Carcassonne tours

Things to do in Carcassonne

Welcome to Carcassonne, where the medieval meets the magical in a city that feels straight from a storybook. The ancient stones of its walls hold tales of knights and legends, echoing as you walk the cobbled pathways. With your local guide, every Carcassonne tour is a journey through time, peeling back the layers of history that make this UNESCO site so intriguing. The ramparts provide panoramic views that captivate the eye, while the scent of cassoulet from a nearby bistro entices the senses. Whether traversing the Cité or venturing into the countryside, your guide illuminates the past, making each step an adventure beyond the ordinary. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Carcassonne. Explore Carcassonne your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Carcassonne tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Carcassonne for every interest, including: History tours: Walk the double ramparts of the Cité de Carcassonne and step into the Château Comtal to hear stories of the Trencavel family and the Cathar siege as you circle the walls. Finish at the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus to see carved capitals and learn how the fortifications were restored. Day trip tours: Day trip tours can take you to the four hilltop ruins of Lastours for the Belvédère panorama, then along the Canal du Midi for a lock demonstration and a short boat ride at Trèbes. Or head to Minerve for lunch in a stone village and a Minervois or Corbières wine tasting at a family domaine. Architecture tours: Architecture tours examine Roman towers embedded in the lower rampart, 19th-century work by Viollet-le-Duc, and defensive features like machicolations and barbicans as you walk the lices between the walls. Back in the Bastide Saint-Louis, compare Gothic tracery in the basilica with timber-framed façades around Place Carnot and the stone arches of the Pont Vieux. Carcassonne is very walkable within the Cité and the Bastide, with about a 25-minute stroll between them and limited local buses. For castles, caves, or vineyards outside town, public transit is sparse, so you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation with your guide. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Carcassonne inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Carcassonne on a private walking tour and dive into its history with your local guide. They will introduce you to the neighborhoods where the city's rich past comes to life, providing insights that make each visit memorable. - La Cité: This medieval fortress is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. Walk along its ancient walls and discover the stories that have shaped this iconic site. - Bastide Saint-Louis: Perfect for cultural tourists, this lively area offers a mix of history and modern life. Enjoy its bustling squares and explore local shops and cafes with authentic regional flair. - Canal du Midi: Families and multi-generational groups will enjoy a stroll along this peaceful waterway. It's a lovely spot for a leisurely walk, with picturesque views and opportunities for boat rides. - Trivalle: Known for its charming atmosphere, this neighborhood is great for those seeking meaningful connections with locals. Explore its quaint streets and enjoy the local dining options. Day trip ideas from Carcassonne Use Carcassonne as your base, then add easy day trips to nearby cities, vineyards, and hilltop ruins to see more of Occitanie without rushing across the map. Toulouse: Big squares, brick churches, and the Garonne shape a walkable centre where you can visit Saint-Sernin, browse the Victor Hugo market, and follow the river paths. If you enjoy food and street life, your tour can lean into neighbourhood cafés, pâtisseries, and covered markets. Albi: The fortress-like cathedral rises over a compact old town with river views from the bridge and quiet lanes close by. Art and history fans can split time between the cathedral area and small museums, keeping a relaxed pace that still covers a lot in one day. Lastours Castles: Four ruined fortresses crown a ridge above a wooded valley, linked by a clear path with wide views toward the Pyrenees on clear days. If you like short hikes and medieval stories, this is a simple, rewarding outing that suits photography and history interests. Mirepoix: A medieval square ringed by timbered arcades hosts a lively market, and the small streets make it easy to slow down. It fits photographers, casual shoppers, and anyone who wants a quieter stop that still feels rich in detail on day trips from Carcassonne. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Carcassonne most travellers miss.