Perched on vertiginous rocky peaks, the Cathar castles are an integral part of Occitanie’s spectacular landscape, silent witnesses to a rich and eventful history. These medieval remains, once the refuge of a persecuted religious community, now invite visitors to travel back in time and discover an exceptional cultural and natural heritage.
Cathar castles, sentinels of a fascinating history
Medieval remains steeped in history
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, Cathar castles served as fortresses and refuges for the Cathars, a dissident religious community that defied the authority of the Catholic Church. These castles were not built by the Cathars, but merely served as a refuge from the Inquisition, as the local aristocracy was generally sympathetic to Catharism. Considered heretics by the papacy, the Cathars were the victims of a bloody crusade in the 13th century. Their castles, perched on inaccessible sites, resisted the crusaders’ assaults for a long time. The term “Cathar castles” therefore covers all these fortresses, steeped in history.
Today, these ruined castles bear witness to the military architectural ingenuity of the time and the ability to adapt to hostile environments. Their thick walls, watchtowers and walkways perfectly illustrate the challenges faced by soldiers and the need to protect themselves during assaults.
Emblematic sites to discover
The most emblematic Cathar castles around Carcassonne include :
- Peyrepertuse: Nicknamed the “heavenly Carcassonne”, it is the most imposing of the “five sons of Carcassonne”(1). It is the best-preserved Cathar castle around Carcassonne. Its slender silhouette dominates a natural gorge almost 800m above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Corbières while facing the Château de Quéribus.
- Quéribus: Also a member of the “citadels of vertigo”(1), Quéribus stands on a rocky spur overlooking the Aude valley. A former Cathar stronghold, the castle was gradually abandoned following the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, which pushed the frontier into the Pyrenees. Restored in 1951, it offers an exceptional 360-degree panorama of the surrounding vineyards and villages.
- Montségur: Perched on a promontory overlooking the Lauquet valley, Montségur was the last stronghold of the Cathars. Besieged and taken in 1244, the castle was the scene of a bloody massacre that marked the end of Cathar resistance.
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In August, discover the Peyrepertuse medieval festival, in the village of Duillac-sous-Peyrepertuse at the foot of the Château.
Peyrepertuse cathar castle seen from above, France
Many castles to explore
There are many other Cathar castles to discover and visit, bearing witness to the region’s cultural history. These include the 4 castles of Lastours, the closest to Carcassonne, which offers a magnificent spectacle as well as a wildlife trail, the Château de Termes, which boasts a breathtaking view over the Termenet gorges, or the Château de Puilaurens, not far from Peyrepertuse, which according to legend has its keep haunted by the Dame Blanche, others remain to be discovered on your travels in the region.
Guided tours and historical immersion
For total immersion in the history of the Cathars and to learn a little more, guided tours are offered in most castles and villages. These tours, led by enthusiastic guides, will enable you to discover the secrets of the castles, learn more about the daily life of the Cathars and understand the stakes involved in the Crusade against the Albigensians. Thematic tours are also available, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of specific subjects, such as the architecture of these castles, the rites and beliefs of the Cathars, or the lives of the Crusader knights.