My wife & I went on an excellent excursion with Bod.Aude 11 ( first class driver & guide - Didier) to the Four Chateaux of Lastours - as the name suggest, they are four ruined small towers on a ridge above the gorge of the River. It is a steep climb up a narrow, un-made path, through a cave, until... More

Reading about the Cathars is good background for climbing to theri remote bastions. More

Actually did not belong to the Cathars who didn't believe in possessions, but were used to hide and protect the Cathars during the Albigensian Crusades against them in the 1200s. They are difficult to access for anyone with disabilities as they all involve climbs up mountainous paths. But worth the climb when you arrive. Don't forget your camera. More

Those I have visited have been untouched and so much more interesting for it. The locations are amazing with super views. More

We live in the heart of Cathar Country and still haven't visited all the castles. My favourites so far are Montsegur and Puivert. Some very sad tales from the times - makes the visits more poignant and important. We will be off to see some more this Year. A good guide book is essential to understand the story... More

The Cathar castles all benefit from amazing views perch high on their mountain ridges, one has to stop and wonder how they achieved it. It is no wondered that most of then have remained relatively untouched. More

Interesting and educating. Cathars appeared throughout Europe, but it was in the Languedoc that they flourished.For example there are the following interesting places to visit Cathar castles; Peyreperthus, Puivert, Carcassonne, Lastours, Coustaussa, Montsegur, Termes Aguilar and saissac More

The Cathar castle of Querebus sits on a rocky peak with views all round to the Pyrenees southwrds and the sea 40kms away to the east. The construction on such an isolated place makes one marvel at the skills of the workmen so long ago. The whole countryside around here makes the journey well worthwhile. More

While staying in Carcassone recently we drove the route of some famous Cathar Castles. We headed south from Carcassonne stopping off at Limoux and Alet-les-Bains. We took photos of Queribus , Puilerens and Peyperetuse. We drove back an interesting mountain road. Another day , we went to Montsegur and climbed to the top. Very strenous !! Fantastic views though. We... More