Tours & tickets

Château Comtal

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.

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!

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.

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...

We will start our adventure with an early departure from Barcelona to Carcassonne, a journey of approximately 3 hours by car. Upon arrival in Carcassonne, you will be amazed by the impressive Citadel, a medieval castle declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to explore its ramparts and towers, and don't miss the majestic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, known for its beautiful stained glass windows. First, we will head to the Narbonne Gate, the main entrance to the Citadel, where we will appreciate its imposing ramparts. We will explore the ramparts and climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. We will visit the Castle of Carcassonne, where we will learn about the history of the fortress through interactive exhibits and a tour of its rooms. We will climb the keep, which offers spectacular views. For lunch, we will enjoy a gastronomic day in one of the restaurants of the area. As the sun begins to set, you will start your return to Girona, where you can end your day exploring the Dali Theater-Museum, inaugurated in 1974. It houses a collection of works donated by the famous Spanish artist Dalí himself, with more than 1 million visitors a year. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the museum's iconic façade, adorned with giant eggs and surrealist figures. The tour begins in the lobby, where some of Dalí's most iconic works are on display, reflecting his genius and unique style. As you move through the rooms, you will find a variety of paintings, sculptures, and curious objects that represent his artistic evolution. Don't miss the Mae West Room, where the arrangement of the elements creates a three-dimensional image of the famous actress, and the Soft Watch Room, which evokes his famous work "The Persistence of Memory." The museum also houses a collection of works by other contemporary artists and a selection of Dali's personal objects. After this wonderful day, we return to Barcelona.

Discover Carcassonne like a local during this 2-hour walking experience. Get oriented, inspired, and connected to the city from the very start. It’s the best intro to Carcassonne whether it’s your first visit or not. You’ll explore a mix of iconic landmarks like Château Comtal and Pont Vieux, as well as lesser-known corners that reveal the local side of Carcassonne. Along the way, your Local will share stories and explain how each place fits into everyday life. Enjoy a sampling of a typical local product like Petit Carcassonnais for a true taste of Carcassonne and its traditions. You'll also get local insights on where to eat, drink, and how to move around Carcassonne with confidence. This experience offers a solid introduction to Carcassonne and helps you make the most of your stay through a local perspective.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the medieval splendor of Carcassonne with a private guided tour. Explore La Cité Médiévale, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its imposing double walls, towering turrets, and winding cobblestone streets. Begin at the iconic Narbonne Gate, the entrance to a world of knights, troubadours, and centuries-old legends. As you wander through the labyrinthine alleys, your guide will share stories of Carcassonne's strategic importance, its role in the Cathar Crusades, and the restoration work by Viollet-le-Duc that preserved its grandeur. The highlight of your visit is a ticket included to the Château Comtal and the ramparts. Delve deeper into the medieval heart of Carcassonne as you explore the castle's interior, complete with exhibits that unveil its storied past. Stroll along the ramparts for breathtaking panoramic views of the Aude Valley and the Pyrenees, and imagine the lives of those who once defended these formidable walls. Perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone seeking a unique cultural experience, this private tour ensures you have the flexibility to focus on what interests you most. Whether you’re captivated by the architecture, intrigued by medieval warfare, or simply want to soak in the atmosphere of one of Europe’s best-preserved fortified cities, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the best of the Carcassonne region. After getting picked up from your hotel in Toulouse, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to the medieval fortified city of Carcassone. Here, stroll around the city's cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. Learn more about its history, and how the city was once a stronghold of the Cathars. You will have 2 hours of free time in Carcassonne, during which you can visit the museum where you will be transported to an era of Crusaders, Pilgrims, and Templar knights. Afterward, continue to Lastours. Here, enjoy a walk to the Belvedere Montfermier, where you can admire panoramic views of the surrounding area and its many castles. Finish your tour in Albi, aka the Red City. Here, pay a visit to the imposing Saint-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where you can admire works by local painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel in Toulouse.