Carcassonne: Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket

Carcassonne’s medieval castle and ramparts offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past. Visitors can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with the convenient Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket, which grants access to the castle, archaeological museum, and fortified walls. Priced from CZK 275, the ticket provides a self-guided experience enriched by multilingual leaflets. While flexible booking options and positive reviews suggest a well-organized visit, there’s more to uncover about the site’s remarkable 2,500-year history and the architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time.

Key Points

• Admission tickets to the Carcassonne Castle and Ramparts are priced from Kč275 per person, with a reserve now and pay later option available.
• The self-guided tour includes access to the castle, archaeological museum, ramparts, and a multilingual leaflet, with audio guide rental offered for an additional fee.
• The site is open year-round with seasonal hours, and important closures include January 1, May 1, and December 25, among others.
• Visitors highly rate the overall experience, with positive feedback on value for money, service, and organization, contributing to the site’s 4.6/5 rating.
• The ticket price of €27.50 provides access to the UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a well-maintained and informative experience with stunning views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Ticket Information and Booking

Visitors can purchase Carcassonne entry tickets from Kč275 per person. The tickets offer a reserve now & pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

They’re valid for 1 day, with starting times subject to availability. Group sizes are limited to 10 participants, and admission is free for those under 18 and EU visitors under 26 with ID.

The self-guided tour includes access to the castle, archaeological museum, and ramparts, as well as a multi-lingual leaflet.

Visitors can also rent an audio guide on-site for an additional 3 Euros fee.

Experience Highlights

The self-guided tour of Carcassonne allows visitors to explore the castle, archaeological museum, and fortified ramparts.

Along the way, guests can reference a multilingual leaflet that provides information in several languages, including French, English, and German.

For an additional fee, an audio guide is available for rental on-site, offering an immersive experience as you climb the square Bishops Tower and wander through the galleries and ancient walls.

Whether you prefer to explore at your own pace or with the aid of a guided audio tour, the Carcassonne experience promises an engaging glimpse into the site’s 2,500 years of history and military architecture.

Historical Significance

Carcassonne’s origins date back to the 6th century BC, when it was first settled. The fortified town gained strategic significance in the Middle Ages, taking on its definitive shape in the 13th century.

Carcassonne’s impressive military architecture, built over 2,500 years, is a testament to its tumultuous history. In the 19th century, the city was meticulously restored by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

Today, Carcassonne’s medieval castle and ramparts are a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing over 1,000 years of history. Visitors can explore the archaeological museum, gaze out from the fortified walls, and climb the square Bishop’s Tower to appreciate Carcassonne’s enduring historical significance.

Visitor Opening Hours

The castle, archaeological museum, and ramparts of Carcassonne are open to visitors year-round, with varied hours based on the season.

From April 1 to September 30, the site is accessible from 10:00 to 18:15, with last entry at 17:00 for the castle and 17:45 for the ramparts.

During the winter months, from October 1 to March 31, the hours are reduced to 9:30 to 16:45, with last entry at 15:45 for the castle and 16:15 for the ramparts.

The site is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, and closes early on December 24 and 31.

The ramparts are also closed on July 14.

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Visitor Closures

Along With the reduced winter hours, the Carcassonne site has several notable closures throughout the year. The castle and ramparts are closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Plus, the ramparts are closed on July 14, and the attraction closes early on December 24 and 31.

Closure	Date
New Year’s Day	January 1
Labor Day	May 1
Christmas Day	December 25
Bastille Day	July 14
Early Closure	December 24 and 31

These closures are important for visitors to be aware of when planning their trip to ensure they can access the site during their desired dates.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to reviews, visitors are largely satisfied with their experience at Carcassonne, as evidenced by the site’s impressive 4.6/5 rating based on over 2,200 reviews.

Reviewers praised the value for money, with a 4.4/5 rating, as well as the high-quality service and smooth organization, both rated 4.5/5.

Positive feedback highlighted the easy entry process, informative exhibits, and stunning views from the fortified walls.

Visitors also appreciated the tourist amenities and souvenir shops in the surrounding area.

Value for Money

Reviewers generally find the entry ticket to Carcassonne provides good value for the money.

At just €27.50 per person, visitors can access the historic castle, archaeological museum, and ramparts. The self-guided tour allows flexibility to explore at one’s own pace, while the included multilingual leaflet and optional audio guide enhance the experience.

Considering the site’s UNESCO World Heritage status and 2,500 years of history, the ticket price represents an affordable way to discover this remarkable medieval fortress.

Many commenters highlight the well-maintained grounds, stunning views, and convenient amenities in the surrounding area as added benefits that heighten the overall value.

Organization and Service

Visitors to Carcassonne often remark on the site’s excellent organization and attentive service. The ticketing process is efficient, with a "reserve now, pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The small group size, limited to 10 participants, ensures a more personalized experience. Additionally:

1. Audio guides are available for rent on-site, providing an immersive way to explore the castle and its history.
2. Multilingual leaflets are provided, catering to a diverse international audience.
3. Friendly staff are on hand to assist visitors, answer questions, and enhance the overall experience.

These organizational and service elements contribute to the overwhelmingly positive reviews and high ratings for Carcassonne’s entry ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Audio Guide Available in My Native Language?

The audio guide is available for rental on-site and offers commentary in multiple languages, including the visitor’s native language. The fee for the audio guide is 3 Euros.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Visitors don’t need to purchase tickets in advance. They can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. The tickets are valid for 1 day with flexible starting times.

Can Children Under 18 Enter for Free?

Yes, children under 18 can enter the castle and ramparts for free. The ticket information states that admission is free for those under 18 as well as EU visitors under 26 who present valid ID.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available. Visitors under 26 from the EU can enter for free, and seniors may be eligible for reduced-price tickets. However, the website does not specify any other student or senior discounts.

Is the Site Accessible for Visitors With Disabilities?

The site offers some accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair access is available in select areas, and guided tours can be arranged for those with mobility challenges or visual impairments. However, the historic nature of the site limits full accessibility.

Sum Up

The Carcassonne: Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket offers an enriching self-guided experience through a UNESCO World Heritage site. With flexible booking options and positive reviews highlighting excellent organization and stunning views, it’s an invaluable visit for those seeking to explore 2,500 years of history and military architecture. The ticket’s reasonable price and convenience make it a compelling choice for travelers to this medieval fortress.

You can check availability for your dates here: