CATHAR CASTLES IN ARIÈGE

Developed in France in the 12th century, the Cathars were preachers of Christianity who claimed to be the only true followers of the apostles, following their way of life by practicing absolute poverty and manual labor for a living, and seeing the world in duality: good on one side and evil on the other.

In so doing, they denounced a church that was too wealthy and tied to the powerful. In 1209, after several decades of condemnations and warnings, Pope Innocent III decided to send out the first crusades against the “Albigensian heretics”, targeting the Counts of Albi before extending to the entire south. The crusades lasted over 30 years.

In 1233, the Inquisition was set up in Toulouse to definitively suppress the Cathars. The Inquisition brought terror to the region.

To discover the main sites of Catharism while hiking, there are two itinerant trails: Le chemin des bonshommes – GR®107, from Foix to Berga in Spain, and the Sentier Cathare – GR®367, from Port-la-Nouvelle in the Aude to Foix.

• Montsegur Castle

Montségur, the seat of the Cathar church from 1232 to 1244, is often seen as the emblem of Catharism. Occupied as early as 1204 by the community, it was also home to local lords dispossessed of their property by the Crusades. Spared for several decades, it was not until 1243 that the Pope and the King of France decided to do away with it. After a terrible 11-month siege, the castle fell on March 16, 1244, with over 200 Cathars burned at the stake. Catharism never recovered from the loss of Montségur, and disappeared completely in the early 14th century.

• Chalabre Castle

Built in the 13th, 15th and 18th centuries, the château is still inhabited by the association’s president and his family, who keep it going all year round.

For everyone, whatever the weather, come and enjoy a unique experience thanks to the many activities and events on offer.

When you visit this beautiful leisure park, you’ll find something to delight the whole family!

Younger guests can practice their chivalry on a pony, while older guests can test their courage and agility on the medieval tree climbing course! Entrance to the park also gives you access to a wide range of activities, including archery, a children’s zip-line, a nature trail, an augmented reality tour, a medieval garden, a weapons room and much more.

• Château de Lagarde

Château de Lagarde lies at the crossroads of ancient Roman roads and was for many years a renowned stopover for its gastronomy, wine, olive groves and stables, built in the 16th century.

• Château de Roquefixade

Perched atop an impressive cliff, the fortress of Roquefixade has faced Montségur since the 11th century. Over 100 meters long, the fortress is divided into two enclosures. Below, a courtyard surrounded by curtain walls following the ridge line. Above, the castle itself, accessible via a gate tower, a sort of airlock closed by two chicane doors. After its destruction by Louis XIII in 1632, all that remains of this fortress is a wall pierced by two arched windows and a tower. In the 13th century, a community of Cathar believers lived in the village and fought for the freedom of their religion, their families and their lands. Free admission all year round.

• Foix Castle

The Château de Foix, now the Musée Départementale de l’Ariège, offers a fun, interactive visit that’s sure to delight young and old alike, with reconstructed rooms from the period and a range of activities to take us back to the Middle Ages. Don’t hesitate to sign up for the various games on offer, from the Escape Game to find the Holy Grail, or the Muder Party to catch the assassin hiding in the castle…