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Everything You Need to Know Before You Plan Your Visit to Carcassonne Castle

Discover the fascinating Carcassonne Castle in the charming city of Carcassonne, France. This historic fortress boasts incredible medieval architecture and a rich French history. If you want to explore its well-preserved interiors and imposing walls, keep reading to learn how to plan your visit and make the most of your experience.

Carcassonne Castle at a Glance

Carcassonne Castle
What are Carcassonne Castle's opening hours?

The Carcassonne Castle opening hours are10 AM to 6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.

Where is the Carcassonne Castle located?

The Carcassonne Castle opening hours are10 AM to 6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.

How many entrances does the Carcassonne Castle have?

The Carcassonne Castle opening hours are10 AM to 6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.

How many visitors does the Carcassonne Castle see per year?

The Carcassonne Castle opening hours are10 AM to 6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.

Carcassonne Castle Opening Hours

Carcassonne Castle

General Timings

  • Opening Hours: April to September: 10 AM to 6:30 PM. October to March: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Last Entry April to September: 5:30 PM. undefined
  • Closed on: January 1, May 1, and December 25
Find Out the Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Carcassonne Castle

With a footfall of roughly 3 million visitors each year, the Carcassonne Castle greets tourists all year round. That said, visitor activity depends on various factors including time of the year, week, and day.

Weekday vs. Weekend

The weekend is usually busier than the weekdays due to the influx of local and out-of-town tourists. Consider visiting early in the morning on weekdays to avoid large crowds and long queues.

Peak Season vs. Low Season

Carcassonne's peak season is in June-August. Visit the castle then to experience the festive atmosphere during Bastille Day in July. But, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in spring (March-June).

Carcassonne Castle Location

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

Carcassonne Castle is perched on a hill in the Languedoc region of southern France, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Located in the city of Carcassonne in the Occitanie region, this medieval fortress is easily accessible from major cities like Toulouse and Montpellier.

Closest Landmark: Porte Narbonnaise (120 m)

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Getting to the Carcassonne Castle

Carcassonne Castle

By Public Transportation

By train: The train is the best and the fastest way to get to the Carcassonne Castle from Paris. Multiple trains which are primarily operated by SNCF and TGVinOui depart from different stations in Paris including the Gare de Lyon and the Gare de l'Est.

By bus: The bus is the best way to get to Carcassonne Castle from Paris if you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative. Most buses leave from the Quai de Bercy bus station in Paris and take around 10-12 hours to reach the Carcassonne bus station.

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Carcassonne Castle

By Road

By Car

The Carcassonne Castle is roughly 770 kilometers away from Paris and it can take you between 7.5 to 8 hours to reach there by car if you are driving non-stop via the A20 as it is the fastest and the shortest route. The alternative routes via A71 and A75 are longer and take more time to traverse.

Parking facilities 

Parking Facilities near Carcassonne Castle

  • Parking Fontgrande Cité Hôtels Carcassonne: The car parking is located around 230 meters away from the Carcassonne Castle and is open throughout the day. (230 m)
  • P0 Parking Delteil: Located at a distance of 400 meters, this parking lot is one of the closest parking facilities to the Carcassonne Castle open to the public. (400 m)
  • P2 - Parking Cité Porte d'Aude: This is an outdoor parking facility with plenty of parking space.  (650 m)
  • CarPark, Carcassonne: This is one of the most affordable parking lots that is located within walking distance from the old town of Carcassonne. (650 m)

Know Before You Go

Carcassonne Castle

The Carcassonne Castle has four entrances including The Rodez Gate to the north, the Narbonne Gate to the east, the Saint-Nazaire Gate to the south, and the Aude Gate to the west.

  • Narbonne Gate: The Narbonne Gate is the eastern entrance of the Carcassonne Castle where different towers of the gate come together to fortify the inner walls of the castle.
  • Rodez Gate: The Rodez Gate is the gate that lies to the north of the Carcassonne Castle. You will find multiple reinforced Roman towers here.
  • Saint-Nazaire Gate: Situated toward the south of the Carcassonne Castle, the Saint-Nazaire Gate offers a splendid view of Carcassonne town. 
  • Aude Gate: The Aude Gate which was once known as the Gate of Toulouse, is the most aesthetic and impressive entrance of the Carcassonne Castle.  Additionally, it is more tranquil compared to other entrances. 
Carcassonne Castle
  • Washrooms: There are multiple toilets inside the Carcassonne Castle. Additionally, there are toilets for disabled visitors as well inside the complex. 
  • Bookshop: Tourists can purchase books on the history of Carcassonne, the Carcassonne Castle, and other historically significant landmarks in and around Carcassonne. 
  • Parking: Parking spaces are reserved for European parking cards, GIG, and GIC badge holders. 
  • Guides: You can choose between a self-guided tour, a discovery tour, and a conference tour. 
  • Audio Guide: The audio guide is available in three languages including English, French, and Spanish.
  • Adapted Tours: Adapted or dedicated tours can be arranged for visitors with disabilities depending on their requirements.
Carcassonne Castle
  • The Carcassonne Castle has multiple ramparts at different entrances. 
  • Self-guided tours are partially accessible by wheelchair. 
  • The ramparts are not recommended for individuals with reduced mobility. 
  • There are several booklets in Braille and large prints for visually impaired visitors that shed light on the history and architecture of the Carcassonne Castle.
Carcassonne Castle
  • Although there are no stringent dress codes, visitors are advised to wear appropriate attire when they visit the Carcassonne Castle. 
  • Pets are not allowed to enter the Carcassonne Castle. That said, assistance dogs are permitted for visitors with reduced mobility and impaired vision. 
  • Touching the artifacts and woodwork within the Carcassonne Castle is prohibited. 
  • Picnics are not allowed inside the Carcassonne Castle. 
  • Flash photography is prohibited inside the Carcassonne Castle. 
Carcassonne Castle

