Car Hire in Carcassonne

About Carcassonne

Carcassonne is the capital of the Aude department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. The river Aude divides the city into two parts. One part is the Ville Basse and the other is the Cité.

The city has an interesting past where many turbulent events have taken place. The city has been under various religious and national governments throughout its history. Due to its strategic location between Toulouse and the Mediterranean Sea, it is considered the largest citadel in Europe.

Carcassonne has much to offer in terms of historical, cultural, and artistic attractions. The city is best known for its medieval fortress, Cité de Carcassone. But besides this impressive structure, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, there is much more to discover here. And the sights you will see here will undoubtedly impress you. And on top of that, there are so many great restaurants here in Carcassonne. You can enjoy great gastronomy here, which adds value to the city.

As you stroll through the narrow medieval streets and admire the buildings, you will feel the spirit of this city with its rich history. Many religions, nations, and different politics ruled here in Carcassonne. And every important event in the past has left its mark on this city and today you can explore the stories and myths of this city's past. If you are taking a road trip through France, you should put Carcassonne on your list of destinations. You will not regret it.

Basic info and car hire in Carcassonne

• Location: Occitanie region, France
• Population: 46,513
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Carcassonne has a humid subtropical climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Carcassonne are in good condition.
• Car hire in Carcassonne:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Carcassonne is at Carcassonne airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Carcassonne!

 Driving in Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a smaller city, but traffic can be pretty heavy during rush hour. You can drive in the city centre, but be sure to follow the rules and obey all signs on the road. There are also many pedestrian areas that you are not allowed to enter by car, so watch out for these areas. The police can be very strict about this. Also, be careful when driving through narrow streets, as many of them are one-way streets.

There are many parking lots in the city and also three large underground garages, so parking your car in one of these lots and exploring the city on foot might be your best bet. Public transport is not that good, but some buses run fairly regularly and cover some areas that might interest you.

But if you drive outside the city and explore the surrounding areas of Carcassonne. That's a whole different story. The roads are wide and the views are stunning. There are not as many traffic jams as in the city, so you can enjoy your drive. There are many amazing places to visit around Carcassonne and they are all accessible by car, so buckle up and drive safely.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Carcassonne

The Jacobin Gate

This is the only one of the four main gates that have survived. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century. In the past, it was rebuilt once (18th century). Today it is a monument and a historical site representing the former entrance to the city of Carcassonne.

Basilica of St Nazaire

This very old cathedral was built in the 6th century in Romanesque-Gothic style. In this church, you can see one of the oldest stained glass windows in France. You can also admire some great decorations in the church and listen to the majestic sound of the organs. It is open to visitors every day of the week. 

Lac de la Cavayer

This attractive lake near the city of Carcassonne is a very popular destination for locals during the summer months. You can enjoy numerous water activities on the beaches of this lake. There are also some wonderful routes around the lake where you can go for a walk and admire the stunning scenery around you. 

St. Vincent's Church

This church offers one of the highest points in Carcassonne. You can climb to the top of the tower of this church and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. 

Le Parc Australia

This great park is ideal for spending a relaxing day in nature. There are some great spots for different activities for kids and adults. There is also a small zoo in this park where you can see different types of animals.

Best restaurants in Carcassonne:

Pizzeria Rabah Zaoui

La Table du Vatican

Restaurant La Marquiere

La Table de la Bastide

Barriere Truffes L'Atelier

Le Clos des Framboisiers