From Toulouse: Full-Day Carcassonne Tour with Round-Trip Transfers and Audio Guide

Travel conveniently from Toulouse to Carcassonne and explore the UNESCO-listed medieval city with an audio guide.

Getting started

Begin your day at the meeting point in Toulouse, where a tourist coach will take you directly to Carcassonne. Upon arrival, use the free shuttle service from the bus parking to the city entrance. Download your audio guide in your preferred language to start your self-paced discovery.

What to expect

This self-guided day trip offers the freedom to explore Carcassonne’s walled city at your own pace, with commentary from your audio guide. As you move through narrow alleys and stone archways, uncover stories of medieval life, sieges, and strategic defenses that shaped the citadel.

Features

• Comtal Castle and ramparts: Walk through the castle and ramparts for views of the region and learn about its role in Carcassonne’s defense.

• Saint Nazaire Basilica: Visit this significant basilica, known for its blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

• Cobbled streets: Wander through narrow lanes lined with historic buildings, immersing yourself in the city’s medieval atmosphere.

• Flexible exploration: Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, using the audio guide to uncover hidden stories and landmarks.

• Convenient transport: Benefit from round-trip coach transfers and a frequent shuttle, making your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Note: Tour doesn't include tickets to castle, ramparts and Saint Nazaire Basilica.

From Toulouse: Full-Day Carcassonne Tour with Round-Trip Transfers and Audio Guide

Discover the medieval treasures of Carcassonne on this full-day guided tour from Toulouse, which includes round-trip transfers and a multilingual audio guide. Explore the UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne, known for its 12th-century fortifications, Comtal Castle, Saint Nazaire Basilica, and panoramic views over the Aude River valley. Spend approximately three hours wandering through this historic city with an audio guide available in French, English, and Spanish to reveal centuries of history and cultural significance. The tour also covers the surrounding countryside, including the village of Rennes-le-Château, known for its mysterious connections to the Holy Grail legend, and the stunning Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 1681. With over 3 kilometers of walls and numerous towers, Cité de Carcassonne offers unparalleled insight into medieval architecture and defensive strategies. The citadel spans an area of approximately 50 acres and includes more than 50 towers, each with its own unique history dating back to the Roman era. Visitors can also explore the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, built in the 13th century, which houses a collection of medieval artifacts including stained glass windows from the 14th century. The tour allows you to see these landmarks at your leisure while providing essential historical context and practical information such as opening hours and ticket prices for specific attractions.

Explore Cité de Carcassonne's Medieval Walls

Your tour stops at Cité de Carcassonne, where visitors can walk along the 12th-century fortifications that span over three kilometers. The walls cover an area of approximately 50 acres and include more than 50 towers, each with its own unique history dating back to the Roman era. Key features include the Comtal Castle built in the 9th century, Saint Nazaire Basilica from the 13th century, and panoramic views over the Aude River valley. The citadel's defensive structures were designed to protect against invading forces, featuring narrow gateways, moats, and drawbridges that are still visible today. Visitors typically spend around three hours exploring this historic site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Unlike other medieval cities, Carcassonne's Cité de Carcassonne has been meticulously restored to its original glory, offering a rare glimpse into the past without modern intrusions. The citadel's significance lies in its well-preserved state and rich historical context, making it an essential stop for any traveler interested in medieval architecture and history.

Discover Saint Nazaire Basilica

At Saint Nazaire Basilica within Cité de Carcassonne, guests can explore this 13th-century religious landmark known for its impressive Gothic architecture. The basilica houses a collection of medieval artifacts including stained glass windows from the 14th century and an ornate altar dating back to the Renaissance period. Visitors typically spend around one hour inside the basilica, taking in the intricate details of its interior design and historical significance. Unlike other churches in France, Saint Nazaire Basilica is uniquely situated within Carcassonne's fortified walls, offering a rare combination of religious and military history. This makes it an essential stop for those interested in both medieval architecture and spiritual heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Cité de Carcassonne with multilingual audio guide
• Walk 3 km of medieval walls built between the 9th to 14th centuries
• Discover Saint Nazaire Basilica from the 13th century
• Visit Comtal Castle within the citadel’s fortified grounds
• Enjoy panoramic views over Aude River valley and surrounding countryside
• Learn about Carcassonne's rich history with audio guide in French, English, Spanish
• Access Rennes-le-Château village famous for Holy Grail connections
• Experience Canal du Midi UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 1681

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and tourists seeking cultural immersion, this full-day tour from Toulouse provides an unparalleled glimpse into medieval France's rich heritage. You will explore the fortified city of Carcassonne, walk along its extensive walls, discover Saint Nazaire Basilica, and visit Rennes-le-Château village, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the region’s historical significance while enjoying the stunning landscapes.