Although there are no dining options within the Carcassonne Castle, there are plenty of options close by.

  • Bar Restaurant Le Sénéchal: Shaded by grapevines, this restaurant is famous for its range of wines, artisanal ice creams, charcuterie, cheese, and its warm staff.
  • Dame Jeanne: Located at a stone's throw distance from the Carcassonne Castle, this cozy cafe serves delicious coffee and the infamous cassoulet. 
  • L'Ostal: One of the best restaurants serving traditional southern French dishes, L’Ostal is known for traditional stews, cassoulet, and dishes cooked on the foodwire.
  • Adélaïde: A perfect stop for diners looking for Instagram-worthy dishes and desserts. 
Carcassonne Castle
  • Hôtel Le Donjon: Coeur de la Cité Médiévale: Located in the heart of the Old City, Hôtel Le Donjon is an ancient building converted into a hotel. (74 m)
  • Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne MGallery: A 5-star hotel located close to the Carcassonne Castle, the property is perfect for families. (200 m)
  • Hôtel du Château : Catch breathtaking views of the city from this property. It offers all modern amenities including a spa, gymnasium, swimming pool, and more. (500 m)
  • Pont Levis Hotel - 4 étoiles - Carcassonne: The hotel lies just outside the entrance of the medieval city and is known for its mouth-watering food, spacious gardens, and location. (300 m)
Carcassonne Castle
  • Château Comtal: Constructed in the 12th century by Bernard Aton, the Château Comtal is another famous medieval castle in Carcassonne. 
  • Porte de l'Aude: A key part of the medieval walled city, the Porte de l'Aude is an iconic gate that overlooks the Aude River.
  • Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point: As the name suggests, it is a panoramic viewing spot that offers the best view of the Carcassonne Castle and its ramparts.
Carcassonne Castle
  • Once you finish touring the Carcassonne Castle and its ramparts, do not forget to stroll through the streets of Carcassonne for a truly immersive experience. 
  • Do not forget to bring a camera along to capture the beauty and essence of the Carcassonne Castle. 
  • Wear comfortable footwear as you may have to walk quite a bit to explore the different areas of the Carcassonne Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Carcassonne Castle

Can I visit Carcassonne Castle?

Yes, you can visit Carcassonne Castle throughout the year.

Where is Carcassonne Castle?

The Carcassonne Castle is located in southwest France around 80 kilometres from Toulouse.

Can I visit Carcassonne Castle for free?

Individual visitors can enter Carcassonne Castle for free if they are:

  • Under 18 years old
  • EU nationals or non-EU residents in France between 18–25 years old
  • Disabled visitor and one accompanying adult (with valid proof)
  • Jobseeker, with official proof dated within the last 6 months
  • Holder of a valid Education Pass (for the current academic year)
  • Holder of a Culture Pass

To gain free entry, you must show a valid ID or documentation at the entrance.

Why should I visit Carcassonne Castle?

You should visit Carcassonne Castle for its historical significance, stunning medieval architecture, and enchanting views.

How do I book tickets to visit Carcassonne Castle?

You can book your tickets to visit Carcassonne Castle online.

What is the best time to visit Carcassonne Castle?

The best time of the year to visit Carcassonne Castle is between March and June. The best time of the week is during a weekday to avoid large crowds.

What are the Carcassonne Castle opening hours?

The Carcassonne Castle opening hours are 10 AM to  6:30 PM from April to September and

Can I visit Carcassonne Castle with the kids?

Yes, the Carcassonne Castle is family and kid-friendly making it a perfect tourist location to visit with kids.

Is Carcassonne Castle wheelchair friendly?

Yes, although some parts of the Carcassonne Castle may not have suitable wheelchair accessibility, the castle is wheelchair friendly.

Can I buy food and drinks at Carcassonne Castle?

No, there are no cafes and restaurants inside the Carcassonne Castle. However, there are plenty of dining options nearby.

How long does it take to visit Carcassonne Castle?

It takes around two hours to visit and explore the Carcassonne Castle.

Is it worth visiting Carcassonne Castle?

Yes, the Carcassonne Castle is worth visiting due to its rich history, alluring Gothic and medieval architecture, and panoramic views of Carcassonne.

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