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We arrived on a Ryan Air flight from the UK with 3 bags - 1 checked-in containing small tent, sleeping bags, etc. With others containing personal belongings. We had phoned in advance to make a reservation only to be told that this was not required for people arriving on foot/bike/. At the tiny Carcassonne airport we had planned to take a Taxi to the campsite as it'd only cost 5 Euros more (15 Euros) than the shuttle bus to town costing 5 Euros/person. However, there were no Taxis to be found thus forcing us to take the bus to a main gate of the Medieval City.
After a twenty minute walk we got to the campsite, checked in and headed for the large stretch of grassy area reserved for cyclists, walkers, bikers, etc nicely shaded by mature trees. An excellent section of the campsite with a vast empty grassy area in front and conveniently located for a shower/toilet/washing areas as described by others.
We were there just before the 14 July French holidays and although the town was buzzing with activity (including that of the Music Festival) the campsite was peaceful and even groups of young people (of which there were several) were well behaved and reasonably quiet. On one occasion we did have loud music from a field across the brook behind the campsite in to the early hours but that was a one-off. The site has a useless and expensive shop stocking essentials but we only used it for morning croissants and baguette. For walkers the nearest shops/supermarkets are in the lower town (30 mins walk with one near the railway station/canal).
The swimming pool (open 10am-8pm) is great with a kiddies pool as well. We hired bikes for two days (delivered to/collected from the site) by phoning the only people who do this (the other bike hire place was a good 40 min walk in the lower town and not worth the hassle for the same hire costs). Cost was 30 Euros for 2 days/bike (17 Euros for 1 day).
We explored parts of the Canal du Midi as well as the surrounding countryside by bike with a visit to the beautiful lake at 'Lac de la Cavayere' only a few miles from the campsite and well worth a visit for the lake and the 'Go Ape' adventure. We phoned for Taxi for our return to the Airport (took 5 mins) costing 15 Euros. Overall a good campsite, conveniently located from the airport for walk-in campers although a bit expensive.
PS If you eat in the old town avoid 'Comte Roger' restaurant unless you like to pay for 'pretty looking', 'unsubstantial' and 'mediocre' food at silly prices!
We searched for a campsite within walking distance of the Cité itself, and this one appears to be it. The site's easy to find from any direction, especially the A61. The location is fantastic, many pitches (ours was number 162) giving tantalising glimpses, rather than complete views of the medieval castle itself. This only serves to heighten the anticipation when visiting Carcassonne for the first time.
The site is accessed through a security barrier, so you need to park outside then book in. You’re then given a card to activate the barrier during your stay. You’re given a map of the site, the facilities are explained and your pitch is ringed to show you where it is in relation to reception. It isn’t a huge site (around 150 piches) and it’s easy to find your pitch, though the pitch numbers are a little small, screwed to the trees to the rear of each pitch.
The staff are friendly, and speak English if necessary. As well as Dutch, German, Italian, Spanish and of course - French! The reception area stocks a few booklets / leaflets etc. About the area.
The pitches vary in size, and you need to tell the reception staff if you need a bigger pitch. We didn't, having just the tent and the tarp as well as the car. EHU is available, though we didn't need/want it. By September, after a long hard summer, the pitches were a little careworn and the earth was baked hard. It really was a struggle getting pegs in! The pitches are separated by hedgerows, giving plenty of privacy from your neighbours, and the access to them is good. There's a section fenced off for hikers with no vehicles, under the shade of numerous trees down by the stream. This area was being well used when we were there!
There are three or four shower/amenities blocks dotted around the site, so you're never too far away from one. The furthest people away were as usual the poor hikers / bikers. The shower blocks are reasonably clean, though not spotless. They are cleaned only twice per day, the rest (quite rightly) is left to you! As it states in the site literature given to you at reception, the water promises to be 'warm' rather than hot. Warm it is! Don't expect to come out of the showers glowing! The showers themselves are small, especially if you're a large bloke, (or woman) with very little in the way of shelving or hooks to hang clothes or towels. The water does tend to splash out all over the floor too, and there aren't any duckboards. So, drying oneself is a bit of a feat of contortionism!
There's an area for motor homes to replenish water tanks, and dump their waste. It's quite a large car-park type area so there's plenty of room for even the largest of camping cars to manoeuvre. There's recycling and general waste bins here too.
The bar serves basic meals each evening, (and afternoons too, I think) but tends to close early, around 10pm when we were there in September. Food stops at 9pm. There's not a huge choice of beers or wines, but what there is isn't bad, or over priced. The food is good value, well-cooked and filling. Bread and pastries are delivered here each morning and you can have your breakfast here,with a coffee on the terrace or take it back to your pitch. There's a good-sized swimming pool (speedo's only, guys!) open 10am-8pm daily. There are plenty of loungers available. BBQ's / fires are not allowed on pitch, but there's a BBQ area free to use. The problem is that it's too far from most of the pitches, where you'd more than likely want to eat with your family / friends.
The site shop leaves quite a lot to be desired, though we could just have been a tad unlucky, being so close to the end of the season. Not a lot of choice, and prices were a tad steep. Better to stock up at Leclerc, or Leader price.
