By the pyreneestravel.com team · Updated 3 October 2026 · Culture
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Cathars, a Christian movement condemned as heretical, flourished in what is now Occitanie. The Albigensian Crusade (1209–1229) and the Inquisition crushed them, and the dramatic castles where they held out are now romantic ruins.
The castles
- Montségur: the last great stronghold, fallen in 1244.
- Peyrepertuse: the largest, on a razor ridge.
- Quéribus: a tower on a pinnacle, the last Cathar refuge to fall, in 1255.
- Puilaurens: battlements above the forest.
- Lastours: four castles on one ridge.
- Foix and Carcassonne, the great fortified cities.
Suggested route (3–4 days)
Carcassonne → Lastours → Peyrepertuse and Quéribus → Puilaurens → Montségur → Foix.
Tips
- Many castles require a steep walk; wear good shoes.
- Strong winds can close sites.
- A combined 'Pays Cathare' pass offers discounts at several sites.
Plan your Pyrenees trip
Hotels, tours and transport in one place.
Header photo: Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
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