It’s time to talk about Carcassonne – one of the most magical day trips you can take from Toulouse! This incredible fortified city looks like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie. I’m not kidding – when you see those towers and walls, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the Middle Ages!
CARCASSONNE AT A GLANCE
As with every post, before we dive into the details, here’s what you need to know about this beautiful place to help you decide if it’s worth visiting or not:
– It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and rightfully so, it truly deserves it!).
– The medieval citadel (Cité) is surrounded by massive walls.
– You can visit it as a day trip from Toulouse (just 1 hour by train).
– In the summer, it gets VERY crowded, as it’s one of the most popular attractions, so be prepared for many people.
– The city has two parts: the medieval Cité and the lower town (Ville Basse).
For me, it’s worth visiting early or late in the day to avoid the large crowds. That’s why
THE TOP ATTRACTIONS OF CARCASSONNE
1. THE MEDIEVAL WALLS
***It is recommended to buy tickets a few days in advance from here***
Let me tell you about these incredible walls! You can walk the entire 3-kilometer perimeter of the city on these massive fortifications, and trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget. The walls aren’t just any old fortification – they’re a double-walled masterpiece with 52 towers watching over the countryside. How’s that for medieval security?
The view is absolutely stunning – on one side you’ve got the charming inner city with its terracotta roofs, and on the other, the breathtaking French countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. Yes, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to get in, but darling, it’s worth every euro! Please take my advance and buy in advance your entry tickets – if not you will regret it once you get stuck in queue!
These walls have been standing guard since Roman times and got their current look thanks to a massive restoration project in the 1850s by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Can you believe they almost demolished them in 1849? Thank goodness the locals protested – now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!
The most fascinating part? These walls have never been breached! Even during the Hundred Years’ War, enemies took one look at these fortifications and thought “Nope, not today!”Now that’s what I call impressive!
2. THE CHÂTEAU COMTAL
This is the castle within the castle (how cool is that?!). The Château Comtal is located in the heart of the citadel and offers fascinating insights into medieval military architecture. Plus, the views from here are simply perfect!
“Il ne faut pas mourir sans avoir vu Carcassonne” (You must not die without having seen Carcassonne) – Gustave Nadaud, French composer, 1800s
3. SAINT-NAZAIRE CHURCH
Even if you’re like me and a bit tired of churches in France, this one is special. The stained glass windows are impressive, and the combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles is fascinating.
4. THE BEAUTIFUL SMALL STREETS
Just wander around! The narrow medieval streets are filled with cute shops, restaurants, and surprises around every corner. Yes, some are touristy, but they remain charming.
Tip from Pretty Travels: Steer away from the main tourist streets to find more authentic (and cheaper!) restaurants and shops.
WHERE TO EAT IN CARCASSONNE
Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the local cassoulet! It’s a hearty stew with beans and meat that’s famous in this region. I tried it at Restaurant Le Saint Jean – located inside the medieval city but away from the overly touristy spots. The prices are reasonable, and the food is authentic.
For a quick meal, try one of the crêperies – but avoid those right at the entrance of the castle where the prices are inflated.
HOW TO GET TO CARCASSONNE
Getting to Carcassonne from Toulouse is very easy:
- Train: About 1 hour, tickets around €15-20 each way
- Car: About 1 hour on the A61 highway
- Organized tours: Available from Toulouse if you prefer to have everything arranged for you
Tip from Pretty Travels: Book your train tickets online in advance – they’re usually cheaper than buying at the station!
WHEN TO GO
I went in winter, and it was perfect – fewer crowds and okay weather. Summer gets incredibly crowded (and hot!), while winter can be quite cold but magical, especially around Christmas.
Remember, dear, Carcassonne may seem touristy (and yes, in some ways it is), but there’s a reason it attracts so many visitors. It’s simply enchanting, and seeing those walls for the first time is an experience you won’t forget!
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