Things to Do in Carcassonne: A Guide to Exploring the Walled City & the Cathar Country

Carcassonne is one of southern France’s most impressive medieval cities, drawing visitors from around the world to its hilltop fortress. But there’s more to see than just the famous ramparts. From strolling quiet lanes in the lower town to venturing out on scenic day trips, there are plenty of ways to explore the region at your own pace.

In this post, we share our top recommendations for things to do in Carcassonne, and in the surrounding area.

We warmly invite you to browse our Carcassonne tours

Things to Do Within the Medieval Walled City

The medieval Cité of Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest intact fortified city in Europe. You can enter freely through its gates and wander the cobbled streets, which are lined with small shops, restaurants, and landmarks.

Walk the Ramparts

• Stroll the two concentric curtain walls that stretch nearly 2 miles, with 52 towers offering scenic lookout points.
• The outer ramparts are free to access; the inner ramparts are part of the Château Comtal, for which there is an entrance fee

Les Lices Hautes & Basses

• Two public footpaths that run between the outer and inner curtain walls offer a ground-level look at defensive features such as buttresses and drainage channels without the need for a ticket.

Château Comtal (The Count’s Castle)

• This is a 12th-century fortress within the city that once served as the stronghold of the Trencavel family, who were part of the French nobility in Languedoc between the 10th and 13th centuries.
• The castle offers a look at medieval military architecture and panoramic views from the ramparts.
• Includes a small archaeology museum.
• Look out for the 14th-century well outside the Château Comtal, one of 22 medieval wells hidden inside the fortress.
• Keep in mind that there are a lot of steps, in case you have difficulties with mobility, and wear comfortable shoes.

Basilica of Saint-Nazaire

• The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire dates back to the 11th century, though much of the Gothic structure visible today was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has undergone renovations over time, which explains its mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles (e.g. Romanesque nave, Gothic choir). Napoleon removed its cathedral status in 1804, and this was given to Cathédrale Saint-Michel (located in La Bastide neighborhood)
• This basilica has some of the oldest stained-glass windows in southern France (dating back to around 1280); look for the beautiful rose window above the west portal
• Look out for the gargoyles and delicate carvings around the main entrances.

Porte Narbonnaise & Porte d’Aude

These are the medieval city’s main gates: 

• Porte Narbonnaise, with its drawbridge, barbican, and portcullis still in place
• Porte d’Aude, the original postern gate that appears in the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”

The School Museum

• A series of themed rooms containing old-fashioned desks, slate boards, and displays on education in France from the 1880s to the 1960s, the School Museum (Musée de l'Ecole) showcases the evolution of classroom life in France.
• This can be an interesting stop for teachers or for those traveling with children, so they can compare with their own school experience back home.

Museum of the Inquisition

The Museum of the Inquisition focuses on the methods once used to enforce religious orthodoxy, shedding light on how politics and religion impacted everyday life centuries ago. There are medieval torture devices on display and explanations of the justice system of the time. As a reminder of darker chapters in European history, it’s certainly educational but isn’t recommended for young children.

'Remparts et Lumières' night walk & light show 

From mid-July to mid-September, there’s a 45-minute “Remparts et Lumières” night walk that projects animated light sequences onto the inner ramparts and castle walls. Numbers are limited and departure slots sell out fast, so book online as soon as dates open. You’ll see normally closed sections of the ramparts and enjoy views of the citadel lit up after dark.

Things to Do in Carcassonne Outside the Walled City

Cross the Aude River to the Lower Town (La Bastide Saint-Louis) to experience Carcassonne beyond the tourist crowds. 

Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge)

• When you have finished exploring the medieval fortress, cross the 14th-century bridge to the lower town.
• It offers excellent photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon on a sunny day, when the city is bathed in golden sunlight.

La Bastide Saint-Louis neighborhood

• La Bastide Saint-Louis in Carcassonne was built in 1260 under the orders of Saint-Louis, after the Albigensian Crusade. The town's quadrangular layout around a central square was a unique feature for its time.
• This neighborhood has a more local feel, with wider boulevards and market squares.
• Enjoy lunch or a coffee break at a café around Place Carnot.

Carcassonne Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Michel)

• Although the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire often gets the spotlight, Carcassonne Cathedral in the lower town (La Bastide Saint-Louis neighborhood) is worth a visit too.
• This Gothic cathedral has beautiful stained-glass windows.
• There are also occasional musical performances.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

• For those intrigued by French art history, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a curated collection of paintings and sculptures, ranging from the 1600s up to more modern eras.
• Many pieces depict the city and life in Carcassonne.
• Often less busy than attractions inside La Cité, this can be a peaceful way to spend an hour or so if you’d like to escape the main crowds, or on a rainy day.

Local Wine & Cuisine

• Carcassonne offers a blend of local and regional dishes, from hearty slow-cooked meats to vegetable specialties.
• Try a traditional dish like cassoulet, duck or goose confit, and ratatouille. If you book one of our Carcassonne tours, we’ll share with you our favorite restaurants!
• Stop by a wine bar to sample regional vintages from Languedoc-Roussillon. If you’re not sure which wines to try, the staff at most cafés and wine bars will be happy to make recommendations
• If you book one of our tours including a stay in Carcassonne, we can recommend a wonderful wine and chocolate tour!

Day Trips from Carcassonne

If you’re staying in Carcassonne for a few days, it’s well worth exploring some of the nearby historical and gorgeous scenic spots. These excursions will give you even more context and insight into this region’s past. 

For France Just For You's travelers, we will recommend an expert tour guide who can give you a fascinating and thorough introduction to the history of the region.

Lastours Castles (Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours)

• These four medieval castle ruins are a short drive north of Carcassonne.
• Perched on a ridge with stunning views over the Black mountains, you’ll see why these forts held strategic value in past conflicts.
• Allow two hours for the hike, which is steep in parts, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Cathar Castles: Quéribus & Peyrepertuse

• Around an hour and a half’s drive south of Carcassonne, these dramatic hilltop ruins sit on separate hillsides and are tied to the Cathar religious movement.
• The Cathars were a Christian sect in southern France, who were persecuted and nearly eradicated by the Albigensian Crusade, also known as the Cathar Crusade. This was a military campaign launched by Pope Innocent III in 1209 to eradicate Catharism from Languedoc. They were considered heretics for rejecting the Catholic Church's authority and teachings, leading to their massacre and eventual disappearance by the mid-14th century.
• Each set of ruins offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside towards the Pyrenees mountains. Be prepared for some uphill walking, and bring water and comfortable footwear.

Our self drive tours of Carcassonne and the Cathar Country will guide you on a fascinating journey through history. While the medieval Cité is most popular with tourists, the surrounding neighborhoods and countryside reveal more of the region’s depth and character. 

We arrange for our travelers to stay at a beautiful, premium French B&B with a view of the walled city.

At France Just For You, we believe your trip to France should be more than a checklist of places to visitt. We want you to enjoy a personalized experience of France that’s strongly aligned with your interests. 

We’ll help you explore southwestern France–and beyond–with confidence, and will plan your whole itinerary, with recommendations based on your preferences. 

We invite you to contact us or complete our trip planning form below.