Your Guide Getting to Carcassonne Castle | Maps, Directions & More

Nestled in the picturesque region of Occitanie, Carcassonne Castle offers a unique historical experience. If you're planning a trip to this medieval fortress, it's essential to know how to reach it conveniently. Read on to explore various transportation options, including trains, buses, and driving directions to Carcassonne Castle, ensuring a hassle-free journey to this iconic site.

Where is Carcassonne Castle Located?

Address: 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France | Find on Maps

Located in the Aude region of Southwest France, the Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne, or the Carcassonne Castle is perched between the French city of Toulouse and the Mediterranean coast on the north of Pyrenees.

Closest Landmark: Porte Narbonnaise (120 m)

Getting to Carcassonne Castle by Public Transport from Paris

Please note that the distance and travel time are considered from Paris.

By Bus

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers

Travel Time: 10 to 12 hours

Closest Bus Stop: Carcassonne, Place Davilla (2.6 km)

There are multiple buses that depart from the Quai de Bercy bus station in Paris for Carcassonne. The bus journey could take around 10 to 12 hours depending on the road conditions and traffic. The bus route passes through central France and is a comfortable overnight journey to Carcassonne.

By Train

Best for: Travelers looking for the fastest way to get to Carcassonne Castle from Paris

Travel Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Closest Station: Carcassonne train station (2.6 km)

Trains for Carcassonne typically depart from the Gare de Lyon and Gare de l'Est in Paris. There are two routes from Paris to Carcassonne by train. One train route travels through the eastern region of the country via Lyon and Montpellier. On the other hand, the western train route reaches Carcassone via Bordeaux and Toulouse. Trains are operated by SNCF and TGVinOui and it takes 5 to 6 hours to get to Carcassonne Castle by train from Paris.

Getting to Carcassonne Castle by Car

Driving Route

Travel time: 7.5 to 8 hours

The Carcassonne Castle is located nearly 770 kilometres from Paris and it can take you between 7.5 to 8 hours to reach there by car if you are driving non-stop. The fastest and the shortest route is via A20 where you can cover 770 kilometers in roughly 7.5 hours without a stop. The alternative ways via A71 and A75 are longer and take more time to traverse.

Parking Facilities

Parking Facilities near Carcassonne Castle include:

  • Parking Fontgrande Cité Hôtels Carcassonne: The car parking is located around 230 meters away from the Carcassonne Castle and is open throughout the day. 
  • P0 Parking Delteil: Located at a distance of 400 meters, this parking lot is one of the closest parking facilities to the Carcassone Castle open to the public.
  • P2 - Parking Cité Porte d'Aude: This is an outdoor parking facility with plenty of parking space. 
  • CarPark, Carcassonne: This is one of the most affordable parking lots that is located within walking distance from the old town of Carcassone. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Carcassonne Castle

The Carcassonne Castle is located in the French hilltop town of Carcassonne which lies in the southwest region of France. The complete address is 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France.