A UNESCO medieval fortified city with ramparts, a castle and cassoulet.
Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city in the Aude department, about 95 km south-east of Toulouse. The Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site with double ramparts and 52 towers, rises above the lower town (the Bastide Saint-Louis). The liO Train or Intercités from Gare Matabiau takes about 55 minutes, with an average fare of about EUR 17 and promotional fares from EUR 1. The station is about 2 km from the Cité, reached by a 30-minute walk or local bus.
The main sights are the Château Comtal, the ramparts walk, the Basilica of Saints Nazaire and Celse with its stained glass, and the Canal du Midi at the foot of the Bastide. The Cité is full of shops and restaurants, and the local speciality is cassoulet.
Visit early in the day to avoid midday crowds, and in July and August the Cité is busy and hot. A suggested day takes the morning to walk the walls and the château, has cassoulet for lunch, and spends the afternoon along the canal before the evening train.
| Distance | About 95 km south-east of Toulouse |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 55 minutes by train |
| Getting there | liO Train or Intercités from Gare Matabiau to Carcassonne, about 55 minutes; average fare about EUR 17 (~$19.55) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Porte Narbonnaise, 11000 Carcassonne, France |
How to get there
- liO Train (TER)
- Intercités
- Car
Suggested itinerary
- Cité ramparts and Château Comtal, cassoulet lunch, Bastide Saint-Louis and the Canal du Midi, train back
Location
Porte Narbonnaise, 11000 Carcassonne, France
43.2067, 2.3636 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the ramparts of the double-walled Cité
- Visit the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saints Nazaire and Celse
- Eat cassoulet in the old town
- Stroll the Canal du Midi near the Bastide Saint-Louis
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00 to avoid peak crowds
- Book the Château Comtal ticket in advance in summer
- Wear flat shoes; the Cité's streets are cobbled and steep
- Consider the local bus from the station to the Cité if short of time
When to visit
April-June and September-October; July and August are hot and crowded.
Accessibility
The Cité has steep cobbled streets and ramparts with steps; the lower town is flat.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Carcassonne from Toulouse?
About 55 minutes by liO Train or Intercités from Gare Matabiau.
How far is the station from the Cité?
About 2 km, a 30-minute walk or a short bus ride.
What does the train cost?
Averages about EUR 17 (~$19.55); promotional fares from EUR 1 (~$1.15).