Carcasonne, France - Travel Guide

Carcassonne is famous for its stunning medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ramparts and towers. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, enjoy historical reenactments, and savor local Occitan cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay2 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

CarcassonneAudeOccitanieCathar CountryMedieval City

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian

Phone Code+33

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
Greet people with "Bonjour"
Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
Be aware of varying rules for drones
Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)

YesOui (WEE)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Jul
Aug
Cold season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly into Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
direct flights from certain European cities
or Toulouse
Blagnac Airport (TLS) (1h drive)
High
speed TGV trains connect to major French cities
Buses available from surrounding towns

Getting Around

Walking is the best way to explore the medieval city
Local buses serve the wider Carcassonne area
Taxis are available, but ride
sharing apps are not widely used or reliable

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended
No specific additional health requirements
Consider travel insurance

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Major French providers like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile support eSIMs
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly typically work well

Local Cuisine

Cassoulet de Carcassonne regional_speciality

This is a rich, slow-cooked casserole containing white beans, spices, autumn vegetables, and various meats. It is considered one of Carcassonne's most

Duck Gizzards (Gésiers de Canard) must_try

Delicious duck gizzards, often served confit or pan-fried, typically accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread. This is a common and savory starte

Languedoc-style snails regional_speciality

Snails prepared in the traditional style of the Languedoc region, often seasoned with herbs and garlic. This is a popular appetizer or specialty dish

Duck Breast (Magret de Canard) must_try

Seared or roasted duck breast, a prominent feature of the cuisine in Southwestern France, where duck is widely consumed. It is typically served with c

La Carcassonnais dessert

A specific culinary specialty of the city, though specific ingredients can vary, it is generally considered a sweet treat or local dessert. Its name s

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Château Comtal and Ramparts Timed Entry Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Timed entry slots, especially during peak hours and high season, can sell out quickly, which is necessary to guarantee access to the main fortress within the medieval city.

Accommodation within the Cité Médiévale Accommodation

Book 1–6 months in advance

The number of hotels and unique accommodations inside the medieval city walls is limited and highly sought after for the immersive experience.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Speed Train (TGV) to/from Carcassonne Transport

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

Booking TGV tickets well in advance secures the best fares (PREM/FIRST) and guarantees seats, especially on direct routes or during peak travel periods.

Fun Facts

1. The medieval city's name is said to come from a Saracen princess, Lady Carcas, who fooled Charlemagne’s besieging army into thinking the city had plenty of food by feeding a pig with wheat and throwing it over the walls.
2. The famous restoration of the medieval city in the 19th century was undertaken by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of modern conservation science, saving it from ruin after its strategic importance faded.
3. The extensive city walls, which are 1.9 miles (3 km) long, feature 52 massive towers, making it one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in the world.
4. Before becoming part of the Kingdom of France in 1247, Carcassonne was a stronghold for the Cathars and played a major role in the Albigensian Crusades, which led to the imprisonment and mysterious death of its viscount.

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