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Carcassonne: Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket

4.6248035 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6248035 out of 5 stars
2548 reviews
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Certified by GetYourGuide
Carcassonne: Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket
4.6248035 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6248035 out of 5 stars
2548 reviews

Discover the Château and ramparts of Carcassonne. Walk along the galleries, the fortified walls, and the ramparts. Explore the archaeological museum with your self-guided ticket.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
Jan – United Kingdom

Fantastic castle to visit and enjoyed walking around the ramparts/walks. Beautiful village and walk up from the train station.

W
Wendy – United States

Wow! We were delighted with our recent, private tour of Carcassone’s medieval city, ramparts, castle and cathedral. Gwen, our tour guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about Carcassonne and its history. It was clear that she has spent many hours researching Carcassonne’s past, as we learned things that aren’t recorded in typical history books and tourist guides. Gracious and unassuming, Gwen’s friendly demeanor was a joy, and we are grateful for the way in which she generously shared her knowledge. What a wonderful experience! Thank you, Gwen.

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Highlights

  • Discover the home of one of the most powerful 12-century French families
  • Climb the square Bishop's Tower, the only construction that straddles both city walls
  • See the Salle Pierre Embry, a window composed of 3 polychrome alabaster statues from the early 15th century

Full description

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. 

Includes

  • Self-guided tour of castle courtyards, archaeological museum and ramparts
  • Leaflet in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or Polish
  • Audio guide (can be rented on-site for a fee of 3 Euros)

Meeting point

Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne 1, rue Viollet-le-Duc 11000 Carcassonne. Please note that this attraction closes at 4:00 PM on 24th December and 31st December.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Cash

Know before you go

  • Closed January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
  • The Ramparts will be closed on July 14 due to fireworks.
  • On 25th November, the Château and ramparts of the city of Carcassonne will exceptionally close at 1 PM instead of 5 PM.
  • This attraction closes at 4:00 PM on December 24th and 31st.
  • Monument is accessible to people with limited mobility (Barbican and main courtyard).
  • Entrance is free for under 18 and EU citizens under 26 (only presenting a valid ID). A timeslot must be pre-booked at the following website: www.remparts-carcassonne.fr.
  • Free entrance: The first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December and during European Heritage Days (3rd weekend of September each year).
  • Conditions of Visit: Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and large luggage are not permitted inside the Château Comtal or on the ramparts.
  • Animals are also not allowed inside the monument.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 2548 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

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J
Jan – United KingdomMay 31, 2025 – Verified booking
Fantastic castle to visit and enjoyed walking around the ramparts/walks. Beautiful village and walk up from the train station.
W
Wendy – United StatesMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
Wow! We were delighted with our recent, private tour of Carcassone’s medieval city, ramparts, castle and cathedral. Gwen, our tour guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about Carcassonne and its history. It was clear that she has spent many hours researching Carcassonne’s past, as we learned things that aren’t recorded in typical history books and tourist guides. Gracious and unassuming, Gwen’s friendly demeanor was a joy, and we are grateful for the way in which she generously shared her knowledge. What a wonderful experience! Thank you, Gwen.
P
Paula – United KingdomMay 6, 2025 – Verified booking
As a group of 4 ladies, we had entrance only tickets but thoroughly enjoyed the castle and ramparts, lots of history noted and the views were spectacular. The Medieval City with wonderful cafes and restaurants were great and very reasonable priced. along with the souvenir shops. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Product ID: 75012

Distributor:GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH

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