Is Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne worth the price tag?

Stay with me as you’re about to find out where or not I’d recommend staying at Carcassonne’s Hotel de la Cite. 

The truth is, I had wanted to visit Carcassonne ever since reading the Kate Mosse Languedoc Trilogy. The books are set in Carcassonne, and you can’t help but fall in love with the city as you read them, even from afar.

My mind went into overdrive, conjuring up medieval visions of a fortified city with an old castle, battlements, a moat, and knights riding through the cobbled streets.

I couldn’t wait to explore it and spend time walking in the footsteps of Alaïs, the main character from the first book.

From where I live in France, I’m only a five-hour drive from Carcassonne, so hubby and I decided to plan a long weekend. The only question was, where should we stay?

Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne is the hotel you never want to leave

From the very first glimpse of the Cité de Carcassonne sitting proudly on the hill, you know you’re about to experience something special. 

This medieval citadel draws you into its world from the minute you enter.

As you pass through Carcassonne’s Narbonnaise Gate, you enter a time capsule taking you on a journey through the ages, and the Hotel de la Cite does the same.

With stunning views over the ramparts, the hotel is in the middle of the old citadel within the city walls.

It’s full of character, with beautifully designed rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, pool and spa facilities and complete 5-star luxury.

Nothing was too much trouble, and there was a peacefulness and ease to everything, making it a wonderful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.

Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne at a glance

One of the things that stood out was how beautifully the lines blurred between 5-star luxury and boutique hotel. 

With only 59 rooms and suites, there was a lovely, intimate feel, and the level of service reminded me of places like the Savoy in London.

Pets are allowed, and they cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.

The outdoor heated pool is open from May to September, and the Cinq Mondes and Cellcosmet Spa is open seven days a week, offering a variety of treatments.

The car park is outside the city walls in a dedicated parking area with a shuttle service to take you back to the hotel.

The History & Story

As someone who loves history, Carcassonne is a dream come true and staying in the Hotel de la Cite is like stepping into the pages of a history book.

It started life as a medieval church in the 11th century, and then, in the 20th century, two entrepreneurs, Michel Jordy and Jean Cadenat, saw its potential as a hotel.

Opening its doors in 1909, it quickly gained a reputation for excellence, not to mention a little bit of historical glamour. By the 1920s, it was a tourist hotspot attracting the rich and famous, including the likes of Walt Disney, Grace Kelly, Winston Churchill, and Johnny Depp. 

In 2010, it was taken over by the Pujol family, who were responsible for the partnership with Sofitel.

Then, in 2018, the hotel was inducted into the Historic Hotels Worldwide, giving it even more prestige.

I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that Kate Mosse, the author of the Languedoc Trilogy I mentioned earlier, has also stayed there whilst researching for one of her books.

And I was told a secret tunnel runs from the Théâtre Jean Deschamps next door, straight into the hotel for the performers to get around without being seen.

You’ve got to love a secret tunnel, it’s the stuff fairytales were made of.

A nice touch added more recently, is the audio tour that takes you on a historical adventure of the hotel through the corridors, into the guest rooms and out into the garden.

Perfect for history geeks like me who want to know the story behind absolutely everything.

The Food & Accommodation

Let’s start with the food. I mean, in France, everything really is about the food, so let’s begin there. To say the food is AMAZING would be an understatement.

On our first night in Carcassonne, we chose to eat at La Barbacane, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. As a Michelin-starred restaurant, I had high hopes and I wasn’t disappointed.

The team, headed up by Jérôme Ryon, a former second in command to the famous chef Franck Putelat, produced a superb 5-course meal.

Everything was perfect, and my uber-fussy husband, who normally won’t try anything he doesn’t know (when we first met, he liked all his food charcoaled), ate everything on his plate. 

We were lucky as the weather was great, so we were able to eat outside rather than in the fabulous medieval-style dining hall.

And as a pianist, I loved being serenaded by the baby grand piano they’d brought outside onto the terrace.

There is also a lovely library bar where we finished off our first evening. As an avid reader, I loved that there were floor-to-ceiling books everywhere you looked. I felt right at home as my house has bookshelves in pretty much every room.

Breakfast is available in the restaurant, but you can also enjoy the room service option, which we did so we could enjoy the view from our terrace.

Something else we did was to have brunch out rather than breakfast, as there are plenty of great restaurants in Carcassonne.

