Car Hire Carcassonne

Hiring a car in Carcassonne allows you to maximise your time in this spellbinding corner of France. Set out an itinerary for your break then take to the open road.

Journeying through the city is easy, thanks to a well-maintained network of roads. Follow the N113 from north to south and catch a glimpse of both the new and old parts of Carcassonne.

Turn off onto Avenue Achille Mir and park up – from here, you can access the city’s treasure trove of historical sights.

You can also enjoy the freedom your rental car affords to use Carcassonne as a gateway for exploring this idyllic region of France.

Take the A61 and A9 and in just under two hours you’ll find yourself in the stylish city of Montpellier. See the Porte du Peyrou, Montpellier’s version of the Arc de Triomphe. Climb the 103 steps of the 52m-high arch for spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Follow the A61 from Carcassonne towards Narbonne, before taking the A9 through the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne. Explore the unspoilt landscapes packed into this pocket of rural France, from sparkling lagoons and thick pine woods to quiet stretches of beach.

From here, journey through the sun-baked Roussillon region to Perpignan. Perched on the coast, close to the Spanish border, this charming destination is a history lover’s dream.

While driving in Carcassonne and its surrounding areas, you’ll use the left-hand side of the road. Look out for speed limit signs as these can vary from 50 km/h in built-up areas to 130 km/h on motorways.

Prepare to be enchanted by magical Carcassonne, this fortified city nestled on a rocky hilltop in southern France. Gaze upon the tangle of turrets, battlements and walls and you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a storybook world.

Explore all the gems of this historical city with car rental in Carcassonne to make the most of this unique location. 

Walk around La Cité

Live out your royal fantasy inside the medieval La Cité, the city’s fortified town. Walk across the drawbridge and you’ll quickly find yourself captivated and inspired by the spectacular surroundings.

Admire the monumental turrets, show-stopping architecture and explore the cobbled streets of the 2,000-year-old stronghold – you can literally touch the history. Close your eyes and it’s easy to visualise La Cité in all its glory as a fortress during the Roman, Gaul and Moor eras.

Head deeper into the complex in the direction of Château Comtal to access the ramparts. Walk along the battlements and drink in the mesmerising views of the nearby lush countryside – you may even catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees in the distance.

Escape the crowds and watch the world go by

After soaking up La Cité’s ancient atmosphere, enjoy a change of pace and scenery at La Ville Basse – it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and explore beyond the headline landmarks.

Amble through the lower town of Carcassonne, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and refuel at one of the wonderfully tempting cafés. Indulge in a freshly-baked croissant and wash it down with a coffee as you watch the world go by.

Back outside, explore the boutique shops lining the medieval streets. Work your way to the Place Carnot in the heart of Carcassonne and meander between the fresh produce stalls that line the square.

Visit the village of Lastours

Pack up your hire car, wind down the windows and enjoy the rural scenery all the way to Lastours. As the entrance to the Valley Orbiel and the Black Mountains, this unspoilt destination is the perfect place to hike through thick pine forests, vineyards and olive groves.

Marvel at the quartet of striking castles looming over the village on a rocky outcrop, then trek your way up to the medieval ruins and pause to soak up the green-tinged views of the valley below.

Fall in love with the French coast

Ignite a new passion for day trips with a visit to Collioure. Travel to this picturesque coastal spot near the Spanish border and enjoy a blast of sea air.

Soak up the sunshine on the pebbled beach before enjoying a refreshing swim in the glittering Mediterranean that laps at the shore. It’s worth taking your snorkel with you to spot local marine life in the beautiful bay.

When temperatures peak, you can retreat to the village and wander in the shade of lemon trees among the pretty streets. Finish your day trip with dinner at one of the quayside restaurants, sampling the village’s famed anchovies as you gaze out upon the sparkling sea.

Car hire in Carcassonne allows you to soak up the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Carcassonne, as well as the delights of the wider Languedoc region and the south of France.