The walk from site to Carcassonne Cité takes around 10 to 15 minutes along the banks of a stream and very pleasant it is, especially in the dappled sunlight. The path's lit by streetlights at night too, making it 'feel' safer, plus you can keep an eye out for dog mines, as this seems to be a popular dog exercise area! There are plenty of fish in the stream, reasonably sized roach and what looked like small chub, so if you take a small rod and line, a happy hour or two could be spent here. Check with reception re. Permits though! If you can't, or don't want to walk, there's a bus from site to the Cité in high season running every 25 minutes or so. If you choose to take the car, then it's only a 5 minute drive and there's plenty of parking close by. The parking to the south of the cité will give you a less strenuous access to the cité. To the north, it's a hell of a climb up the hillside!
The Cité itself is stunning. For me though, it's let down by the lack of respect many visitors have for it. Broken beer bottles and rubbish were strewn around the place. (Though there's an argument that says that's possibly more like how it used to be!) There's also a sense of it being slightly let down (given its status as a World Heritage Site) by the numerous tat shops, and far too many restaurants/café's around. Though, that said, on a balmy late summer's evening there's hardly a seat to be had when you want a meal, so perhaps there's a call for all of the various eateries after all? Prices vary, so do look at the menus. Drinks also vary in price. We ate out, in the main square, not far from the Chateau Comtal. We had a fabulous starter and main plat, with beers, wine and specialty coffees for around 80 euros.
Campéole Camping de la Cité is a truly European site, being so close to Spain (the Pyrénées Orientales are clearly visible on a clear day) and handy also for Italy, so expect to see/hear many languages being spoken. It's also a very busy site, and looks like it's used a lot for one and two night stays rather than as a real holiday base. We used it for 2 nights, and specifically because of its location. I wouldn't choose to spend weeks here, as I believe there are far better sites to be had. Smaller for me is better, but for visiting Carcassonne on foot, it's unbeatable!
You can actually see the walls of La Cite from the site - spectacular at night when all lit up. Very convenient for visiting the walled city by footpath - if you go in the evening, when all the day trippers have gone home, make sure you take a torch as several of the lights were 'out'.
Pitches were very large and very private with hedges around. 3 toilet blocks - but in each the ladies only had 2 'British' type and 2 'turkish' type loos. The British type ones were heavily used and not always very clean. There were only 4 ladies showers in each block.
The washing up sinks were next to the men's loos- with 'musical' accompaniment!
The shop was very expensive, but there were several large supermarkets on a nearby commercial estate This is a busy, city site with most people only staying a couple of nights
This is one of my favourite stops. All facilities are excellent and clean. The pitches are defined by hedges which were trimmed down this year, in 2007 they provided too much shade, this year too little!
Some pitches are very large which enables them to accommodate large motorhomes, especially those towing cars.
Twin axle caravans are effectively banned as on most sites in France, though a (punitive) charge is listed for them. I believe this is because in France it is considered that only 'travellers' use twin axle caravans. Although the reason advanced by one site is that the sideways scrub of the wheels damages the grass, this is less believable as the same site freely admitted motorhomes with tag axles which would probably do just the same.
The walk into the old city beside the mill stream is very pleasant, on my last trip in addition to the usual ducks I saw a water vole, a water snake and a deafening frogs chorus.
There are inexpensive restaurants in the old Cite, though cheaper in the comparatively modern city over the river. I recommend 'La Table Ronde'in the old Cite.
Facilities include a swimming pool with paddling pool, tennis court, basketball and a restaurant in the peak season, the food is nothing special though and costs more the Cite.
The site is on the south-eastern outskirts of Carcassonne, and is well signed from all directions. Follow signs for the Cite, and then Camping la Cite. Entrance is by keycard and automatic barrier system.
Pitches are hedged, and of varying sizes. Many have good shade from mature trees. All have EHU, which may have reversed polarity. There is a large unhedged overflow area used in very high season, without EHU. BBQ's are not permitted on the pitch, but the site is dotted with specially-built BBQ ares.
Sanitary Facilities are clean, with free hot showers. There is a Motorhome service point.
In high season there is a Restaurant, Shop, Bar, Pool and organized children's entertainment.
Tandem Axle caravans, and all 'vans over 5.5 metres, are not accepted.
There is a pleasant offroad footpath to the old walled Cite from the camp gate. The Canal du Midi passes through the centre of Carcassonne. The 'new' city centre, just across the river from the old walled 'Cite', has many restaurants giving better value than those within the old walls! Several supermarkets are within a short drive.
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Common Questions
Is Camping De La Cite child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Camping De La Cite have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Camping De La Cite? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
No Horse Riding 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
Tennis On Site 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
No Dog Walk 
We arrived on a Ryan Air flight from the UK with 3 bags - 1 checked-in containing small tent, sleeping bags, etc. With others containing personal belongings. We had phoned in advance to make a reservation only to be told that this was not required for people arriving on foot/bike/. At the tiny Carcassonne airport we had planned to take a Taxi to the campsite as it'd only cost 5 Euros more (15 Euros) than the shuttle bus to town costing 5 Euros/person. However, there were no Taxis to be found thus forcing us to take the bus to a main gate of the Medieval City.
