Car Rental in Carcassonne

Why rent a car in Carcassonne?

Carcassonne is a great place to visit. Though best known for its fortified city center, it has much more to enjoy including ancient historic sites, unique museums, religious architecture, and delicious local cuisine. Located near both the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees mountain range, it also offers plenty to outdoors lovers.

Top ways to enter Carcassonne

• Carcassonne Airport: A small international airport, as of August 2019, it is only served by one airline, Ryanair. The company provides flights to and from Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Sardinia and Portugal. Located just 4km (2.5 miles) west of the city center, the airport can be reached in ten minutes or less.
• Perpignan Airport: Also known as Llabanère and Perpignan–Rivesaltes, the airport is served by eight different airlines. Perpignan Airport is especially active during the summer months when it is served by seven different airlines. Located 110km (68 miles) southeast of Carcassonne, the airport can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Toulouse Airport: Also known as Toulouse–Blagnac, the airport serving the capital of Occitanie handles nearly ten million travelers every year. Served by around 20 different airlines, it offers flights to 76 different destinations, mostly in Europe and some in North Africa. Located 104km (64 miles) northwest of Carcassonne, the airport can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Beziers Airport: Another small international airport in Southwestern France, Béziers Cap d'Agde handles about 300,000 travelers every year. Only served by Ryanair, it provides flights to and from Brussels, London, Stockholm, and other European cities. The airport is 100km (62 miles) west of Carcassonne and can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Montpellier Airport: Located near the Mediterranean Coast, Montpellier Airport handles nearly 2 million travelers every year. The airport is served by around 15 different airlines, including low-cost carriers easyJet and Volotea. 155km (96 miles) northeast of Carcassonne, it can be reached in about 90 minutes.

City facts

• Although not located on the coast, Carcassonne enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average high temperature is 29°C  (84°F) in July, the warmest month, and 10°C (50°F) in January. The city experiences at least a couple of snowy days every January and February.
• Carcassonne is a famous gastronomic destination, known for its special ways of cooking well-known French dishes. Try cassoulet, a casserole of pork sausage, beans, and duck meat, and Brandade de morue, cod with milk, vegetables, and lemons. Make sure to also taste the region’s great cheeses and olives; and if you’re done driving for the day, sample one of the delicious local wines.
• Carcassonne is a fortified medieval city that dates back to the 13th century. The “citadel” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in the south of France. The city is actually divided into 2 parts. The “cite de Carcassonne” (Fortified part) and the Ville Basse which is the lower town. The walls of Carcassonne are made of stone and are over 2 miles long, with 52 towers and two concentric walls. It was an important stronghold during the Middle Ages and was the site of several sieges, including one during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century.

Top sights and activities

• Cité de Carcassonne. The Cité de Carcassonne is the largest fortified medieval city in Europe and one of the most famous citadels on the continent. It has withstood many sieges and has been significantly altered by each new ruler (those include the Romans, Gauls, Moors, and others), and has always remained the main symbol of the city. Nowadays, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and can easily be visited. Nowadays less than 100 people live in the citadel, but there are a lot of shops, cafes, restaurants, and also a few hotels where you can spend the night. 
• The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. Located inside the citadel, the basilica is an important monument of Gothic-Romanesque architecture. It was significantly rebuilt in the 11th century; before that, in its place stood a 6th-century Arian Christian church built by the Visigoths.
• Museum of Torture. While it obviously won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (and is not for the faint of heart), the Museum of Torture tells the story of a very real and gruesome chapter of Europe’s medieval history. Those who dare to visit will be able to learn about the methods and instruments of torture. The museum also tells the story of the Cathars, a Christian dualist movement that was very active in Southern France from the 12th to 14th centuries and was heavily persecuted by the Catholic Church.
• Ville Basse. The lower town of Carcassonne is located outside of the fortified walls and is a charming area with many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can stroll along the Canal du Midi, which runs through the town, and visit the Place Carnot, which is the main square. There, you can find the Musée des Beaux-Arts which features works by artists from the 17th century to the present day. It is housed in the former Présidial, a building that served as a courthouse during the 18th century.
• Saint Michael of Carcassonne. Also known as simply the Carcassonne Cathedral, this designated architectural monument is one of the most important religious buildings in this part of the country. The Gothic 13th-century church is the seat of the local Catholic bishop and also a very visited tourist landmark.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h. Unlike with inter-city roads, the urban speed limit is unaffected by weather.
• Outside cities, as of July 2018 the speed limit depends on the type of the road. Highways are limited to 130km/h, 4-lane expressways to 110km/h, and 2- or 3- lane roads to 0 or 90km/h. During the rain, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your driver's license and passport or ID card with you at all times.
• As of 2018, hands-free mobile phone use is banned in France and the fines are hefty.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
• The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

Most of the main highways in France (autoroute in French) are toll roads. Their names start with the letter A and you can recognize them by a red number sign. The fee for taking a toll road depends on the specific route and distance traveled as well as the type of your vehicle - trailer cars and caravans have to pay more than regular cars. You can pay by credit card or with cash. You’ll be given a ticket that you have to keep while on the toll road that will indicate where you got on. Then you have to pay for the distance you have traveled upon exiting the road. 

Some rental cars are equipped with transponders and can use automatic toll booths (Télépéage). Ask your rental car provider to find out if they offer cars with transponders.

