Cheap flights to Carcassonne from £14

City overview

The French city of Carcassonne, situated in the Languedoc region, is widely known as a fortified city on the north bank of the River Aude. All turrets, towers and ramparts, the historic Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and even features its own basilica, the Basilica of St-Nazaire. Take a flight to Carcassonne to discover Europe’s largest medieval town, with walls entirely intact after it was completely restored by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the late 19^thcentury. Carcassonne’s “lower” town, however, is more modern and features charming streets that play host to entertainers, gift shops, restaurants, tapestry galleries and outdoor cafes.

The Canal du Midi crossed by the Pont Marengo is another tourist draw in the area. The canal, lined by overhanging trees, was constructed in the 1600s, and is popular for bank-side strolls and boat rides.

Carcassonne climate

The Languedoc region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate – hot, dry weather from June to August with rain setting in from December through February. Book a flight to Carcassonne to experience some of the 300 sunny days a year that the area typically experiences.

Getting around Carcassonne

Carcassonne’s medieval city is small enough that you can easily walk around. But to see the rest of the city you may want to take the bus, which is efficient and reasonably priced. Buy a transport pass for the entire day or just for an hour – it gives you unlimited rides on the entire transport system.

Getting downtown from the airport

The Carcassone Salvaza Airport (CCF) is just 2 miles (3 km) from the city. There is an airport shuttle that takes in several points around the area including the Medieval City and town centre. There are also taxis available at the airport terminal. Many visitors choose to rent a car and there are several car rental companies represented at the airport.

What is good to know if travelling to Carcassonne?

• While visiting, make sure to enjoy cassoulet, bouillabaisse, patés and Roquefort. Cassoulet is the region’s speciality, a rich dish of white beans, mutton and duck or partridge.
• Take a cruise down the Canal du Midi. Boat trips take a couple of hours from Carcassonne canal harbour. Passing through one of the canal’s locks is a highlight.
• The Raymond Chésa Leisure Park is close to the medieval city. It spreads, for 40 hectares (99 acres), across three valleys, fed by the Mitgé, Bazalac and Montirat creeks. Strolling around Cavayere Lake will reveal a number of environments, from pastures to woods to arid land. An island in the middle of the lake is an important nesting ground for ducks and other birds.