Cité de Carcassonne: places of interest with and without admission
Ticket prices 2025
In Carcassonne, there are attractions for which admission must be paid, but also some places of interest that can be visited free of charge.
- Which places of interest are recommended?
- Which sights in Carcassonne cost admission?
- Which sights in the Cité de Carcassonne can I visit without a ticket?
These questions are answered in this travel guide. You will also find lots of information, pictures and practical tips for discovering Carcassonne.
Places of interest in Carcassonne
The city of Carcassonne is divided into two parts:
- Ville Basse – the modern city centre outside the fortress.
- Cité Médiévale – the medieval old town with numerous attractions.
Cité Médiévale – medieval old town
There are numerous attractions to discover in the Cité Medieval. For some, a ticket must be purchased, while others offer free admission.
#1 Château Comtal – Carcassonne’s most important sight
The Comtal Castle, which was built in the 12th century, is the centrepiece of the Cité de Carcassonne. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, battlements and interiors, which offer an insight into medieval life. Visitors can:
- Explore the towers, battlements and interiors.
- Discover the fortress’s colourful history.
- Enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
🎟️ Entrance fees 2025:
- Adults: €13
- Children & teenagers (up to 18 years): free
- EU citizens up to 26 years: free
Our tip: avoid queues with an online ticket
Chomtal Castle is the most important attraction in the Cité of Carcassonne. More than 3 million people visit the city every year.
This is why there can be long queues at the ticket counter, even in the low season.
Tip:
With an online ticket, you can bypass the queue at the ticket office and go straight into the castle.
Green arrow: Access with online ticket – no queue
Red arrow: Ticket office queue – waiting time of up to 1 hour depending on the number of visitors
More information in this travel guide:
⇒ Château Comtal: Tickets, prices 2025, queues – Is it worth a visit?
#2 Basilica of Saint-Nazaire – Gothic splendour
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire in Carcassonne is an impressive historical building that allows visitors to experience its rich history and impressive architecture. The basilica, which was originally built in the 11th century, combines Romanesque and Gothic style elements and is home to numerous art treasures. Particularly impressive:
- The magnificent stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th century.
- The harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- Regular concerts and cultural events.
✅ Admission: free
Historical background
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire was built in the 11th century and was originally a cathedral. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was extended in the Gothic style. The basilica plays an important role in the history of Carcassonne and is now part of the Cité of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What can visitors see?
Visitors can discover the architecture of the basilica, which combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. The magnificent stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries, which are among the oldest in the south of France, are particularly worth seeing. These windows tell biblical stories and shine in vibrant colours.
Experiences
Upon entering the basilica, visitors are greeted by a calm and reverent atmosphere. Concerts and cultural events are often organised here to enhance the experience.
#3 City walls and towers – Spectacular tour
A walk along the ramparts and towers of the Cité de Carcassonne offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and is a must for every visitor.
A walk along the ramparts is free of charge.
The 3 km long double wall with its 52 towers offers numerous impressive views.
#4 Porte Narbonnaise and Porte d’Aude – The main gates of the old town
The Porte Narbonnaise (eastern access) and the Porte d’Aude (western access) are the two most imposing city gates in the Cité. They were once used for defence and are impressive examples of medieval architecture.
✅ Admission: free
💡 Tip: the city gates are beautifully lit up, especially in the evening, and provide a fantastic backdrop for a stroll.
Tickets are required to visit the Château Comtal, the centrepiece of the Cité de Carcassonne.
At the city gates, you can admire the sophisticated defence technology of the Middle Ages at close quarters.
Porte d’Aude city gate (formerly Porte de Toulouse): Here you get the impression that it might have looked like this in the Middle Ages.
#5 The alleys of the Cité – experience historical flair
A stroll through the narrow, winding alleys of the old town is a wonderful experience. Here you can:
- Discover small boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
- Soak up the medieval atmosphere.
- Admire historic buildings and hidden courtyards.
✅ Admission: free
Stroll through the winding streets of the old town: sightseeing without paying admission.
You can also explore the sights on a romantic evening stroll.
City map & Sights
More information about the Cité de Carcassonne in this travel guide
https://www.carcassonneguide.city/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/chateau_comtal.webp
500
500
Carcassonne Guide
https://www.carcassonneguide.city/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/carcassonne_logo.png
Carcassonne Guide2024-05-20 09:00:122025-03-09 09:56:06Château Comtal Castle: Is it worth a visit? Is the entrance fee reasonable?
https://www.carcassonneguide.city/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/carcassonne_stadttor.webp
700
467
Carcassonne Guide
https://www.carcassonneguide.city/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/carcassonne_logo.png
Carcassonne Guide2024-05-17 23:05:242025-03-10 09:18:28Cité de Carcassonne: Sights without a ticket – admission prices 2025FAQ 2025
Which sights in Carcassonne cost admission in 2025?
Château Comtal – the most important attraction in Carcassonne
The Comtal Castle, which was built in the 12th century, is the centrepiece of the Cité de Carcassonne. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, battlements and interiors, which offer an insight into medieval life.
There is an entrance fee for the castle. Tickets are relatively inexpensive.
Tip: With an online ticket, you can avoid the queues at the ticket counter.
Which sights of the Cité de Carcassonne can I visit without a ticket?
Carcassonne is divided into two parts: the city centre outside the fortress, known as the Ville Basse, and the inner fortress, known as the Cité Médiévale.
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the city gates Porte Narbonnaise and Porte d’Aude, and all the alleys of the old town are accessible free of charge.
→ More information, pictures and tips about the sights of Carcassonne in our travel guide
Is a visit to the Cité de Carcassonne worthwhile?
Yes! The old town is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe and offers a unique atmosphere. 🏰
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!