Carcassonne

Tours

Carcassonne was settled as early as the 6th century BC and later became an important Roman town. It was fortified in the 4th century and was a strategic site in the Middle Ages. It took on its definitive shape in the 13th century with the king’s decision to construct the distinctive double-walled ramparts and extend the castle. The city was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century and is a testimony to 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,500 years of history. Left in ruins after the the Cathar Crusade (1209-1229), the Inquisition and exile of the Trencavel family, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned by the French state in 1844 to restore the city of Cathar. Completed in 1911 under the direction of his pupil Paul Boeswillwald, the royal city was returned to its original splendor, finally being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997. In a new, self-guided addition to this tour, guests are invited to see the magnificent views from the medieval western ramparts. 

If you're staying in Toulouse and want to discover the Cité de Carcassonne, the Comtal Castle, the Saint Nazaire Basilica and more historical highlights, this is the perfect day tour for you. Located 1 hour from Toulouse, Carcassonne is one of the 25 great sites of Midi-Pyrénées. In Cathar country and at the heart of the fortified city, you can discover the Château of the Counts of Carcassonne and the Remparts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will departure from Toulouse at 9:30AM (check-in is at 9:15AM), with a planned arrival in Carcassonne at 10:30AM.  Following your day of discovery, you will depart from Carcassonne at 4:30PM, with a planned return to Toulouse at 5:30PM.

Come along on this tour and learn all about the history of this fascinating city.  Enter through the main entrance, known as Porte Narbonnaise, to the medieval city. Learn about the fortifications built by the Romans. Cross the main street, Rue Cross Mayrevieille to the castle. Discover the museum inside the castle and develop a better understanding of the Trencavel family that defended the Cathars during the Albigensian Crusade.  Walk along the top of the wall, crossing both medieval and Roman towers as you head towards the church. Hear an explanation (in English, French or Italian) about the architecture of the Gothic church and see the beautiful stained glass windows, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Walk through the streets of the ancient religious quarter and learn about the inquisition in Carcassonne and Toulouse.

Dive into centuries of winemaking tradition with a tour of the Domaine de Baronaques. Acquired by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and her 2 sons in 1998, the vineyard has been in existence since the 17th century, when it was under the possession of the Abbey de Saint-Polycarpe. After arrival at the vineyard, you'll tour the vat-house and barrel-room where wines are fermented and aged, and see the 19th-century French Château, nestled into a tree-covered hill. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste the 3 wines produced at the Domaine de Baronaques: Grand Vin Rouge, La Capitalle de Baronarques, and Grand Vin Blanc.

Discover the defensive ingenuity and rich history of Carcassonne Castle with a self-guided smartphone tour. Move through the castle’s storied walls at your leisure, stopping to immerse yourself in the fascinating tales and hidden features that draw you in. Download the app and tour to your mobile device and access it even when offline. Follow an easy-to-follow map to guide you seamlessly from one location to the next. Pause to shop or enjoy a bite at one of the many quaint eateries. Kick off your adventure at Porte Narbonnaise, walk along the Lices to discover the castle's defense mechanisms, and wrap up your tour with visits to the castle and the beautiful Basilique Saint Nazaire. Enjoy captivating stories about the region's rulers and fun facts about the castle's name. As you explore, you'll learn about Carcassonne's rich history, spanning from its Roman beginnings to its medieval prominence. When you need a break, simply pause and resume when you’re ready.

Embark on an intriguing journey through the landmarks of Carcassonne with TouringBee's convenient audio guide on your smartphone. This tour is specifically designed to explore the city in a brief period (1.5 hours). Follow the route on the app's map, starting from the train station, passing through the lower town, and ascending into the fortress. You’ll see: - The legendary Canal du Midi - Carcassonne's defensive walls and gates - The city's museums and medieval reenactment camp - The Castle of the Dukes of Carcassonne - Chateau Comtal - Basilica of St. Nazarius After downloading the tour data, the app operates offline. The audio guide is best enjoyed through your headphones. Delight in captivating stories and legends while moving at your own pace, without the need to keep up with a tour group. If you only have one day to visit Carcassonne, spend it with a TouringBee audio guide and uncover the other sights the region has to offer.

