Experience the flexibility of standard entry tickets to Carcassonne Castle, granting access to its archaeological museums, courtyards, and ramparts. Absorb the beauty of the Carcassonne countryside with breathtaking panoramic views while ascending to the ramparts' summit. No guide accompanies these tickets, allowing you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the castle's history and scenery.
Enjoy the freedom to wander through the castle's various attractions, from its fascinating museums to the impressive ramparts, for an unforgettable visit to this iconic landmark in Carcassonne, France.
Embark on an 8-hour and 15-minute day trip to explore Comtal Castle and Carcassonne, featuring skip-the-line entry to the Comtal Castle. Included in the day trip tickets are round-trip transfers with a driver fluent in English, French, and Spanish. No guide accompanies this journey, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Delve into the rich history of Comtal Castle and Carcassonne, soaking in the medieval atmosphere and architectural marvels. With convenient transportation and skip-the-line access, make the most of your day trip to these iconic landmarks in Carcassonne, France, for an unforgettable experience.
The architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853 reinstated the Citadel in one of Europe’s largest restoration projects. Your Carcassonne castle tickets include a visit inside the castle! The interior of the castle is embellished with Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural treasures. The castle on the hill is like a time machine, showing us what things were like in the past. Plus, you get an amazing view of the land around it.
The rampart dates back to the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, constructed during the Roman Empire. The rampart, like much of Carcassonne, was restored in the 19th century by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It was built using a combination of stone blocks and recycled materials from earlier Roman buildings, showing Roman recycling practices.
With Carcassonne Castle tickets, you can marvel at large, well-cut stone blocks with a distinctive "opus quadratum" technique. You can also see defensive towers spaced at regular intervals, originally designed for archers and other defenders.
From the other bulwark, you can look at the pretty town of Carcassonne, the Pyrenees mountains, the Saint-Nazaire basilica, and the theatre. It's another awesome spot to enjoy the greatness of Carcassonne. You can also go up the strong Bishop's tower, which sits on both sides of the city walls. The Western Medieval Wall will teach you about Viollet-le-Duc's restoration work.
The ramparts of Carcassonne Castle, also known as the Cité de Carcassonne, are among the most remarkable medieval fortifications in Europe. Carcassonne is renowned for its double-walled fortification system. This includes an inner wall dating from the Gallo-Roman period and a more extensive outer wall built in the medieval era.
The total length of the ramparts extends over 3 kilometers (approximately 1.86 miles), encircling the entire old city. On the ramparts, you can see 52 towers, each with unique designs and purposes. Through ramparts, you can also walk along the walls, explore the towers, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Located within the Cité de Carcassonne, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire at Carcassonne Castle is a stunning example of medieval religious architecture. This Romanesque church, built in the 11th century, was expanded with Gothic elements in the 13th and 14th centuries.
With tickets to Carcassonne Castle, you can marvel at its beautiful stained glass windows which are considered as the finest examples of medieval stained glass in southern France. Inside, you can admire the intricate stone carvings, including the capitals of the columns adorned with biblical scenes and fantastical creatures.
At Carcassonne Castle, the garden reflects traditional medieval garden layouts, designed to provide both aesthetic pleasure and practical use. It provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the walls of the Cité de Carcassonne.
With Carcassonne Castle tickets, you can see various elements like stone pathways, ornamental hedges, and period-appropriate garden furniture. You can also marvel at a variety of plants, including aromatic herbs, medicinal plants, and colorful flowers. In the garden, you can enjoy photography, drawing, and simply enjoying the serene environment.
Opening Hours: Carcassonne Castle is open daily and you can explore its historic grounds throughout the year. From April to September, the castle welcomes guests from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, while from October to March, it operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Carcassonne Castle is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These periods have pleasant weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more enjoyable exploration of the castle and its surroundings. Also, early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for photography and sightseeing.
By Train: The train is a convenient and fast way to reach Carcassonne Castle from Paris. SNCF and TGVinOui operate multiple trains that depart from Paris stations such as Gare de Lyon and Gare de l'Est. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, and the Carcassonne train station is a short distance from the castle.
By Car: Driving offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the French countryside. Carcassonne Castle is roughly 770 kilometers from Paris. The fastest route is via the A20, taking about 7.5 to 8 hours non-stop. Alternative routes like the A71 and A75 are longer and more time-consuming.
By Bus: For a budget-friendly option, take a bus from Paris to Carcassonne. Buses typically depart from the Quai de Bercy bus station and take approximately 10-12 hours to reach Carcassonne bus station.
By Air: You can also fly to Carcassonne from Paris. Carcassonne Airport is about 15 minutes from the castle by taxi or shuttle bus.
Baby Changing Stations: Diaper changing tables are provided in the female washrooms.
Electric Charging Stations: Electric car charging stations are available at Carcassonne Castle.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The castle is wheelchair accessible and includes adapted bathrooms for convenience.
Yes, Carcassonne Castle tickets purchased through our website include skip-the-line access, which allows you to avoid huge lines and enter this UNESCO World Heritage site quickly. Enjoy a hassle-free experience while seeing the amazing Cité de Carcassonne and making the most of your visit to this mediaeval citadel.
Yes, a visit to Carcassonne Castle is worthwhile. The castle is steeped in 2,500 years of history and features stunning Gothic and mediaeval architecture. Explore the old citadel, marvel at the exquisite restoration work, and take in the panoramic views. Carcassonne Castle is a must-see location due to its rich historical tapestry and enchanting ambience.
Yes, minors under the age of 18 are admitted free of charge to Carcassonne Castle. This allows families to explore the mediaeval wonder together without incurring additional charges for children. It's a family-friendly policy that encourages everyone to appreciate the historic site's rich history.
Yes, audio guides are available for Carcassonne Castle visitors. Explore the castle with educational commentary in a variety of languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and others. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and details of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Entry to Carcassonne Castle is not typically free for adults on special days. However, there may be certain events or occasions where free entry is offered as part of promotional activities or cultural initiatives. It is advised to check the official website or inquire directly with the castle administration for information about any upcoming special days or events associated with Carcassonne Castle tickets prices.
Yes, audio guides are available for visitors with tickets to Carcassonne Castle. These guides offer narrated commentary in multiple languages. While exploring the castle, you can gain insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the castle and its various attractions. You can rent audio guides at the castle's entrance or visitor center and enjoy a self-guided tour while learning about the site's rich heritage.
Yes, Carcassonne Castle offers special accommodations for guests with disabilities to ensure their visit is comfortable and accessible. These accommodations include wheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, and designated parking spaces. Also, there are accessible entrances to the castle and facilities such as restrooms. Visitors with disabilities may also request assistance from castle staff if needed. It is advised to contact the castle in advance to inquire about specific accommodations and services.
Photography is permitted within Carcassonne Castle, however, no flash is permitted. There are no designated restricted areas, however, visitors must respect the historical artefacts and exhibits. In most cases, videography is authorised, enabling a memorable experience while protecting the castle's rich history, architecture, and cultural legacy.