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Click here for map of CATHAR CASTLES
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Distances shown are those from the gite
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 Ranked Great Site in Midi-Pyrenees, Montsegur, the most famous Cathar castle, a symbol of the Occitan resistance and last bastion of the Cathar church, stands at 1200 m altitude on a rocky promontory, the "pog". Fabrice and his colleagues, experienced guides, will share their love of the history of this castle. Visiting the museum in the village will complete your visit. |
 Built around 1030, the castle of Roquefixade (16 km) rises above the village on a rocky escarpment. Its occupants have actively participated in the Cathar resistance during the Croisade des Albigeois (Albigensian Crusade = The Albigensian Crusade (1208-1249) (or crusade against the Albigenses) is a crusade declared by the Catholic Church against the Cathars). There is also a site for rock climbing. |
At Montaillou (40 km), lie the ruins of a small medieval castle. The daily life of this "village occitan" is well known thanks to the interrogations that the Inquisition was subjected to the villagers after the crusade against the Albigenses : it was made famous by the book " Montaillou Occitan village ", by E. Le Roy Ladurie, from the archives of the bishopric of Pamiers.
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Of all the castles built at that time, Puivert (27 km) is one of the best preserved, while many sites had been destroyed by the crusade against the Cathars or by the years. Historical Monument since 1907, it remains a major witness and authentic French royal architecture called Architecture Philippian.
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The Castle of Puilaurens (61 km), nearly 700 meters above sea level, overlooking the village of Lapradelle, in the middle of a pine forest. In 985, appears the first mention of the Castle of Puilaurens, which will play a major role in the crusade against the Cathars. Later St. Louis gave the order to fortify the castle to defend the border against Aragon.
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Quéribus Castle (89 km) is located on the town of Cucugnan (the very one that inspired Alphonse Daudet and his famous priest). Perched on a rocky peak at 728 meters above sea level, its existence dates back probably in the tenth century : it was one of the defense points of Cathar country. After he fell, it was used to defend the border between France and Aragon.
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Peyrepertuse Castle (91 km) is located in the town of Duilhac-sous-Corbieres, in the Corbières. It lies on a ridge 800m above sea level, overlooking vineyards and scrubland. The view from the castle is impressive, thanks to the cliff from 30 to 40 meters on which the castle stands.
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Located on the border between the Aude and Ariège, Usson Castle (50 km) shows the unity of the territory formerly known as Cathar Country. Located in the canton of Quérigut, often called "Quebec Ariège", the fortress emerges from high pyrenean forests. It is perched on a spur at 920 meters above the rivers Aude and Bruyante.
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