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Carcassonne, France

Things to Do in Carcassonne

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Carcassonne During World War 2

Most booked tours and tickets in Carcassonne

Private guided tour of the city of Carcassonne

Private guided tour of the city of Carcassonne

4.972 reviews1h 30m
Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.548 reviews2h
Cité de Carcassonne Guided Walking tour. Private tour.

Cité de Carcassonne Guided Walking tour. Private tour.

4.847 reviews1h 30m
Carcassonne Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Carcassonne Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

4.518 reviews1h 30m

Top sights in Carcassonne

  1. 1La Cité (Medieval City)
  2. 2Double Walls & 52 Towers
  3. 3Château Comtal
  4. 4Basilique Saint-Nazaire
  5. 5Cassoulet Tasting
  6. 6Canal du Midi
  • Walk a Living Fortress: Experience the sheer scale of Europe's largest fortified city by strolling the complete 3km circuit of its double walls. Climb the Tour Pinte for panoramic views and explore the inner Château Comtal to see the archaeological museum and walk the wooden hoardings.
  • Dive into Cathar History: Discover the dramatic legacy of the Cathars, a medieval religious sect. The city was a key stronghold during the Albigensian Crusade. Visit the Musée de l'Inquisition to understand the period's conflicts and see the siege engines used against the walls.
  • Taste Authentic Cassoulet: Indulge in the city's signature dish, a hearty slow-cooked casserole of white beans, duck confit, pork, and sausage. Try it at legendary spots like Le Comte Roger or Chez Fred in the citadel for the definitive, rich Languedoc experience.

Tickets and passes in Carcassonne

Food and drink experiences in Carcassonne

Rennes-le-Château Mystery Tour from Carcassonne | Hidden History

Rennes-le-Château Mystery Tour from Carcassonne | Hidden History

4.84 reviews5h
Private Day tour :Lastours, Wine tasting,Minerve,Canal du Midi From Carcassonne

Private Day tour :Lastours, Wine tasting,Minerve,Canal du Midi From Carcassonne

5.02 reviews8h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Carcassonne

Day Tour to Mirepoix, Montségur, Camon. Private tour from Carcassonne

Day Tour to Mirepoix, Montségur, Camon. Private tour from Carcassonne

5.06 reviews9h
Carcassonne In the footsteps of cathars - Treasure hunt

Carcassonne In the footsteps of cathars - Treasure hunt

5.01 review1h 30m
Carcassonne Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carcassonne Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

3.814 reviews2h

Hidden gems in Carcassonne

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Jardin du Calvaire

A tiny, serene public garden hidden behind the Basilica Saint-Nazaire in the citadel.

Lac de la Cavayère

A recreational lake and park located just a 10-minute drive north of the city.

Chapelle des Jésuites

A 17th-century Jesuit chapel in the Bastide, now a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events.

The 'Lices' (Outer Bailey)

The grassy strip of land between the citadel's two concentric walls.

Domaine de la Cendrillon

A family-run winery in the nearby village of Pezens, a short drive from Carcassonne.

Day trips from Carcassonne

Castelnaudary

30 min by train or car

The self-proclaimed 'world capital of cassoulet.' Visit to explore the rival recipe, see the Grand Bassin (the largest canal basin on the Canal du Midi), and learn about the dish's history.

Limoux

40 min by car

Famous for its sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, which predates Champagne. The town is charming, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with excellent vineyards for tastings.

Lastours

40 min by car

A dramatic site featuring the ruins of four Cathar castles perched on a single rocky ridge. A challenging but rewarding hike offers incredible views and a deep dive into Cathar history.

Plan your Carcassonne trip

Things to do in Carcassonne: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Carcassonne?+

Top sights include La Cité (Medieval City), Double Walls & 52 Towers, Château Comtal and Basilique Saint-Nazaire. Away from the crowds, try Jardin du Calvaire and Lac de la Cavayère.

What are the most popular tours in Carcassonne?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Carcassonne During World War 2 (5.0 stars, 163 reviews); Private guided tour of the city of Carcassonne (4.9 stars, 72 reviews); Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (4.5 stars, 48 reviews).

How much do tours in Carcassonne cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €3 and €520 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.