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Carcassonne
The old city of Carcassonne in southern France is the largest medieval city in Europe with its fortified walls still intact. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Carcassonne today serves as one of the most impressive walled cities in the country surrounded by two massive stone walls and 53 guard towers.

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Old City Walls
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Château Comtal
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Basilica of St.Nazaire
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The Old Bridge

Favorite Moment

Check out Guidester’s favorite Carcassonne experience.

Fairy Tale in the South of France

Carcassonne, set high up on a hill in the south of France, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and today serves as one of the most impressive walled cities in the country. The medieval fortress is surrounded by two massive walls and 53 towers which protected it during medieval times. It’s like walking straight into a fairy tale with King Arthur and his knights of the round table.

The fairy tale collection of drawbridges, towers, and charming cobbled streets was reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty, and it’s a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France. Interesting factoid, Carcassonne has been used in many films including the famous Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner with the fortress being used to depict Nottingham Castle.

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Jack Baumann

Jack Baumann

Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!

Jack Baumann

Jack Baumann

Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!

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Explore Carcassonne with interactive maps.

Explore the streets around the castle

Video Tours

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Local Tips

Where to go for the best views

Climb the church tower:

If you’re up for climbing, the church tower at St. Vincent allows you to get on the highest point in Carcassone. From here you’ll have breathtaking views of the whole city. Access is free.

The church is also a great example of Languedoc Gothic, with its 15th-century rosettes and stained glasses windows. 

Did you know...

The fairytale collection of drawbridges, towers, and charming cobbled streets was reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty, and it’s a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France.

Carcassonne has also been used in many major Hollywood films including ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ starring Kevin Costner.

Where To Stay

Inside the medieval city walls would be ideal, but it will be more expensive than staying outside the city walls in the more modern city. The Hotel Le Donjon is a wonderful stay with dim lighting and deep red decor take you into what feels like a medieval castle. It also has a wonderful location inside La Cite.

Guidester Favorites

Local Eats

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Make sure you...
This is the heart of the Languedoc wine country so take time to enjoy some of the local vineyards and fine dining.
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A Guidester favorite is...
La Barbacane - Carcassonne's finest dining with a Michelin-starred chef, La Barbacane lies in the heart of the old city serving classic dishes with a clever twist and gourmet food that is world class.

Carcassonne By Interest

This is just a small taste of what the Carcassonne area has to offer. For a full and complete personal guide see ‘Get your Guidester guide’ below.

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