Discover southwest France's medieval jewel by flying to Carcassonne. This enchanting city is easily accessible by air, with regular flights to Dublin, London, and Manchester, along with a centrally located airport. Onward links make it easy to reach destinations in the Languedoc region while linking up to transatlantic flights should be a breeze.
Those headed to Carcassonne by plane only have one local arrival point. Carcassonne Airport is located around two miles outside the city center. It's a small facility, with relatively few amenities, but it does have very rapid connections to the city, thanks to regular shuttle buses which leave 45 minutes after every flight arrives. Carcassonne Station is also located in the city center, offering onward connections to Bordeaux, Toulouse, or Marseille.
Carcassonne Airport isn't one of Europe's largest, with only a couple of airlines using its runways. The main operator is Ryanair. The low-cost Irish carrier offers services from London Stansted, Manchester, and Dublin, all of which cater for flights across the Atlantic.
Flying makes a lot of sense for many visitors to Carcassonne. For one thing, the city is well connected to airports that serve US and Canadian visitors. Connecting flights from London reach Carcassonne in two hours and leave every day of the week. In theory, those departing Boston or New York can reach the city in under 10 hours. The airport at Carcassonne is also really convenient, with a shuttle to meet every arrival that drops passengers in the city center. With alternatives like trains from Paris or buses from Madrid taking much longer, flying is a strong option.
Carcassonne's walled center can be explored on foot and it's a good idea to engage a tour guide if possible, as they will explain some of the ancient city's secrets. They will lead visitors through some exceptional historical sights, from the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus to the dramatic medieval Château Comtal de Carcassonne. But leave time to explore. The city's food scene is seductive, offering rich cassoulet stews and some of France's finest wines. Cruises on the Canal du Midi are also a pleasure, and the ideal way to relax after seeing the sights.
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