Carcassonne Reveals New Ways to Visit

Few places in France evoke the grandeur of medieval history quite like Carcassonne. With its striking double walls, imposing towers and labyrinth of
cobbled streets, this UNESCO World Heritage site has long captured the imagination of visitors. And in 2025, visitors are set to have an even better
experience thanks to an ambitious restoration of the ramparts.

Following a two-year project led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, the 1.5 km-long inner ramparts are now fully accessible to the public. This remarkable initiative, completed in autumn 2024, includes 300m of newly restored fortifications and nine of Carcassonne’s most emblematic towers. The panoramic views from the elevated walkways are breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of the Corbières and Minervois vineyards, the Montagne Noire forests and even the distant Pyrenees. Informative displays, immersive audio guides and interactive exhibits enrich the journey, offering
historical insights, while the route incorpoarates newly opened wall paths and tower climbs.

Alongside the restorations, Excurio, in partnership with the CMN, has launched a groundbreaking virtual reality experience, Les Derniers Remparts –
Carcassonne, 1304, which transports visitors back to the early 14th century (see panel). Plus, an innovative new audio tour, designed by author Jean-
Christophe Piot, launches this summer to bring Carcassonne’s history to life with humour and fascinating anecdote
.

And finally, the City of Carcassonne, which has been listed by UNESCO since 1997, could soon see its inscription expanded. A new application is underway to designate Carcassonne and the seven surrounding 13th-century fortresses – Lastours, Termes, Aguilar, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Puilaurens, and Montségur – as a single UNESCO-listed defensive system. The application will go before UNESCO in July 2026.

Medieval adventures

Experience medieval Carcassonne for yourself with Les Derniers Remparts – Carcassonne, 1304, a cutting-edge virtual reality adventure by Excurio and the CMN, which will magically transport you back to the 14th century. Guided by fictional characters Simon and Agnès, visitors explore the city’s streets, defend its ramparts, and witness acts of defiance against the Inquisition. The immersive 45-minute journey blends historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, resulting in a deeper understanding of the city’s medieval evolution and the forces that shaped its history.

As Carcassonne continues to reaffirm its status as a living monument, now is the perfect time to walk its ancient walls, step into its virtual past and experience the medieval magic.

Lead photo credit : © Colombe Clier