Cité de Carcassonne

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.

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.

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...

Step back into early 19th-century Nice—then still independent from France—on an immersive tour led by the city’s official executioner of the time. Brought to life by your costumed guide, this friendly and slightly clumsy bòia will take you through the historic heart of the French Riviera’s capital. Wander with him through alleyways, ancient doorways, and story-filled stones, as you uncover the intrigues of a Mediterranean city shaped by both local traditions and growing French influence. Between quirky tales of his grim profession and juicy gossip about the places and people he knows, prepare to be surprised by this sharp-tongued character. A one-of-a-kind experience blending humor, secrets, and heritage—perfect for rediscovering Nice from a truly original and captivating perspective. 1h30 tour, suitable for adults and children aged 10 and up

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.