: You can charge your electric cars at the Carcassonne Castle.
- Wheelchair accessibility: The castle is accessible for wheelchair users and has facilities such as adapted bathrooms for their convenience.
- For an enjoyable experience at Carcassonne Castle, wear comfortable clothes and footwear since the terrain is uneven and paved with cobblestones.
- If traveling with small children, carry a baby sling or baby carrier instead of a pram or stroller.
- Animals are not allowed inside the castle.
- After exploring the castle, indulge in a delicious cassoulet. Cassoulet is a slow-cooked casserole made with white beans and meat.
- If you want to go to the city center, take the free shuttle from Carcassonne bus parking. The shuttle runs every 5 to 10 minutes from the parking.
- La Barbacane: Located 1.5 km from Carcassonne Castle, Barbcane is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers refined French cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Le Jardin de l'Evêque: Located 150 m from Carcassonne Castle, Jardin de l'Evêque features a charming garden terrace where you can enjoy traditional French dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Restaurant Le Parc Franck Putelat: Located 800 m from Carcassonne Castle, Le Parc is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves innovative and creative cuisine in a contemporary setting.
- Le Blé Noir: Located 1.9 km from Carcassonne Castle, Le Blé Noir is a charming creperie that offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes, as well as other Breton specialties.
Budget: ibis budget Carcassonne La Cité (1.6 km), Au Royal Hotel (1.9 km), Première Classe Carcassone (5.9 km).
Mid-range: Hôtel Mercure Carcassonne la Cite (850 m), Logis Hôtel Château de Palaja (5 km), Hôtel La Bastide Saint Martin (6 km).
Luxury: Le Parc Franck Putelat (800 m), Hôtel du Roi & Spa by SOWELL COLLECTION (2.6 km), Le Domaine d'Auriac (3.3 km).
- Canal du Midi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canal du Midi is a historic waterway that runs near Carcassonne. It is only 2.4 km away from Carcassonne Castle.
- Pont Vieux: Located 2.6 km from Carcassonne Castle, Pont Vieux is an ancient bridge spanning the Aude River. It offers picturesque views of Carcassonne Castle and the surrounding countryside.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne (Fine Arts Museum): Located 1.8 km from Carcassonne Castle, the museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning various periods.
Frequently asked questions about Carcassonne Castle tickets
What is the best way to get to Carcassonne Castle?
You can reach the castle via train or bus. SNCF train lines and multiple buses will take you to Carcassonne Castle. The nearest stop is Carcassonne.
Do children get free entry into the Carcassonne Castle?
Yes. Anyone aged 18 years and below gets free entry into the Carcassonne Castle. Additionally, EU citizens up to the age of 26 years enjoy free admission.
How long does a typical visit to the average visitor spend at Carcassonne Castle last?
It takes around two hours to visit and explore the Carcassonne Castle.
Is entry to Carcassonne Castle free for adults on special days?
Entry to Carcassonne Castle is free for visitors under the age of 18 years. EU Nationals or non-EU residents in France, between the age of 18-25 years also enjoy free entry to the attraction.
What are the best days and times to visit Carcassonne Castle to avoid crowds?
The best time to visit Carcassonne Castle is on weekday mornings. During this time, crowds are less and visitors can comfortably explore the castle.
Does Carcassonne Castle offer audio guides as an alternative to a guided tour?
Yes, Carcassonne Castle provides multilingual audio guides that can be used by visitors for a self-guided tour.
Are audio guides available for visitors at Carcassonne Castle?
No, audio guides are not available for visitors at Carcassonne Castle.
Does Carcassonne Castle offer any special accommodations for guests with disabilities?
Yes, some areas of Carcassonne Castle are easily accessible for guest with disabilities. Adapted bathrooms, paved areas, and assistance dogs are allowed inside the attraction.