Count's Castle

The count's castle

At the heart of the Carcassonne audio-guided tour stands the count's castle, a true fortress within the fortress. A barbican protects its entrance; once crossed, you discover the huge fortification, its gate flanked by two towers and its long stone bridge.

The work of the Trencavel family

A castle has most likely always existed at Carcassonne, at least since the time of the Visigoths in the 5th century. The one seen today was built in the 12th century by order of Bernard Aton IV Trencavel, viscount of Carcassonne. From a powerful family of southern France, he was also viscount of Albi, Nimes, Beziers and Agde. He had the fortifications of the City strengthened and this fortress built, fitted with towers, keeps and a monumental gate.

What there is to see

The count's castle, the City's last line of defence, was constantly modified over the centuries. Now managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, it can be visited and gives access to the wall-walk of the ramparts, from which the view takes in the town and the Aude. There one grasps the scale of the defensive system and the quality of its preservation.

Practical information

The castle and ramparts are managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux and can be visited for an entrance fee. Opening times vary with the season; it is best to check them before visiting. Free admission is usually provided for certain visitors. Access is from inside the City, through the castle gate.

Who had the count's castle built ?

It was built in the 12th century by order of Bernard Aton IV Trencavel, viscount of Carcassonne, from the powerful Trencavel family.

Can you walk on the ramparts ?

Yes, the visit of the count's castle gives access to the wall-walk of the ramparts; it is subject to a fee and its hours vary with the season.