See the official French toll road website for more information. Use the website's toll calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route.

Ideas for day trips

• Perpignan. Although Perpignan’s own citadel is not as impressive as that of Carcassonne, the picturesque city is still worth a visit both for its beautiful 13th-century architecture and for the nearby Mediterranean beaches. The city is an important French Catalan center and is also home to two of the best rugby teams in Europe (the Dragon Catalans and USAP). Located 115km (71 miles) southwest of Carcassonne, Perpignan can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Toulouse. The capital of the Occitanie region and the fourth-largest city in France, Toulouse is home to beautiful basilicas, museums, and modern art centers. The city is also one of the food capitals of France - its cassoulet stews alone are a fine reason to visit. Located 93km (58 miles) northwest of Carcassonne, Toulouse can be reached in one hour.
• The Pyrenees. Shared between France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountain range is one of the prime tourist destinations of the region. Made up of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and forests brimming with wildlife, the area is not to be missed when visiting Southern France. Pyrenees National Park is 240km (149 miles) southwest of Carcassonne and can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Limoux. It might not be as big as the one in Rio de Janeiro, but the winter festival in the neighboring town of Limoux is definitely longer — it lasts three whole months every winter and is characterized by masquerades, concerts, and tasting of local delicacies. Limoux is lovely to visit during the rest of the year, too, mainly thanks to its well-preserved center and landmarks like St. Martin’s Church. The drive from Carcassonne takes about 35 minutes.
• Narbonne. Inhabited since antiquity, the city of Narbonne developed thanks to its location on the Via Domitia, the Roman-build road that connected present-day Spain and Italy. Some of the Roman sites survive to this day, such as the subterranean warehouses which have been turned into tourist attractions; many artefacts can be viewed in the Archaeological Museum. The city is also just a short drive away from several beautiful beaches and the coastal Narbonne Regional Nature Park. The drive from Carcassonne takes about 50 minutes.
• Canal du Midi. It was built in the 17th century from Sete to the Canal de Garonne (in Toulouse), linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Today, visitors can explore the canal by boat or bike, and discover charming towns and villages along the way. Carcassone is one of the cities the canals go through and a great opportunity to discover the countryside. 
• Minerve. This small fortified town is located in the heart of the Minervois wine region and is a perfect day trip from Carcassonne for wine lovers. The town is perched on a rocky outcrop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore the narrow streets and alleys, visit the ruins of the old castle, and sample local red wines.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Carcassonne is the Opel Astra, although many travelers also go for the Renault Twingo and the Chevrolet Aveo. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

• The French Riviera. Also known as Cote d’Azur, the French Riviera is perhaps the most famous coastal stretch in Europe. Made up of beautiful beaches, restaurants serving fresh seafood, serene coastal villages, and countless yacht marinas, it is all about a leisurely enjoyment of life. Nice, the largest city, is 470km (292 miles) east of Carcassonne and can be reached in about five hours, but some smaller towns are even closer. 
• Andorra. A tiny country high in the Pyrenees, Andorra punches way above its size when it comes to attractions. The area is famous as a winter sports destination, but travelers also love its wildlife refuges, excellent hiking options, and diverse cuisine. Located just 180km (112 miles) south of Carcassonne, Andorra can be reached in about three hours. You’d have to cross an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Barcelona. One of the most famous cities in Europe, Barcelona has something for everyone. While some visitors love its beautiful beaches or go to see the city’s famous football team, others spend hours wandering around the Gothic Quarter or marveling at the buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí. Located 305km (190 miles) south of Carcassonne, Barcelona can be reached in just three hours. Like with Andorra, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you crossing the border.
• Girona. Located on the way to Barcelona, the Spanish city of Girona is only a two-hour drive from Carcassonne. Known for its rich and varied past, it is home to impressive churches and a strong Jewish heritage, having once been one of the centers of the Jewish community in this part of Europe. Despite not being on the coast, Girona can also serve as a gateway to the awesome Costa Brava beaches. 
• Cevennes National park. The Parc des Cevennes is a beautiful natural park located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, just a few hours' drive from Carcassonne. The park covers over 900 square miles and includes a diverse range of landscapes, countryside villages and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boar, deer, and eagles. Visitors to the park can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through stunning scenery and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
• Provence. One of the most popular destinations in Provence is the city of Avignon, which is known for its impressive medieval architecture and rich history. There, you can explore the imposing Palais des Papes, which was once the residence of the popes during the 14th century, as well as the iconic Pont d'Avignon, a historic bridge that spans the Rhone River. Another must-visit destination in Provence is the Luberon Valley, characterized by its picturesque hilltop villages, lush vineyards, and fields of lavender. The region is home to several charming villages, including Gordes, Menerbes, and Roussillon.
• Gorges du Verdon. For those interested in natural beauty and a bit of outdoor activity, the Verdon Gorge is an ideal destination near Carcassonne. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Europe," this stunning gorge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys, as well as opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Car rental prices in Carcassonne

• SUVs - from $41 per day
• Medium cars - from $39 per day
• Small cars - from $34 per day
• Large cars - from $45 per day
• Station wagons - from $54 per day
• Vans - from $78 per day
• Premium cars - from $198 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Follow these simple tips and land a great rental car in Carcassonne:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Carcassonne is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 52% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 67% cheaper than renting a car in June.