Hostels in Carcassonne

Carcassonne attracts budget travellers on the trail between Barcelona and Toulouse, and a small number of hostels cater to this market. The main options are in the Bastide near the station, with dorm beds from €20–30 per night. Most include shared kitchens — useful given that even budget restaurants inside La Cité charge tourist-area prices for cassoulet and confit.

For camping, several sites lie along the banks of the Aude river south of the city, with pitches from €12 per night and direct views of the floodlit fortress at dusk. The Canal du Midi towpath connects campsites to the city centre by foot or bike. Gîtes d'étape (basic walkers' hostels) serve those hiking the GR36 trail through Cathar country — simple beds, communal meals, and practical information about the next day's route.