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. Enjoy the audio guide in 3 languages (French, English and Spanish), to discover the hidden treasures of Carcassonne. Audio guide to download on the day. 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the city in the cool of the morning... While the fortress slowly comes to life, discover the internal pommery surrounding the medieval city, its narrow streets and Basilica. Together, we will walk through the draw bridge to the Narbonne Gate and the ramparts. Let's take our time, enjoying the panoramic views to the Aude Valley, on our way to the Inquisition's residence and the medieval Bishopric. Our steps will lead us to the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, then the exteriors of the Count's castle. The city will no longer hold any secrets for 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.

Step back in time and explore the legendary Cité de Carcassonne on a private guided tour. Discover the secrets of this UNESCO-listed medieval fortress, stroll through its cobbled streets, admire its imposing walls, and immerse yourself in its rich history with an expert guide. Tour Options: ✅ 2-Hour Tour – Explore the medieval city, its historic streets, and fortifications while learning about its fascinating past. (Castle and ramparts entry not included.) ✅ 3-Hour Tour – Includes everything in the 2-hour tour plus entry to the Château Comtal and ramparts, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and dive deeper into Carcassonne’s medieval legacy. Whether you're a history lover, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this exclusive private tour offers a personalized and immersive journey through one of France’s most iconic landmarks.

Step into a 60-minute exploration through Carcassonne from a local’s perspective and get the most of your precious visit! From Château Comtal to Pont Vieux, get to know the city's most defining landmarks. Discover all the key facts about Carcassonne, experience the local lifestyle, and taste its unique culture. Your local, equipped with stories and tips, will point you toward the best local cuisine and direct you to lively bars where you can sip and chill in true Carcassonne style. This experience is focused on providing a genuine feel of Carcassonne, connecting you with the local way of life and its landmarks, all while fitting perfectly into any travel itinerary.

Dive into the 18th century and discover Saint Etienne district in Toulouse. We invite you to an immersive experience, led by a professional guide wearing historical outfit. Meet the charming Mrs. de Cambon, a local figure of the 18th century, lively and inspiring, portrayed by a professional and passionate guide. A descendant of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the designer of the Canal du Midi, and wife of a notable member of the Toulouse Parliament, Mrs. de Cambon will introduce you to her neighborhood in a lively and humorous manner. This tour will take you through the streets of the Saint Etienne district, marked by the refinement and elegance of the 18th century. You will explore secret squares, learn about the fashion of the time, and hear the intriguing stories of Toulouse high- society. Points of interest like Saint Etienne Cathedral, the former archiepiscopal palace, and Mage Square will be featured. This tour is more than just a simple historical walk, it's an immersion into the past where anecdotes meet History, in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Perfect for adults and children over 8 years old, let yourself be carried away by the verve of Mrs. de Cambon for a tour full of humor and surprises.

From the Porte Narbonnaise, we can appreciate the medieval architecture of the ramparts of the Cité de Carcassonne. Some phases of the ancient construction are still visible, blending into the architectural ensemble designed to defend the city from invasion. Hence the legend of Dame Carcas! Once we've toured the outside of the ramparts, let's take a stroll down one of the typical medieval lanes that lead to the heart of the Cité. We'll visit the half-Romanesque, half-Gothic Cité church, whose stained-glass windows reveal a divine story. Then, strolling through the narrow streets, we'll come to the entrance of the château comtal, where the Trencavel dynasty was established. You're free to enter...