Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city in the Aude department of southern France. Its old walled quarter, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, sits on a hill above the modern town and is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval fortification in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What you will see
The Cité is defended by a double ring of walls and 53 towers. Walking the ramparts gives a clear sense of how the city was built to be defended, with stone passages, watch positions and views over the surrounding countryside. Inside the walls, narrow streets lead past houses, shops and cafés, and the setting feels distinctly medieval even though the town is busy with visitors.
Planning a visit
- Address: 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne
- Phone: +33 4 68 11 70 77
- Setting: Carcassonne lies in the Aude department, in the south of France, which makes it a natural stop for travellers exploring the region.
Allow time for a walk along the walls as well as for wandering the inner streets. Because the Cité sits on a hill, expect some climbing, and wear comfortable shoes suited to stone surfaces.
Around the city
The modern town of Carcassonne lies below the Cité and offers its own streets, restaurants and places to stay, so it is easy to combine a visit to the fortress with time in the lower town. The surrounding Aude area gives visitors further options for day trips.