Our room was beautiful, and as I mentioned above, we were lucky enough to have a terrace with a view of the city.

We stayed in a Junior Suite, and I loved the touches of medieval decor, which gave it a certain grandeur, and accentuated the history surrounding Carcassonne.

In total, there are 59 rooms, with a choice of classic, superior and family rooms, as well as the Junior and Terrace Suites. I believe there is also a villa, which you can book for megabucks if there is a larger group of you.

I have to say, the beds were amazingly comfortable. I’m not a fan of beds in some of the French hotels as they are often thin and really small.

That was certainly not the case here, and I was asleep almost as soon as my head hit the fabulously squishy pillow.

The Cinq Monde Spa and Pool

My biggest regret is that I didn’t have a spa treatment or take a dip in the pool during my stay. Why? Because I just didn’t have the time.

I was so busy discovering the city and the Bastide I ran out of time, it’s that simple. 

However, I did take a peek at the Spa and asked some of the other guests what they thought, and the feedback was unanimous, it was a thumbs up from all of them.

What I loved about Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne

I think the easier question would be, what didn’t I love? And I can’t actually think of anything.

What’s not to love? The hotel is a perfect blend of history and luxury, offering an experience that’s both decadent and relaxing.

The staff go above and beyond to make your stay special, from the moment you arrive to the moment you (reluctantly) check out.

Why you should book Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne

If you want to get as close as possible to experiencing medieval France, then you’ve found the perfect hotel. It combines history, luxury and great service all in one lovely historical package.

The stone walls, the intricate woodwork, and the stained-glass windows remind you you’re staying in a piece of Carcassonne’s rich history.

It’s like having a backstage pass to a historical monument.

And then there is the location. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of the fortified city. Imagine waking up, stepping outside, and finding yourself in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s the kind of location that travel dreams are made of, and it was certainly a dream come true for me.

Who is Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne for?

The Luxury Seeker

If you have a taste for the finer things in life, the Hotel de la Cite won’t disappoint. From the Michelin-starred restaurant to the plush, well-appointed rooms, every aspect of your stay is designed to pamper you. It’s not budget travel it’s luxury redefined.

The Avid Explorer

If your idea of a good time involves exploring new places on foot, you’ll love the hotel’s prime location. With a walkability score of 96, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the best that Carcassonne has to offer, from the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire to the Chateau Comtal.

The Culinary Adventurer

If you’re someone who travels with their taste buds, the hotel’s dining options are a culinary adventure waiting to happen. From the breakfast buffet to the Michelin-starred fine dining experience, every meal is an event in itself.

The Romantic

The hotel’s intimate setting makes it perfect for couples. Imagine sharing a bottle of wine on your private terrace, taking a moonlit stroll through the fortified city, or enjoying a couple’s spa treatment. It’s the kind of place where romance isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.

And finally, the History Buff

If you’re like me, someone who gets ridiculously excited about walking through ancient ruins or exploring medieval castles, this hotel is a dream come true. It’s an 11th-century monument, offering a unique chance to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Carcassonne’s past.

How to get to Carcassonne

By Air

The most direct way to get to Carcassonne is by flying into Carcassonne Airport, especially if you’re coming from Europe. Ryanair operates flights into this airport, making it a convenient option. The airport is just about 3 miles from the city centre, so you’re only a short taxi or shuttle ride away.

You could also fly into Toulouse-Blagnac Airport or Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport. Both are within a two-hour drive of Carcassonne and offer a wider range of international flights.

By Train

Carcassonne train station is well-connected to major cities. From Paris, you can catch a direct train that will get you to Carcassonne in around 5 hours. From Toulouse, it’s just an hour’s journey, and from Bordeaux, expect a 3-hour trip.

By Car

Driving to Carcassonne is via the A61 motorway and offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding region. Driving times vary depending on the time of day:

• From Bordeaux: Approximately 3 hours
• From Paris: Around 7 hours
• From Toulouse: About 1 hour
• From Montpellier: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes

FAQS About Where to Stay in Carcassonne

Final Thoughts on Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne

As you can tell, I am a little bit in love with this hotel, and it surpassed my expectations, which isn’t easy. I can tell you. 

Often when you’re that excited to visit somewhere, the reality doesn’t always live up to the dream. That wasn’t the case here, and I highly recommend splurging on a long weekend in the Hotel de la Cite Carcassone.

I can’t wait to visit again and discover more of this wonderful city.