Cité de Carcassonne: Castle + Ramparts + Museum

About this experience

Cité de Carcassonne attracts as many visitors each year as the more-famous Mont Saint-Michel. Even if you don't know this city, a visit here will captivate your imagination. 2,500 years of history, and massive 13th-century fortified walls, watchtowers, ramparts, and a castle call medieval sieges to mind. The museum (included in this ticket) also bring this fascinating history to life.To enter the Cité de Carcassonne is to step into the world of medieval trade and travel - much like the beloved table game . With this ticket you can walk the massive double-wall with 52 watchtowers which encloses the ancient town, and the Count's Castle (Château Comtal). You can also visit the 14th-century Great Well. It's said that the Visigoths, fearing Attila the Hun's arrival, hid the treasure of the Temple of Salomon inside. It's never been recovered, so keep your eyes open for anything shiny. The Gauls settled Carcassonne in the 3rd century BC. Then along came the Romans, who took over and added a fortified tower. In medieval times a major medieval thoroughfare passed through here, so merchants, crusaders, itinerant travelers and more passed through the gates. The history contained in these walls is staggering.And yet, in the 19th century, Napoleon and co. decided to demolish it. Thankfully, a campaign to save it was successful, and after restoration the Cité is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Learn about the Romans, Saracens, and Crusaders who tried to claim the castle
• Walk the ramparts of the castle and discover its history in the Museum of Carcassonne
• Visit this 13th-century citadel, one of France's most impressive historic attractions

What's included

• Access to the Castle and the Ramparts of Cité de Carcassonne
• Access to the museum
• Leaflet in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or Polish

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. Ticketing counter
3. Your booking is confirmed. Final Ticket will be sent to you separately. Please present either mobile or printed Final Ticket for redemption.

What to expect

Stepping back in time awaits with your "Cité de Carcassonne - Visit the Castle and the Ramparts" ticket. This ticket grants you access to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortified city of Carcassonne. Prepare to be awestruck by the immense 13th-century walls, towers, and ramparts that will transport you to a medieval world. Your exploration won't be limited to admiring the exterior. The ticket also includes entry to the castle itself, where you can delve deeper into history through exhibits and films. Whether you choose to explore independently or with an audio guide, expect to learn about the city's fascinating 2,500-year past, including its role in medieval sieges. Don't miss the chance to walk the very ramparts that protected the city for centuries and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Things to note

• Restriction: Large luggage and suitcases are not allowed due to security concerns.
• Restriction: No dogs allowed, except for assistance dogs
• Accessibility: Scooters, bicycles, helmets, non-folding strollers, and bulky luggage are not permitted within the grounds of the Comtal Castle and on the rampar
• Under-18s with their family, EU citizens & French residents under 26, job seekers with documentation, disabled visitors + carer get in free
• Last admission: 1 hour before closing

Terms & conditions

Use the ticket holders' line and show your smartphone ticket at the entrance. Note Big bags and suitcases are not allowed in and there are no lockers on-site. Getting There Take an SNCF train to Carcassonne train station, then a tram (lines 1, 5, 10 or 7) to Cité Médiévale. Opening Hours 1 April - 30 September: 10:00 - 18:30, last admission 45 minutes before closing 1 October - 31 December: 09:30 - 17:30, last admission 30 minutes before closing 2 January - 31 March: 09:30 - 17:00, last admission 45 minutes before closing More Information:Age: 18+