The Cité de Carcassonne
with children

There’s no shortage of tours and activities to arouse the curiosity of our dear little explorers in the alleyways of the medieval town. Cobblestone streets, ancient dwellings and a medieval feel that children are sure to love!

Here’s our selection of activities and tours with English-speaking guides!

01 The Centre d’Histoire Vivante Médiévale

Meet a knight and let him show you the medieval world and the values of gallantry. He will present his equipment, take you on a tour of the Citadel and tell you the history of this site. An interactive tour that’s pleasant and fun. Tours available in English!

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02 The Musée de l'Ecole

This small museum occupying the Citadel’s old school presents French schools of the olden days (early 20th century), the ones our grandparents knew!

You can even learn to write with a quill.

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03 The little Citadel train

Take a history tour on the Citadel’s little train for a picturesque ride exploring the entire defence system of the fortress: towers, watchtowers, posterns, brattices, machicolations, etc. This tour will surprise you, and is long enough to ensure the children don’t find time to get bored!

Le petit train de la Cité

Les calèches de la Cité

04 Treasure hunt

A fabulous treasure is said to be concealed in the Cité of Carcassonne. A reward will be given to whoever decodes the magic formula that protects it! A family activity guided by a box which is available from Carcassonne’s Tourist Offices. Ask for the box in English version!

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05 The Haunted House

Next to the Castle of Carcassonne, visit one of the Cité’s old houses to experience some very strange phenomena. About fifteen rooms’ worth of frights and shivers down the spine. Will you come out unscathed? The ghosts that haunt this dwelling are not very forgiving, except with children of course!

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06 The Counts' Castle

An authentic fortress to visit with the family. This tour is ideal for children from the age of 8 or 9 years who like castles and stories about knights…

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Achats de souvenirs à la Cité de Carcassonne ©ADT de l'Aude

Below the Citadel

In an ancient abbey, the Atelier du Livre invites you to join a workshop that will introduce you to the traditional trades and techniques behind books. Discover the magic of colour contrasts by making your own sheet of marbled paper, and experiment with typography and engraving. Tours available in English!

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And in summer

Whatever happens, don’t miss the Knights’ Tournaments held in the Bailey, close to the Saint Nazaire Basilica! In this spectacular setting, the Knights battle it out to the sound of horses’ hooves and clanging weapons!

A little further away. Family excursions beyond the Citadel

01 The Canal du Midi in the Lower Town

In the Bastide Saint Louis, you can follow the Canal du Midi on foot or by bike (it’s flat and the cycling is easy), or take a mini-cruise on one of the canal boats.

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02 The Australian Park

Close to the Medieval Citadel, this theme park devoted to Australia offers an exotic adventure in the land of kangaroos, gold hunters and Aborigines.

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03 Cavayère Lake

To let off steam near Carcassonne!
You can walk, swim or just have fun at the designated beaches.
Or there’s O2 Aventure, a treetop adventure trail.
The Aqua Viva park features a floating inflatable play course.
There’s also a waterski machine.

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04 The Musée de la Chevalerie at Villesèquelande

This museum is located 11 km (20 minutes) from Carcassonne and proposes an interactive tour for children and adults as well as an exhibition on the Middle Ages featuring weaponry and the art of illumination. Find our Top 5 Activities to do with children” in the department of Aude.

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Top 5 activities to do with children