Family-Friendly Adventures in Carcassonne, Occitania!

Count"s Castle in Carcassone Citadel (Chateau Comtal)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Count"s Castle (Château Comtal) in Carcassonne Citadel

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Château Comtal

Start your magical family day by heading to the heart of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, located in the Languedoc region of France. The castle opens at 10 AM, so aim to arrive early to beat the crowds. You can park at the Parking de la Cité, which is a short walk to the castle.

Once there, step back in time as you explore the Château Comtal, a fortress within a fortress, dating all the way back to the 12th century. Take a guided tour (available in multiple languages) to fully appreciate the rich history and impressive architecture. The kids will be thrilled to see the ancient walls and towers that look like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Midday: Lunch and Stroll

After exploring the castle, enjoy a picnic lunch in the grassy areas outside the castle walls, or visit one of the family-friendly restaurants within the citadel like La Marquière, known for its local cuisine.

Afternoon: Ramparts and Medieval Shows

Post lunch, take a walk on the medieval ramparts for stunning views of the Aude River and the surrounding countryside. The walk is about 3km and offers several exiting vantage points. Throughout the summer, the citadel hosts medieval demonstrations and shows, including knights in armor, which are perfect for keeping the children engaged and entertained.

Late Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping and Departure

Wrap up your visit by strolling through the cobblestone streets and picking up some souvenirs from local artisan shops. Handmade medieval toys or traditional French sweets make great mementos.

Finish your day full of historical adventure and fun by heading back to the car, with stories to tell and memories to cherish from the majestic Château Comtal and the enchanting citadel of Carcassonne.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Carcassonne Castle (Cité de Carcassonne)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Carcassonne Castle (Cité de Carcassonne)

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your magical day at the Cité de Carcassonne, a medieval fortress that looks as if it"s been plucked straight from a fairytale. Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The castle is easily accessible by car or public transport—just a short walk from Carcassonne city center or a direct shuttle bus from the airport.

10:00 AM: Guided Tour

Kick off with a guided tour (available in multiple languages). The 45-minute journey through history will captivate the kids with tales of knights and sieges. Discover the castle’s double-walled fortifications and 53 towers, each with a story to tell.

11:00 AM: The Count’s Castle

Explore the inner castle, known as the Château Comtal. Opt for the self-guided tour with an audio guide to engage with the castle"s history at your own pace. Kids will love hearing about the dramatic past battles and the castle"s role in the Albigensian Crusade.

Lunch: Picnic or Local Dining

For lunch, grab a picnic from one of the local shops and enjoy it on the castle grounds or dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants within the citadel offering traditional Languedoc cuisine.

Afternoon: Musee de l’Ecole

After lunch, visit the Musee de l’Ecole within the castle to see a fascinating display on historical education—perfect for giving kids a comparative insight into their own school life vs. the past.

3:00 PM: Medieval Workshops and Shows

Check the schedule for any medieval workshops or reenactments. These are brilliant for entertaining the kids and giving them a hands-on experience of history.

Evening: Stroll and Departure

End your visit with a leisurely stroll around the cobblestone streets of the Cité, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere. Don’t forget to pick up some unique medieval-themed souvenirs to remember your journey through time!

Enjoy your day stepping back in time in the enchanting Cité de Carcassonne, creating memories that your family will treasure forever.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.