The millions of people who drive along the A61 are struck by the beauty of the Cité médiévale de Carcassonne, overlooking a sea of vines.
There's not just one good viewpoint!
Follow our advice on where to get the best views of this site, unique in the world.
From the Bastide (on foot)
- The bridges: for a panoramic view of the cité de Carcassonne, stand on the Pont-Vieux (footbridge) or the Pont-Neuf.
- The banks of the Aude, the quai Bellevue and the ile de la Cité below the bridges also have a good view, with the river Aude in the foreground. You could even enjoy a picnic in the calm surroundings (children's playgrounds) on the île or in the jardin Bellevue
- Approaching the monument, go into place Saint-Gimer, in the Barbacane district, for one of the best views of the Cité and the porte d'Aude or along rue Trivalle, with its village atmosphere.
From the surrounding area (by car)
- View of the Cité with vines in the foreground: head for chemin de FontGrande à near the porte Narbonnaise.
- View from the Aude and the Mayrevieille plain: from the ring road, follow signs for 'camping de la cité'.
- Along the north-east and south ring road (a few different places).
- A little bit of height from the Pech-Mary hill: from the Montlegun district, head for the lac de la Cavayère. Follow signs for the Arboretum.
- The Belvédère d’Auriac motorway services (A61), with, once again a magnificent view of the Cité.
But the best is to enter and discover the Medieval Cité from a different angle. Enjoy a walk from the ramparts of the Château Comtal or stroll along the streets in the Cité.
Discover the hotels, restaurants and wine merchants located beneath the cité or with a superb view of the citadel!
