Carcassonne is a fortified French city situated by the River Aude. It's divided into two main parts: the medieval citadel at Carcassonne (La Cité), and the Lower Town (La Ville Basse).

Carcassonne served as the inspiration for the Walt Disney film, Sleeping Beauty. With a collection of drawbridges, towers, a castle and cobblestoned lanes Carcassonne’s fairytale setting is a must-see on any road trip around southern France.

It's best to start with the classic tour of Carcassonne in the medieval citadel. The highlight is the old fortress. With over 50 towers linked together by two-mile long concentric walls it's a must-see. La Cité is located on top of a hill and has superb views of the modern part of the city, the Aude River, Canal du Midi and the Pyrénées.

La Ville Basse (Lower Town) is Carcassonne's town centre. A weekly food market on the Place Carnot provides a glimpse of the colourful local life. The area also features typical French bars, cafes and restaurants. Make sure you order cassoulet, a regional dish of meat stew and beans. The Lower Town is also home to a handful of charming boutiques that are good for sourcing presents to take back home.

There's so much to discover. Hire a car in Carcassonne with Avis to see the city in style and comfort.

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis car hire with no trailer:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36 kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint

Please note – it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

If you want to learn more about driving in Carcassonne, see the full France Road Rules guide.

A drive around Carcassonne and the surrounding region in your hire car provides a scenic road trip. The magnificent rolling landscapes take you through endless vineyards, valleys and villages.

Lastours
Head towards the villages of Caunes-Minervois and Lastours, both located around ten miles north of Carcassonne. Up here, in the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains) you'll come across valleys full of cherry and chestnut trees and four mythical-looking castles that were constructed by the Cathars, a medieval Christian sect. Walk up the hill to examine the ancient stones or cruise down the road to reach the Belvédère viewing point.

Albi
An hour and 40-minute drive along the D118 AND D612 leads to Albi. This town is known for two world-class sights: St. Cecile cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. At first sight, the cathedral makes an imposing impression, resembling a fortress rather than a place of sanctuary. It once served as the central feature of the town's defensive walls during Cathar rule. Next door is the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, which contains the world's largest collection of works by the famous artist. Henri Toulouse-Lautrec was born and raised in Albi. He moved to Paris where he made a name for himself by painting the city's underclass.

The south of France is yours to discover. All you have to do is drive.

Do I need to hire a car in Carcassonne?

Hiring a car is arguably the best way to see this part of France. Not only will it help you make the most of all Carcassonne has to offer, but you can also hit the road and discover the beautiful scenery and villages that lie beyond.

Is it expensive to hire a car in Carcassonne?

Avis has competitively priced vehicles for all budgets. Check out our fleet online to find the best type and price for your journey.

Do I need winter tyres in Carcassonne?

There’s no legal requirement to drive with winter tyres in Carcassonne or the region, but if you need them, many of our rental offices have them readily available as an option.

What do I need to bring when I pick up my hire car in Carcassonne?

When you hire a car with Avis, you’ll need to present your driving licence, credit card used to make the booking, any proof of discount if applicable and photo ID (such as your passport).