Cháteau Comtal

Carcassonne, France

The Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) is a medieval castle within the Cité of Carcassonne, the largest city in Europe with its city walls still intact. The Château Comtal has a strong claim to be called a 'Cathar Castle'. When the Catholic Crusader army arrived in 1209 they first attacked Raymond-Roger Trencavel's castrum at Bèziers and then moved on to his main stronghold at Carcassonne.

The castle with rectangular shape is separated from the city by a deep ditch and defended by two barbicans. There are six towers curtain walls.

The castle was restored in 1853 by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

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Details

Founded: c. 1130
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Daniel Nieto (5 months ago)
I recently visited the stunning Castle of Carcassonne in mid-October 2024 and absolutely loved it! As a fan of the Carcassonne board game, I’d long dreamed of seeing the real castle, and it didn’t disappoint. While it took me around 4 hours to get there from Barcelona, the journey was totally worth it. The castle itself is fascinating, with incredible architecture and panoramic views that truly transport you back in time. Right next to the castle, there’s a charming old town with cobbled streets, and I enjoyed relaxing at a cozy café nestled against the castle walls. I even bought a souvenir coin featuring the castle’s iconic silhouette as a keepsake. For fans of the board game, visiting Carcassonne can be an unforgettable adventure! I’ve attached some photos to share the experience—hope they inspire you to visit! Highly recommend this place for history lovers and game enthusiasts alike.
Jade D (6 months ago)
We had about a 20 minute walk from our hotel to this lovely Chateau. Absolutely stunning views, so many shops on the inside, and everyone was friendly. Highly worth stopping in and going for a stroll. We went in the evening and the atmosphere was buzzing!
Tom Jackson (7 months ago)
Beautiful site with great views. Fairly cheap parking. We didn't pay for any guided tours or access to the castle but still had great views and plenty to see and do regardless
AK Advisor (7 months ago)
Amazing place from the history stand point, however, totally “soulless” and kind of “naked” from the visiting point of view. It’s much more fun to walk around old city, see things, people, live. The entry costs is just €11, however, given what’s in there, it should be free. Nevertheless, you need to visit this place as it’s not that many places like this in the world.
Alex Jones (7 months ago)
Our visit to Carcassonne Castle was an unforgettable experience, so much so that we visited it twice—once during the day and once at night for the illumination tour. Both visits were fantastic and offered unique perspectives of this medieval fortress. By day, Carcassonne Castle is a sight to behold with its imposing walls, turrets, and winding cobblestone streets. Walking through its historic gates, we were transported back in time, exploring the rich history and architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. The views from the ramparts were breathtaking, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. The nighttime illumination tour was equally magical. The castle, bathed in ethereal light, took on a mystical aura. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the history and legends of Carcassonne, and the light displays highlighted the castle’s architectural features in a new and enchanting way. It was a mesmerizing experience that left us in awe. Overall, Carcassonne Castle is a must-visit. Its blend of history, architecture, and atmosphere makes it a remarkable destination both by day and night. Highly recommended!
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Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.