Any vacation to the hilltop town of Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of southern France is bound to be filled with adventure. This historic, walkable town, which is one of Europe’s Best Preserved Medieval Cities, enchants visitors with its storied history, vibrant theater scene, and wonderful wineries. And, if you’re looking for a suitable place to stay, you’ll find plenty of options. The best hotels in Carcassonne, France, provide the ideal base for exploring this old city’s wonders. Not only that, but they are also more than capable of accommodating your desire and need for a fabulous home away from home. With modern conveniences such as climate control, outdoor pools, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more, these hotels ensure your comfort within their premises.
There’s a wide variety of lodging options in Carcassonne. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels and chic apartments to cozy B&Bs and opulent vacation homes. Book a room in a hotel near La Cité (the citadel) for easy access to one of the Largest Castles in the World. Or, you could stay in the lower town. Called the Bastide Saint Louis, it’s a neighborhood teeming with French bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants. Wherever you decide to stay in Carcassonne, you’ll see for yourself why it’s one of the Most Impressive Walled Cities on the planet.
Soleil Vacances Hotel Les Chevaliers & Spa
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With a great location, outstanding features, and top-notch service, it’s no surprise that Soleil Vacances Hotel Les Chevaliers & Spa is among the best hotels in Carcassonne, France. It’s an ideal place to explore all that Carcassonne has to offer. If you feel like a stroll along the water, for example, you can walk to the Aude River, which is just 2 minutes away. The citadel is an easy 10-minute stroll, as is the train station.
You can choose from double, twin, and triple rooms and enjoy either scenic garden or castle views from your private balcony. The hotel restaurant serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast as well as international cuisine. A sun deck and a garden offer idyllic spots for relaxing on a nice sunny day. In addition, there’s a spa where you can be pampered with massages and other treatments.
Adonis Carcassonne
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Set at the foot of the citadel, Adonis Carcassonne is as close to the action as it gets. Just a few minutes’ walk away, impressive landmarks such as the Carcassonne Cathedral and the Memorial House await. Additionally, guests may rent bicycles and make their way to the Cathar Castles.
Adonis Carcassonne is a condo hotel boasting comfortable and spacious studios and apartments. All are equipped with air-conditioning. Plus, they have kitchenettes with hot plates. Guests can start the day with a buffet breakfast in the breakfast room, then move to the terrace for coffee. This is a family-friendly property, with family rooms and kids’ TV channels. Pets, however, are not permitted.
Les Trois Couronnes Panoramique Cité
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Whether you plan on staying in or going out, you’ll find Les Trois Couronnes Panoramique Cité quite an amiable place to stay. Here, there’s a heated indoor swimming pool, which means you can swim a few laps with no problem no matter what the weather outside is. For drinking and dining, you can head to the panoramic restaurant for traditional Languedoc cuisine. Meanwhile, the 4th-floor bar is the place to head to for a refreshing nightcap.
The hotel offers a selection of double and twin rooms and suites. Each one comes with a private bathroom, satellite TV, and a mini-bar. Moreover, there are rooms with private balconies affording breathtaking views of the medieval city. This is a pet-friendly property. And, since it’s right beside the river, taking Fido for a scenic waterside stroll couldn’t be any easier.
Hôtel De L’Octroi
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Bold colors and streamlined design are some of the things you’ll find in your room at Hôtel De L’Octroi. Chic and modern, the rooms are soundproofed and offer private bathrooms, flat-screened TVs, climate control, and more.
Within the hotel premises, you’ll find a number of things to occupied. The outdoor pool, for example, is a great place for swimming day or night since it’s open until after the sun has set. However, it’s a seasonal pool and only open from Easter through October. The hotel also features a bar as well as an outdoor terrace. Want to learn how to cook regional fare? If so, sign up for the cooking classes that are available upon request.
Its proximity to historic old town attractions makes this property one of the best hotels in Carcassonne, France, for sightseeing. The Gothic-Romanesque Basilica of Saints Nazarious and Celsus, for instance, is a 10-minute walk away.
Best Western Le Donjon
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Composed of 3 buildings in the heart of town, Best Western Le Donjon provides a superb home away from home in Carcassonne. This 4-star hotel features individually decorated rooms overlooking either the property’s leafy garden or the imposing citadel. Climate control, mini-bar, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom are some of the in-room amenities.
A breakfast buffet is available for a fee. At the hotel restaurant, you can enjoy traditional French dishes. During sunny days, you can enjoy an outdoor meal in the garden. Later in the day, you can head to the cocktail bar for an aperitif.
Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cité
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Modern and casual, Campanile Carcassonne Est La Cité is one of Carcassonne’s hip lodging options. Here, you can stay in one of the rooms that are attractively decorated in a contemporary style. All accommodations feature air-conditioning, tea/coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs. In the morning, you can head to the hotel restaurant for a buffet breakfast. The restaurant also serves traditional French cuisine. Later, you can burn off the calories with a few laps in the outdoor swimming pool.
This 3-star hotel is roughly a 30-minute to and from the old town. If you’d rather drive, you’ll be glad to know that parking is free here. Meanwhile, a leisurely 20- to 25-minute stroll will bring you to attractions such as the Narbonnaise Gate and Chateau Comtal.
ibis Styles Carcassonne La Cité
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When it comes to offering value for money, ibis Styles Carcassonne La Cité is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Carcassonne, France. For a mid-range property, it features quite a few luxe perks. Its outdoor pool and fitness room, for example, are amenities you’d expect to find in a more upscale hotel. In the dining room, you can enjoy breakfast while admiring views of the pool and Carcassonne’s rooftops. Meanwhile, the hotel hall offers tea and coffee all day. Plus, there’s table football, too!
Renovated in 2015, the hotel features rooms with en suite bathrooms, TV, and air-conditioning. Within easy driving distance from the hotel, destinations such as the Pont Rouge Commercial Zone await exploration.
Hotel Du Pont Vieux
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Set within an 18th-century building at the foot of the citadel, Hotel Du Pont Vieux is a charming place to stay in Carcassonne. You’ll find cozy guestrooms, most offering captivating views of the castle. Each one is well-appointed, boasting a flat-screen TV, climate control, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Wi-Fi is free as well. The service is outstanding here. Packed lunches, car/bicycle rental, and 24-hour staff assistance are available.
The hotel is an easy drive of 4 km (2.5 mi) from Carcassonne Airport. And, if a day by the water sounds appealing, you can head to Cavayere Lake. Situated 5.4 km (3.4 mi) from the hotel, the lake is home to sandy and pebble beaches. It’s also a popular site for activities like water games, mini-golf, and picnics.
Hotel Pont Levis – Franck Putelat
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The old meets the new at Hotel Pont Levis – Franck Putelat. On one hand, this 4-star property is just steps from the medieval city’s entrance and provides views of the ancient ramparts. On the other hand, it’s chock-full of modern features and amenities for a comfortable stay. In the rooms, for example, you’ll find satellite TV, iPod docking stations, and private bathrooms. Some also have patios where you can have a sunny meal al fresco. Also, there’s a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by loungers.
You can begin your day with a gourmet French breakfast at the hotel. Or, you can head out and choose from one of the restaurants just a few steps away. Later, you can head to the Carcassonne Golf Course to practice your swing. It’s just 3.4 km (2.11 mi) from the hotel.
Hôtel La Bastide Saint Martin
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If a quiet setting while on holiday in Carcassonne is what you’re after, consider staying at Hôtel La Bastide Saint Martin. The city center is just under 5 km (3 mi) away; far enough from the hustle and bustle of the madding crowd yet close enough to drive to for a day of sightseeing.
This boutique-style hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms. They also overlook the hotel’s manicured garden or the heated outdoor pool. Some rooms, meanwhile, have direct access to the pool. And, if you’d prefer to stay indoors, you can head to the hotel library or play a game of ping-pong.
Hotel De La Cité & Spa MGallery
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The 5-star Hotel de la Cité & Spa MGallery is beloved by many visitors for a host of reasons. First, its setting in a medieval-style chateau within Carcassonne’s circular walls creates a magical atmosphere. Second, it features a verdant garden and a lovely outdoor pool with unobstructed views of Saint Nazaire Basilica. Third, the property is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant. For these reasons and more, it deserves its place among the best hotels in Carcassonne, France.
The rooms are charmingly decorated in the classic or Provençal style. Each one has an iPod docking station and some have private balconies. Attractions closest to the hotel include Carcassonne Cathedral and Memorial House.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Carcassonne:
- L’Ostal des Troubadours – Housed in a 13th-century building, it’s one of Carcassonne’s oldest restaurants. Savor traditional and local cuisine while being entertained by live music. The views of Carcassonne’s historic structures from the restaurant are amazing, too!
- Tutored Wine and Food Matching in Carcassonne – Treat your palate to some of the best food and wine from the Languedoc and Roussillon. Learn about the history of winemaking and discover the top Languedoc blends.
Recommended Activities In Carcassonne:
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Carcassonne – Embark on a tailor-made tour of Carcassonne’s enigmatic landmarks. Explore the famed Cité de Carcassonne and be awed by the town’s medieval architecture and culture.
- Festival de Carcassonne – Every summer, hundreds of thousands of people gather in the Medieval City to enjoy the South of France’s landmark cultural event. From opera and dance to classical and contemporary music concerts, the festival’s beat never stops.