- 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.
Experience the best of Carcassonne Castle
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.Witness 2,500 years of history on a self-guided tour of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Château and ramparts of Carcassonne. Walk fortified walls, climb the Bishop’s Tower, visit the archaeological museum, and see Salle Pierre Embry’s 15th-century statues.
- Why choose this: Walk through centuries of military architecture without time constraints. This is ideal if you prefer flexibility—pause for photos, linger at scenic viewpoints, and explore lesser-known corners without being tied to a group.
Inclusions
Access to the Château of Carcassonne
Access to castle courtyards
Access to the ramparts of Carcassonne
Access to archaeological museum
Know before you go
What to bring
- Bring a valid passport or photo ID card for entry and age verification.
What’s not allowed
- Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and large luggage are not permitted inside the Château Comtal or on the ramparts.
- Animals are not allowed inside the monument.
Accessibility
- The monument is accessible to people with limited mobility in the Barbican and main courtyard only.
- Other areas, including the ramparts, are not fully accessible.
- Expect to climb a lot of stairs with the Bishop's tower having 230+ steps.
Additional information
- The monument is open daily from 10am to 6:15pm, with last access at 5:45pm. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. The ramparts are closed on July 14 due to fireworks.
- Entry is free for visitors under 18 and EU citizens under 26 with valid ID; a timeslot must be pre-booked on the Carcassone website.
- Free entrance is available on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December, and during European Heritage Days (3rd weekend of September).
- Certain areas may be closed due to weather conditions; check availability before your visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo: Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Tickets + Digital Audio Guide
Take an audio-guided tour of the city and get skip-the-line access to the castle and ramparts.
- Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to Carcassonne Castle & ramparts and lifetime access to audio guided walking tour (choose from English, French, or Spanish). Explore at your own pace with GPS navigation and offline maps on the audio guide.
- Why choose this: Make the most of your visit as you skip the lines to Carcassonne Castle that can stretch for over 45 mins during peak hours. Uncover the city's layered history at your own pace with the audio guide, without being tied to a group or schedule.
- Upgrades: Select your audio guide language, English, French, or Spanish, for a personalized journey through Carcassonne’s history.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Carcassonne Castle and ramparts
Audio guide in English, French or Spanish (as per option selected)
Multilingual information leaflet
What to bring
- Recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the day-long tour.
- Ensure your smartphone is fully charged and carry headphones.
- Activate and download the tour in advance as there may be no Wi-Fi and a weak mobile signal at the starting point.
What’s not allowed
- Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the castle.
- Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and bulky luggage are not permitted inside the Château Comtal or along the ramparts.
Accessibility
- This experience is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Additional information
- 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.
- Carcassonne Castle offers free admission on select days, including the European Heritage Days on 20 & 21 September 2025, and on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December.
- To avoid large crowds at the entrance, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour after the monument opens.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Walking Tours
Private Guided Tour Cité de Carcassonne
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Cancel for free up to 3 days before the experience
Book now without paying anything upfront. Pay later with no extra fees.
Go beyond the postcard views of La Cité de Carcassonne and uncover a world of Cathar rebels, crusader battles, and medieval intrigue, brought vividly to life by your expert guide.
- Everything you get: This guided walking tour takes you deep into La Cité de Carcassonne, covering its ramparts, panoramic viewpoints, and the exterior of the Château Comtal. You’ll wander the cobbled medieval streets, step inside the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, and pass landmarks like the elegant Hôtel de la Cité. Along the way, your guide unpacks the powerful 12th–13th century story of the Cathars, the courage of Trencavel and Xabert de Barbaira, and the crusade driven by Pope Innocent III and Simon de Montfort.
- Why choose this: With an expert guide, you understand the Cathar era, the crusade, and the key figures who shaped Carcassonne. It’s efficient, insightful, and covers the main highlights without feeling rushed — ideal if you want depth without wasting time.
Inclusions
Guided walking tour of La Cité de Carcassonne
Expert national speaker guide
Exploration of the ramparts and main panoramic viewpoints
Visit to the outer part of the Comtal Castle
Basilica of Saint Nazaire and Hôtel de la Cité
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven cobblestones.
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, or rain jacket depending on season).
- Water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk.
What’s Not Allowed
- Large luggage or bulky bags that may restrict movement in narrow streets.
- Participation if you have serious medical conditions that could be aggravated by walking tours.
Accessibility
- Not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces and ramparts.
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with back issues.
- Participants should be in moderate physical condition.
- Tour involves extended walking and some inclines.
- Service animals permitted.
- Get full refund if you cancel 72 hours before the experience start time.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): Carcassonne Castle Tickets with Audio Guide + Transport from Toulouse
Experience Carcassonne’s medieval wonders with skip-the-line castle entry and round-trip transfers.
- Everything you get at Carcassonne Full-Day Tour: Enjoy round-trip transport from Toulouse in a comfortable AC bus, free shuttle to the city gates, and plenty of time to explore the citadel. Walk through cobbled lanes and fortified gates as your audio guide reveals stories of crusades, royal power, and resistance.
