Carcassonne Castle & Ramparts Tickets

The castle and fortifications of Carcassonne constitute one of the most well-preserved medieval strongholds across Europe. Delve into its captivating past by securing your entry to this unique historical site.

Reasons to Explore Carcassonne Castle

This iconic and seemingly unassailable fortress of Carcassonne witnessed intense battles between the French and the Aragonese during the Middle Ages, reflecting the fierce competition for control over this pivotal region.

Your entry ticket grants you access to explore the Romanesque Chapel of the Bastion, the impressive Machicolations—defensive galleries used to drop projectiles on assailants—and the Barbican, an essential protective gateway positioned over the moat.

Moreover, you'll be permitted to traverse the ramparts of the citadel. Take your time as you wander along the fortified boundary of this medieval city, where you can investigate the various towers and battlements of the enclosure. The vantage points offer breathtaking vistas of the Aude river valley.

Leaning over the ramparts, you will appreciate the charming historical center of Carcassonne, which showcases the exquisite Saint-Nazaire basilica and the grand Narbonne Gate.

Visiting Hours

The hours of operation for Carcassonne Castle are as follows:

April 1 to September 30: from 11 am to 6:30 pmOctober 1 to March 31: from 9:30 am to 4:15 pm

Note that final entry is permitted 45 minutes prior to closing time.

Special Hours

On December 24 and 31, the castle and fortifications will shut down at 4 pm.

Complimentary Admission

Entry to the castle and its walls is complimentary for the following groups:

Individuals aged 18 to 25 from the European Union.All children under 18, irrespective of nationality.

To obtain the free admission mentioned above, you need to visit the ticket office on-site and provide a valid identification to verify your eligibility for a complimentary ticket.

Additionally, free entry is available for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month from January to March, from November to December, and during the third weekend of September.