Perched on a hilltop in the south of France, Carcassonne is best known for its medieval city. With its ramparts and multiple watchtowers, whose earliest foundations date back to Gallo-Roman times, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. So, where to stay in Carcassonne to make the most of this historic site?
In this article, we’ll show you where to stay during your stay. We’ll also recommend various types of accommodation, for both small and large budgets.
Key information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting your accommodation in Carcassonne, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Carcassonne:
- $ This hotel, located in the lower town, is affordable.
- $$ This hotel, conveniently located at the foot of the Pont Vieux and featuring an indoor pool.
- $$$ This luxury establishment, located in the heart of the ramparts, offers access to the spa.
Map of Carcassonne districts where to stay
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Carcassonne, you’ll find on the map below all the Carcassonne accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Carcassonne
Places to stay in Carcassonne
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Carcassonne.
Stay in the heart of the medieval city
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne's citadel is undoubtedly the town's most famous landmark. It's the city's most popular tourist attraction, including the Château Comtal, the Basilique Saint Nazaire and, of course, its 3km ramparts with 52 watchtowers.
The area is also home to numerous restaurants, most of them serving French cuisine. Although there are a few bars, they're not very numerous, so it's not the best place to stay if you're looking for a lively night out. In summer, the Carcassonne Festival takes place in the heart of the citadel, at the Théatre Jean Deschamps, and features a wide range of artists.
In terms of accommodation, there's no doubt that staying in the heart of the ramparts is an authentic experience when visiting Carcassonne. Nevertheless, accommodation prices are much higher than in other areas.
And don't forget that Carcassonne is a popular tourist destination. So if you're looking for accommodation, you'll need to book well in advance!
€€
In addition to its ideal position at the gateway to the walled city, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a building dating back to the 17th century. From here, you can enjoy views of either the towers or the hotel garden.
€€€
Set within the ramparts of a medieval-style castle, this accommodation offers luxurious, fully-equipped rooms. If you choose to stay here, you'll have access to a bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a wellness center where massages can be provided.
€€€
Ideally located, this establishment offers rooms in pleasant surroundings. A restaurant serving traditional French cuisine is available on site. In the evening, you can enjoy a cocktail bar.
Lodging in the lower town, the lively center
The center, also known as the lower town or Bastide Saint Louis, is the liveliest part of Carcassonne. And while it offers less tourist interest than the former, it does feature Carcassonne Cathedral, the Tour Saint Vincent, and is even bordered by the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also enjoy a view of the ramparts from below.
Well served by public transport, it's an ideal base for exploring the city and surrounding area. The train station is located in the center, next to the port.
As the liveliest area, it's home to numerous bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stay if you're looking for a lively nightlife.
More urban and modern than the Cité Médiévale, if you choose to stay here, you're bound to lose the authenticity. Nevertheless, you'll find better-value accommodation all year round. But here too, accommodation is in short supply, so it's best to bookas early as possible.
As you can see, staying in the "Ville Basse" means staying just a stone's throw from the city, while enjoying more affordable accommodation.
€
Located in the city center, this establishment offers affordable accommodation. From here, you can walk to the citadel in 25 minutes.
€€
Housed in a former 19th-century manor house, this accommodation offers rooms decorated with period furniture. Located in the lower town, it's just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. Free private parking is available for guests arriving by car.
€€
In the lower town of Carcassonne, in the heart of the historic district, offers clean, comfortable rooms, some with balconies overlooking the ramparts. The hotel features a bar and restaurant. An indoor swimming pool is available all year round.
Staying on the outskirts of Carcassonne
Although the outskirts of Carcassonne don't offer much in the way of tourist attractions, there are a number of advantages to staying there.
First of all, if you're traveling by car, you'll find plenty of places to stay on the outskirts, close to major motorways, so you won't have to drive all the way into the center.
Carcassonne also has an airport. If you're flying in, you'll also find hotels close by, although some accommodations in the center offer free shuttle services.
Last but not least, accommodation outside the center can be interesting in terms of value for money. You'll find more affordable establishments with better services and facilities, such as parking lots, swimming pools and so on.
And if you're too late and can't find the ideal accommodation in the heart of the medieval city or in the lower town, there's always the alternative!
€
Located less than 5km from the center and just 2km from the airport, this 2-star hotel offers rooms at very affordable rates. On-site facilities include a garden, terrace, restaurant and free private parking.
€
On the outskirts of Carcassonne, this accommodation is less than 4km from the medieval city. Just off the freeway and with free private parking, it's the ideal place to stay for people with cars.
€€
Located 5km from the citadel of Carcassonne, this hotel offers comfortable rooms. On-site outdoor swimming pool. Ideal for guests with vehicles, the hotel offers free private parking.
Summary
As you can see, Carcassonne is mainly divided into two distinct areas in which it can be interesting to stay: the medieval city, which is the main attraction, and the town center, which offers more attractively priced accommodation. So, where to stay will depend mainly on your desires, but also and above all on your constraints.
If you can’t find the accommodation you’re looking for, or if you prefer to stay close to motorways or the airport, the suburbs are an interesting option. Although it’s further from tourist attractions, prices are lower, and you’ll sometimes find accommodations offering more services and facilities.
It’s all a question of choice. However, wherever you choose to stay, you’ll need to book well in advance, especially during July and August, the peak tourist season