- Everything you get at Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts: Get skip-the-line access to Carcassonne's castle, ramparts, and towers. Use the leaflets to gain historical insights and the multilingual audio guide to hear stories of crusades, royal intrigue, and local legends. Explore the Bishop’s Tower, medieval statues at the basilica, and panoramic walkways at your own pace.
- Why choose this combo: Get the complete Carcassonne experience with hassle-free travel from Toulouse, skip-the-line castle entry, and rich historical insights through a self-paced audio tour.
Inclusions
Round-trip bus transfers from Toulouse
Skip-the-line entry to Carcassonne Castle & ramparts
Access to the castle courtyards & archaeological museum
Audio guide in English, French, and Spanish (as per option selected)
Multilingual leaflets
What to bring
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the day-long tour.
- Download the audio guide in advance and carry headphones for the best experience.
What’s not allowed
- Animals are not allowed within the monument, except for service animals.
- Smoking is prohibited.
- Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and bulky luggage are not permitted inside the Château Comtal or along the ramparts.
Accessibility
- Entry is free for disabled guests with an accompanying adult; however, accessibility is limited.
Additional information
- To avoid large crowds at the entrance, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour after the monument opens.
- Entry is free for jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old), and holders of a valid education pass or culture pass.
- Carcassonne Castle offers free admission on select days, including the European Heritage Days on 20 & 21 September 2025, and on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December.
- For free entry, you have to reserve on Carcassonne's website.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Day Trips
From Toulouse: Transport to Carcassonne with Audioguide
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Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience
Book now without paying anything upfront. Pay later with no extra fees.
Uncover Carcassonne's military history with an audio guide with comfortable transport both ways.
- Full day out to Carcassonne, with comfortable round-trip bus transfers from Toulouse. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the walled city on your own.
- You’ll get comfortable coach transport, a downloadable multilingual audio guide (in English, French, and Spanish) and a free shuttle from the bus parking to the city entrance. Walk on the cobbled streets, discover medieval architecture, and take in sweeping countryside views with insights from your audio guide.
- Cité de Carcassonne: Stroll through the cobbled alleys of this hilltop fortress and take in views from the outer ramparts. Use your audio guide to uncover stories of crusaders, battles, and daily medieval life as you explore the historic citadel.
- Comtal Castle and ramparts: Walk through the castle, ramparts with elevated walkways, and towers to immerse yourself in centuries-old architecture. Tickets to Comtal Castle, ramparts, and Saint-Nazaire Basilica are not included in this tour.
Inclusions
Round-trip bus transfers to Carcassonne from Toulouse
Full-day tour of Carcassonne
Audio guide in English, French, and Spanish (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Tickets to the castle, ramparts and Saint-Nazaire Basilica
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID and any required proof for free entry to certain sites (e.g., age, EU residency, disability status).
- Make sure to download the audio guide in advance and carry headphones for a better experience.
- You can bring your own snacks and store them in the bus.
What’s not allowed
- Pets are not allowed on this tour.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on the bus and during the tour.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited.
Accessibility
- This experience may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to cobbled streets and uneven surfaces in Carcassonne.
Additional information
- Entrance fees to tourist sites such as the Comtal Castle and Saint Nazaire Basilica are not included in this tour.
- Free entry to the Comtal Castle is available for children under 18, 18–25 year olds from EU countries, disabled persons and their companions, with valid proof.
- Free entry also available during Heritage Days.
- For free entry, registration is required on Carcassonne's website before arriving at the departure point.
- Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Guided Tours
Carcassonne Small Group Half-day tour from Toulouse
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Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience
Book now without paying anything upfront. Pay later with no extra fees.
Explore the medieval magic of Carcassonne with a small group, English-speaking driver-guide, and hassle-free A/C transfers from Toulouse.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a comfortable half-day escape from Toulouse to Carcassonne in an air-conditioned minivan with a small group for a more personalized experience. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide who shares insights along the way, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at a central meeting point. Once in Carcassonne, you’ll have time to explore the UNESCO-listed fortified city, wander its cobbled streets, admire its iconic ramparts and towers, and soak in the charm of one of France’s most well-preserved medieval citadels.
- Why choose this: This tour is perfect if you want a stress-free, efficient way to visit Carcassonne without planning logistics yourself. The small group size ensures a more relaxed and engaging experience, while the comfortable transport and expert guidance let you focus entirely on the destination. Ideal for travelers short on time, it combines convenience, insight, and flexibility in one memorable half-day trip.
Inclusions
English speaking driver guide
Cité of Carcassonne visit
Pick up and drop off at meeting point
Travel in A/C minivan
What's not allowed
- Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not permitted on this tour.
Accessibility
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- This tour runs from April through the end of October (excluding May 1st).
- Duration is approximately 4 hours from Toulouse to Carcassonne and back.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the old city has many cobblestone streets.
- The tour is conducted in English.
- Children under 4 years old are not allowed.
- Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Why visit Carcassonne Castle?
Your Carcassonne Castle tickets explained
Entry tickets
Day trips
Audio-guided tours
Combos
Carcassonne Castle Highlights
Sculpture of Lady Carcas
Northern Gallo-Roman Rampart
The Western Medieval Rampart
Château Comtal (Count's Castle)
Basilique Saint-Nazaire
Towers
Museum of the Middle Ages
Plan your visit to Carcassonne Castle
