A fairytale walled city of turrets and double ramparts above the vineyards of southern France, with the Canal du Midi below. Here's what Carcassonne is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
April to June and September to October are best, warm with fewer crowds on the ramparts. July and August are hot and very busy, with fireworks over the walls on 14 July. December has a Christmas market. Visit the Cité early or late in the day.
Wander the walled medieval city's lanes inside two rings of ramparts.
Walk sections of the walls and towers on a ticketed route.
Cycle or take a boat trip along the tree-lined canal.
The rich bean, sausage and duck stew the region is famous for.
Clifftop ruins like Peyrepertuse and Quéribus, about 1 hour 15 minutes away.
The lower town, with a market square and cafés.
Yes. The walled Cité is one of the most impressive medieval sights in Europe, though it's busy in summer. Stay inside or nearby to see it quiet in the evening.
One or two days covers the Cité and the lower town. Add a day for the Cathar castles or the canal.
Fly into Carcassonne's small airport, which has some flights from the UK, or into Toulouse, about an hour away by train.
April to June and September, around 17 to 26°C.
Yes. Castles, ramparts and knights' shops are a hit, and there are shows and a jousting display in summer.
Put Carcassonne on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.