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Castle and Ramparts of Carcassonne

1, rue Viollet-le-Duc, 11000, France
04 68 11 70 70
Website
mura
part of castle near entrance gate
Strolling through the Old Town (inside the Outer Keep, but outside the TRUE castle)
Some of the stunning stained glass inside the Cathedral
131 visitor photos
Ranked #2 of 26 attractions in Carcassonne
4.5 of 5 stars 160 Reviews
Type: Castles
Owner description: 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...... more » Owner description: 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 2,600 years of history. See a 12-minute film combining 3-D images and close-up footage; walk along the galleries, the fortified walls and the north ramparts; discover the museum of masonry and many other attractions. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> April to September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.> October to March: from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups « less
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160 reviews from our community

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Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
“A great castle experience!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

There were school kids and tour groups everywhere, but there is plenty of room for everyone in this huge castle. The paper guide is simple (we opted not to use the audio) but with the aid of the book, 'Carcassone - the city' (worth buying - we saw several versions in many languages around the city), and with an hour... More

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Wonderfully preserved history”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

This place is preserved and a working castle village, the locals have done a wonderful job in preserving history, whilst at the same time continuing businesses in a way that is sympathetic to how the castle has operated for centuries. Well worth a visit. More

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Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“I loved this place”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

We had very limited time in which to explore as we were leaving after just an afternoon and a morning in Carcasonne- but frankly- that was time enough with 2 kids- the place itself is just amazing- really well maintained and sensitively managed- as always with these sorts of places you exit through the gift shop. Being picky- I would... More

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Bourne, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
“Castle tour”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

Informative tour, using the headsets which are now available. Would have liked to hear more about the Cathars and their history though - it was very biased on the re-building of the city. More

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Runcorn, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Very good but needs attention to areas”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

Great place to visit. We arrived here late in the afternoon so it was not very busy. We walked around the inner walls of the city then went for something to eat then walked around the Castle and ramparts while the sun was setting. The only thing i didnt like was the amount of rubbish thrown around the walls and... More

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Maidstone, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
“Don't Miss It”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

We are sadly just finishing our weekend trip To Carcassone and despite the un seasonal weather We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience We would recommend the guided tour despite the dual Translation as our guide made sure we understood The whole Carcassone history and the native French People on the tour were very patient as well If any one should... More

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Wexford, Ireland
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Unmissable”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2012

Gorgeous. We went after dark and it is magnicently lit up. More

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england
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Get it on your 'Bucket list'”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

Agree absolutely spectacular, a must see !!! Lovely atmosphere, wear comfy shoes for the cobbles, lovely views, well worth visiting. There is a fee for the castle but not La Cite. More

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Chester, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Spectacular!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

Wonderful day out, really enjoyed the history behind it, very atmospheric. Plenty of restaurants within, you will be stuck for choice! Don't miss it. More

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Toulouse, France
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Combine with cassoulet in La Cite”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

Tale the time to stay here as as the sun sets and you look out on the river, valley and newer parts of town below. Truly inspiring in its size and in its location, you can always find a quiet corner despite the number of visitors More

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Castle and Ramparts of Carcassonne
1, rue Viollet-le-Duc
11000
France
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