Top 10 Cultural Tours in Carcassonne Center, Occitanie

Small groups led by a Cathar expert - historian and author James McDonald. You will visit sites associated with the Cathars and learn about their origins, beliefs and history. One minute you will be noting the spot where a Crusade leader fell, and the next immersed in the grand sweep of European history. James brings to life the medieval personalities - Saint Dominic, the man behind the founding of the first papal Inquisition; the ambitious Simon de Montfort; the tragic Raymond-Roger Trencavel; the irrepressible Count of Foix, and many others.    You simply will not find either this depth of knowledge or this breadth of knowledge about Catharism anywhere else. Our tours are all in English. They are not scripted and unlimited time is always allowed for questions.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Accommodation and breakfast x 5, Local taxes, Historical expert, dedicated driver and air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Supper each day

Guided Tours are available of the medieval Cité of Carcassonne and Languedoc Roussillon (Cathar Region) either for a small group or a couple. Meeting point is at the main gate Porte Narbonnaise, from there, the story of "old lady" (2500 years) will be unveiled : its inhabitants, the Cathar crusade in the XIII° century, the new master of the region the king of France. Everything from the beginning up to now ( the Roman empire, the crusade, the Restauration by Violet Le Duc...). Strolling in the old cobbled streets will lead us to the Castle, then the Church, we will go inside, admiring the beautiful glass windows.

Inclusions: Guided tours

Exclusions: The listed price does not include parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in

Carcassonne looks like a fairy-tale medieval city. Bathed in late-afternoon sunshine and highlighted by dark clouds, La Cité, as the old walled city is known, is truly breathtaking. The visit of the Basilica with its outstanding stained-glass windows is a must.

Inclusions: Pick up and return at hotel if possible, Services of an English speaking driver, Transportation in a minivan, 4 hours tour

Exclusions: Entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions, Personal insurance and expenses, Meals and drinks, Gratuities

A 2-hour private walking tour, to discover the famous Cité de Carcassonne. Here, you will admire the castle and ramparts at the heart of the medieval city; explore the Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire; and visit la porte Narbonnaise, which was the principal entrance to the Cité. A dream like destination with a romantic ambience, the tour is tailor-made to enchant you.

Inclusions: 2-hour guided walking tour of Carcassonne, Professional guide, Hotel pickup (if applicable)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel drop-off, Entrance fees to monuments or attractions

It is the Perfect tour for nature and heritage lovers… there is some breathtaking landscape and I will tell you more about the Cathars…You wil also discover the biggest fortified city of Europe. This tour require a good physical condition, and good walking shoes. Accessible to any person with a good physical condition able to hike. I can lend 4 walking sticks.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lastours castles entrance fees, Private driver and guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Personnal insurances, Entrance fees to the Château Comtal

Private sightseeing tour with an American driver-guide (Expatriate - in France since 1992) With over 28 years' experience driving in France, I provide safe transport and historical commentary with personal anecdotes about life in France as an American expatriate. My objective is to help you to maximize your time spent here in France - so that you will most comfortably enjoy all the beauty and history - that you return home filled with spectacular memories of a marvelous adventure. Please feel free to contact me with an additional questions.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Admission fee for Castle/museum (& access to ramparts) in Carcassonne: €9 , Admission fee for Belvedere: Photo/Lookout point over the Lastours castles: €2, Admission fee for Toulouse Lautrec Museum €10

Explore Languedoc offer private tours in a recent and comfortable 8 seater Van. Lead by a local guide, you will explore and learn the history of Europe’s most famous fortified city - Carcassonne. Spend the morning exploring the Cité, Basilica and the visconte castle of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy your lunch in one of the many restaurant in the cité. In the afternoon on the way back depending on time others visits can be organized ( Wine tasting, Medieval village, Abbey etc ... ). - This tour / activity is private. Only your group will participate. - A guided tour of the city of Carcassonne - Travel comfortably from one place to another in a private air-conditioned vehicle - Stroll through the walled city at your own pace, with enough time to explore - This tour includes hotels, cruise ship pickup and dropoff - You choose your afternoon activity (Wine Tasting, Medieval Villages )

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Parking Fees, Guided tour, Professional guide/driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

The walled city of Carcassonne in Languedoc is world renowned as a spectacular fortified medieval city. The city fortress was consecrated in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a 2-hour private walking tour, personalized to your own schedule and rhythm, visiting the sights you would like. Explore medieval architecture and discover the rich culture that has inspired poets and writers, including William Faulkner. The city is divided into 2 parts; the town and the famous Cité de Carcassonne. Typically we pay more attention to the Cité, but if you would like to visit the town the tour can be customized to suit. Discover the exterior of the castle and ramparts at the heart of the medieval city; explore the Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Nazaire (no entrance); and admire la porte Narbonnaise, which was the principal entrance to the Cité. A dream like destination with a romantic ambience, the tour is tailor-made to enchant you.

Inclusions: Services of an expert guide during a private walking tour in the city of Carcassonne

Exclusions: Any entrance tickets and transportation - food and beverages - amenities - tips

It is the Perfect tour for nature and heritage lovers… there is some breathtaking landscape and I will tell you more about the Cathars…You wil also discover the biggest fortified city of Europe. This tour require a good physical condition, and good walking shoes. Accessible to any person with a good physical condition able to hike. I can lend 4 walking sticks. If the minimum of 4 participants adults is not reached 12 hours before the tour starts, it can be canceled and you will be informed per e-mail. This tour can be booked private in order to have a guarantee departure with no minimum of participants.

Inclusions: Lastours castles entrance fees, Private driver and guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Entrance fees to the Château Comtal, Personnal insurances, Lunch

In this private tour, we will pick you up from your hotel or place of choice. This is a stress free experience and your driver/guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby to start this private tour in a private luxury vehicle. Here is a suggested itinerary of what you will visit in Carcassonne for this private tour: La Cité de Carcassonne Château Comtal and Ramparts Basilique of Saints Nazarius and Celsus The Lower city of Carcassonne The Carcassonne Cathedral Lac de la Cavayère View of Musée des Beaux - Arts Châteaux de Lastours View of Canal du Midi Optional visit to the school museum. This is a museum that shows how school was in France in the early 1900s. View of the inquisition museum Caunes-Minervois Your driver/guide will be at your disposition throughout the 4 hour tour and you will get to know everything that Carcassonne has to offer. Although it is a small city, the history and stories it holds is worth while enjoying.

Inclusions: Private luxury vehicle with driver/guide for 4 hours, Pick-Up and Drop off in your hotel or apartment in Carcassonne, Private Tour, Local Taxes

Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entrances Fees