Carcassonne Train station luggage storage

Located in the south of France near the foothills of the Pyrenees, Carcassone is a well-preserved medieval city known for its fortified walls, winding cobblestone streets, and massive towers. This picturesque setting is something out of a fairy tale, and the city itself has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Doubtless, Carcassonne Castle, the ancient citadel, and its imposing ramparts will capture the imagination as visitors picture knights and kings battling to defend the city from invaders.

Carcassonne is one of those “time machine” places that transport you to a bygone era, leaving you enchanted with its timeless beauty. It’s no wonder that Carcassone’s perfect blend of history, charm, and whimsy has made it a popular travel destination. Most travelers arrive in the city by either driving or taking the train through Carcassonne Train Station. Once in town, you’ll want to start exploring immediately. If you have heavy luggage and need a place to securely store it, you’ll want to look into a luggage storage service like Bounce. 

Here’s everything you need to know about luggage storage in Carcassonne: 

About Carcassonne Train Station

Gare de Carcassonne (or Carcassonne Train Station) is the largest, busiest, and only railway station in the city of Carcassonne. It’s situated in the northeastern part of Carcassonne, just about a mile from the city center. The train station is highly accessible via shuttle buses, taxis, public bus routes, and even a short but scenic walk. However you plan to get to the city center, it should take less than a half hour to get from the train station to the enchanting medieval city center. 

The train station has multiple platforms and offers both regional and national connections. Regional TER trains connect to nearby towns and cities in the Occitanie region, and there are high-speed trains with routes to Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Marseille. Though small, the train station offers a range of amenities, including customer service counters, Wi-Fi access, automated ticket machines, a waiting area, and restrooms, although there are no luggage storage lockers or luggage storage services of any kind.

When you need luggage storage before an extensive exploration of the city (or before hotel check-in), travelers will find tons of options in the city, such as Bounce. 

Top attractions near Carcassonne Train Station

Promenade du Canal du Midi luggage storage

Every visitor will, at some point, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO-listed canal that passes through Carcassonne. So much of the city’s activity and culture is based around this canal, but there’s still a peaceful atmosphere and elegance to this beautiful stretch. The canal is right in front of the station, so luggage storage with Bounce near the train station is your best choice.

Carcassonne Citadel luggage storage

Known locally as Cité de Carcassonne, this impressive structure’s fortified walls, towers, and narrow streets date back to the 12th century. Visitors will want to see the Château Comtal, the castle within the citadel, and climb its walls to enjoy panoramic views of downtown Carcassonne and the nearby greenery of Raymond Chesa Leisure Park.

This area gets very busy, especially in the summer, so you won't want to be dragging suitcases behind you in the narrow streets. Stop by a Bounce location to store luggage before you get here.

Basilica of Saint-Nazaire luggage storage

This 13th-century basilica is known for its impressive stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and distinctive Gothic architecture. It’s only a few minutes walk from the city center and makes for superb Instagram photos. 

La Bastide Saint-Louis luggage storage

The lower town of Carcassonne, known as La Bastide Saint-Louis, is a great place to spend a few hours exploring its charming squares, local shops, cafes, the picturesque Pont Vieux, and an ancient bridge spanning the River Aude.

Museum of the Middle Ages luggage storage

The tongue-twisting proper name is a mouthful, but the Museum of the Middle Ages and the Inquisition is a worthy stop for any history enthusiast. The museum perfectly documents Carcassonne's history and showcases artifacts from the Middle Ages, including weaponry and even torture devices.

Transportation options near Carcassonne Train Station

Walking

Being a smaller city, Carcassonne is a very pedestrian-friendly place to visit, and walking is easily the best way to experience the historic charms of the fortified walls of the citadel and the lower town (La Bastide Saint-Louis). Most hotels in Carcassonne are clustered around these areas. 

City bus

Carcassonne has an extensive network of bus routes operated by the Citibus company. These routes service most of the best attractions, including the citadel and La Bastide Saint-Louis. 

Bike rental

Carcassonne offers bike rental services, allowing you to explore the city and its surroundings on two wheels. Bicycles are available for rent at various locations, and you can opt for traditional bikes or electric bikes for a more comfortable ride.

Car rental

Many visitors travel into the city via car as they fly into larger cities and then explore the Occitane countryside. Several car rental agencies operate at Carcassonne Airport as well as the city center. Having a car is great for visiting nearby attractions such as Cathar castles, vineyards, and remote villages, but it's worth noting that parking within the citadel will be a hassle. If you’re merely exploring Carcassonne, you can make do without a car. 

Local tips and insider info

• Morning people and night owls get the best of Carcassonne. The citadel of Carcassonne can get so crowded during the day (especially during the peak tourist season) that it might ruin the experience. You can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience by visiting early in the morning or in the evening. Sunrise and sunset also make for killer views of the citadel.  
• Explore the nearby countryside. Carcassonne is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, with plenty of attractions worth exploring. Take an afternoon and visit nearby Cathar castles, such as Lastours or Quéribus. There are also gorgeous vineyards that offer tastings and tours. Renting a car or booking a guided tour are the best ways to explore the region. 
• Plan your trip during a festival. Carcassonne hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The city’s calendar is packed with music festivals, medieval reenactments, and cultural celebrations. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a quieter visit, you might want to plan around one of these weekends to avoid the crowds. 

Conclusion 

While there are plenty of “fairy tale” travel destinations in Europe, Carcassonne offers so much more than a castle and some cobbled streets. The delicious French cuisine, quaint pace of life, and picturesque setting make visiting this city a well-rounded experience. Walking off the train, you’ll want to experience every inch of the medieval city center, so you won’t want to be lugging your bags around all day. Many travelers arrive at the train station via Toulouse or Perpignan, but it's also not too hard to get a fast train from Paris Gare de l'Est either. There's really no excuse not to visit this scenic gem.