Cathar castle country and eastern Pyrenees - Holiday Ideas
Background
The cathar period lasted more or less a hundred years, from about 1165 - 1271. A turbulent and often violent period, the cathar history has left its mark on southern France, perhaps above all in the castles around Carcassonne and Languedoc-Roussillon.
Queribus castle
Strictly, the castles were already there and became occupied by the cathars, and strictly the word cathars did not exist at that time. Little importance for your holiday. This section focusses on the cathar hill castles, the eastern end of the Pyrenees, and the Mediterranean coast off Languedoc-Roussillon.
Peyrepertuse castle, seen from St Jordi rock
There are several renowned castles that were occupied by the cathars during the 13th century, almost always remotely placed on craggy cliff tops. perfect to defend, if complicated to live in and keep supplied with food and water. If visiting, bear in mind that while access is relatively easy now, it does still involve walking up some quite steep rock paths and access may be difficult for those with restricted mobility.
Queribus was a very important refuge for heretics during the crusade against the Albigenses. Set high above the pretty village of Cucugnan, it has magnificent views in all directions - inland across Roussillon and to the east across the Mediterranean. Peyrepertuse, nearby, is claimed to be the finest example of medieval architectural architecture in Languedoc, and is poised along its jaggy cliff top high above Duilhac. Like Queribus, Peyrepertuse has fabulous views in all directions.
Queribus and Peyrepertuse (shown) are about 40km north-west of Perpignan. Some of the other important castle in the area include Puilarens, a little further west, and Aguilar and Padern to the east.
On a stony ridge in the Aude you can visit four castles together known as the Lastours Chateaux.
After you have climbed up to a few castles, you might like a little variety. See HERE for some other places to visit in the region, and Montsegur for another cathar castle.
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