Are you thinking about visiting Carcassonne, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Carcassonne worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for one to two days. Carcassonne is a medieval town that sits beautifully on the top of a hill in Southern France. The town is filled with walled fortifications and a well-preserved castle. It has a fairytale quality that is enhanced by the fact that cars are not allowed in the walled city. Many people visit Carcassonne as a day trip.
Carcassone, France
Reasons to Visit Carcassonne
Museums
The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.
Food
There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.
Historical Sights
The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.
Is Carcassonne worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Carcassonne is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town.
Summer Weather in Carcassonne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| September | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Carcassonne worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Carcassonne, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, admire the historic sights, and wander through the museums. Also, you'll be able to take in the local charm.
Autumn Weather in Carcassonne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| November | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Is Carcassonne worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Carcassonne. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Carcassonne can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and browse around the old town.
Winter Weather in Carcassonne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| February | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Is Carcassonne worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Carcassonne. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the gorgeous scenery, and the small town charm. Also, you can learn about the history of the town.
Spring Weather in Carcassonne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Carcassonne
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Carcassonne might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Carcassonne here or see if Carcassonne is expensive here.
Related
What is Carcassonne most famous for?
Carcassonne is most famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. People visit this impressive town for its great museums and food. It is also known for its great historical sights. It is often described as medieval, historical, and fairytale.
What is the most famous sight in Carcassonne?
The most popular sight in Carcassonne is La Cité de Carcassonne. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Carcassonne on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for La Cité de Carcassonne and other attractions here.
How touristy is Carcassonne? Is it a popular town to visit?
Carcassonne is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Languedoc Vineyard Tours: $164
- Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $108
- Walking guided tour Carcassonne: $175
- A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
- Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
- Private guided tour of the city of Carcassonne: $164
- Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
- Private Tour with a Knight: $185
How long should I spend in Carcassonne?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Carcassonne is one to two days. Since Carcassonne has activities such as museums and dining, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Carcassonne? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Carcassonne?.
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