About this experience
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.
Highlights
- See the Salle Pierre Embry, a window composed of 3 polychrome alabaster statues from the early 15th century
- 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
What's included
- Self-guided tour of castle courtyards, archaeological museum and ramparts
- Leaflet in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or Polish
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
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.
Operating hours
09:30-16:15
Terms & conditions
• Closed January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
• The Ramparts will be closed on July 14 due to fireworks.
• Monument is accessible to people with limited mobility (Barbican and main courtyard).
• Entrance is free for those 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.