Immerse yourself in the 13th century and explore the city of Carcassonne, a medieval gem. Meet Guilhem, a 13th-century master builder, alive and captivating, embodied by a professional and passionate professional guide. Son of Pierre the builder, one of King Louis IX's engineers, and an Occitan mother, Guilhem will introduce you to the city of Carcassonne in an informative and entertaining way. The tour will lead you through the medieval city of Carcassonne, marked by the extensive construction work of the 13th century. You will discover the daily life and tools of a builder of the era, and delve into the history of Catharism through Guilhem's perspective. Points of interest such as the Narbonne Gate, the lices (outer walls), the moat of the Comtal Castle, and the exterior of the Basilica are sure to pique your curiosity. This tour is more than just a simple historical stroll, it's a plunge into the past where anecdotes rub shoulders with History, in a fun and interactive setting. Perfect for adults and children of all ages, let yourself be carried away by Guilhem's energy for a tour enriched with historical objects, full of discoveries and surprises.

The walled city of Carcassonne in Languedoc is world renowned as a spectacular fortified medieval city. But this rocky spur has been occupied since the 6th-Century BC, first as a Gallic settlement and later as a fortified Roman city. The Visigoths seized the city in the 5th-Century, and were followed by the Saracens, who remained in control for a mere 30 years before the Francs expelled them. Restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th-Century, the city fortress was consecrated in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the former military enclosure of the lower town’s "La Bastide Saint-Louis" is listed as a conservation area. Take a 2-hour private walking tour, personalized to your own schedule and rhythm, visiting the sights you would like to visit. Explore medieval architecture and discover the rich culture that has inspired poets and writers, including William Faulkner. The city is divided into 2 parts; the town and the famous Cité de Carcassonne. Typically we pay more attention to the Cité, but if you would like to visit the town the tour can be customized to suit. Discover the castle and ramparts at the heart of the medieval city; explore the Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Nazaire; and visit la porte Narbonnaise, which was the principal entrance to the Cité. A dream like destination with a romantic ambience, the tour is tailor-made to enchant you.

Throughout this guided tour you will discover the mythical narrow cobble streets of this old fortress. The monumentality of this citadel will impress you, as your guide tells you all the details of its fascinating history. You will be provided details about the rempart's construction, as you observe the castle from outside. Your guide will explain everything about the mysterious Cathars and military architecture, delving into all of the construction's secrets. Be prepared to also hear small anecdotes about the medieval period as you end with the discovery of the magnificent Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse.

Dive into the 13th century in Carcassonne guided by Olivier de Termes, a distinguished knight who lived during the Albigensian Crusade. Our immersive tour will take you to the heart of this legendary fortress, guided by a passionate character in a historical outfit, brilliantly embodying the captivating role of Olivier de Termes. The starting point of our journey is at the majestic Narbonnaise Gate, from where we will delve into the tumultuous world of crusades, wars, and grand medieval constructions. Let Olivier de Termes recount his story: As a child, he grew up alongside the great faydit lords, these noble rebels who were dispossessed of their lands during the crusade against the Albigensians. His life was marked by years of fierce struggle to reclaim his inheritance, and finally, peace settled in the Midi. Determined, he decides to put his skills in the service of the King of France to defend the Holy Land. His exploits on the battlefield earned him a position as one of the king's chief advisors. As we explore the city walls, the surroundings of the castle, and the splendid Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, Olivier de Termes will transport us to the key moments of Carcassonne in the 13th century. His captivating narration will immerse us in the heart of this era filled with adventures and historical significance. This interactive tour is a unique experience to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Carcassonne during the time of the Crusades. An adventure not to be missed for young and old alike, discovering an era full of bravery and nobility.