Town in Occitania, France
Carcassonne
Medieval walled citadel (La Cité) above a calm lower town, easy as a one- or two-night stop or day trip from Toulouse. Touristy inside the walls, quiet at night, and hot in summer.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,690–2,360Comfortable, one person · €1,500–2,100Details
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 31°CDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe; restaurants serve free carafes on request.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTER trainsWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work in most places; carry some euros for market stalls and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Carcassonne
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| La Cité (medieval citadel) | Atmospheric stay inside the walls; pricey and touristy |
| Bastide Saint-Louis (lower town) | Restaurants, market, station and the Canal du Midi |
| Near the Canal du Midi | Quiet stays, towpath walks and cycling |
Apps that work in Carcassonne
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps; taxis wait at the station and must be booked by phone for early or late trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work in most places; carry some euros for market stalls and small shops.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.