Updated August 2026 — rules checked against the official information available. Local procedures, co-ownership rules and personal taxation must be verified for each property.
Short-term letting has not been banned in Carcassonne, but the French regulatory and tax framework is stricter. Owners should compare three options: continue, switch to long-term letting or sell.
I am Frédéric Renzini, a property adviser specialising in Carcassonne and the Montagne Noire. This article explains the property implications; it is not legal or tax advice.
What the Le Meur law changes
The French law of 19 November 2024 did not automatically prohibit Airbnb in Carcassonne. It strengthened registration requirements and gave municipalities and co-ownerships wider powers to regulate tourist accommodation.
- tourist accommodation must follow the applicable registration procedure;
- a municipality may reduce the annual limit for letting a principal residence to 90 days;
- co-ownerships have wider possibilities to regulate or prohibit the activity;
- change-of-use rules and local decisions must be checked before operating.
See the official summary of the law of 19 November 2024 and the current Service-Public guidance on furnished tourist accommodation.
Tax rules also affect the calculation
For rental income received from 1 January 2025, the French micro-BIC allowance differs between unclassified and classified tourist accommodation. The allowance is 30% for unclassified accommodation within the applicable ceiling, and 50% for classified accommodation or guest rooms under a different ceiling.
These allowances do not determine net profitability. Financing, work, utilities, management, possible CFE and the owner’s tax position must also be included. Personal advice from an accountant or tax professional remains essential.
The local short-term rental market
In Carcassonne, tourist accommodation is concentrated around the Bastide Saint-Louis, the medieval Cité, the Canal du Midi, the historic centre and homes within easy walking distance of attractions.
Studios, one-bedroom flats, character apartments and small investment buildings have been common targets. Their performance can be especially sensitive to parking, noise, the precise street, the standard of renovation, guest reviews and management costs.
For a detailed comparison of income and expenses, read my guide to rental yield in Carcassonne.
Could more investment properties come onto the market?
When regulation tightens or operating profit falls, some owners reconsider their strategy. They may stop short-term letting, move to long-term furnished or unfurnished letting, or sell. This could gradually increase the supply of centrally located properties that were previously dedicated to tourism.
That change can create opportunities for owner-occupiers and informed investors, but it does not make every former Airbnb property a good purchase. The building, DPE, co-ownership, street and resale market still matter.
Should you sell your Airbnb property?
There is no single answer. Compare:
- the genuine result after every operating expense;
- the property’s location and likely long-term rent;
- the co-ownership regulations and local formalities;
- energy performance and future work;
- your tax situation and financing;
- the current resale value and your medium-term objectives.
In some cases, selling can secure capital or end a management burden. In others, a move to long-term letting may be more coherent. Begin with the property’s current value, not only its past turnover.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still operate an Airbnb in Carcassonne?
Yes, subject to national rules, the applicable local procedure and the co-ownership regulations.
Does the Le Meur law ban Airbnb?
No. It strengthens regulation and the powers available to municipalities and co-ownerships.
Which Carcassonne areas attract investors?
The Bastide Saint-Louis, the medieval Cité, the historic centre and the Canal du Midi are often considered, depending on the intended strategy.
Keep, reposition or sell?
Obtain a current local value before comparing your options.
Value my property