Tracing the history of Occitanie in its Chateaux

Occitanie located in the south of France is rich in diversity, it is an exceptional cultural and historical heritage. Among its many treasures, its chateaux stand out for their beauty and architecture. For lovers and enthusiasts of history, architecture or simply in search of spectacular panoramas. Let's discover and visit the extraordinary places that this region offers.

The Château de Peyrepertuse

Perched at more than 800 meters above sea level, the Château de Peyrepertuse is a perfect example of medieval military architecture. Built on a rocky ridge, it is called the “Citadel of Vertigo”. This site offers a view of the valley and the Corbières. It is part of the Cathar castles and served as a strategic surveillance post. It is a memorial to medieval history, witness to the feudal struggles of chivalric epics, its imposing walls recount a past rich in emotions. Several finds attest to the presence of a Gallo-Roman habitat in the 1st century. BC Some ceramic shards prove that the site was well frequented during the early Middle Ages.

Peyrepertuse

From the 11th century, the Peyrepertyse castrum was under the supervision of Narbonne then Barcelona. The lordly family of Peyrepertuse which controlled the entire west of the territory.

The castle became a royal fortress in 1239 when Louis IX bought it from Nunyo Sanche, regent of the Kingdom of Aragon. With its iconic silhouette, the Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix, this medieval castle played a role during the wars of religion and the Cathar conflicts. Today it houses an interactive museum which immerses visitors in the history of Ariège and the Middle Ages.

Escape game

For fans of investigation games, you can book your escape game in search of the Cathar treasure.

New exhibition: Heroes & Heroines, from Antiquity to the present day.

At the heart of this unique exhibition, you will be able to unlock the secret of the heroes and heroines.

Discover the heroic myth through time, from Hercules to comic book heroes, including Fébus the Lion of the Pyrenees, the knights and goddesses with a thousand powers. The exhibition is included in your entrance ticket to the Foix museum and castle.

Montségur Castle

An emblematic place in Cathar history, the Castle is located at an altitude of 1200 meters. It is a site often referred to as a "spiritual hotspot" and was the scene of a tragic siege in 1244. Today, the castle ruins offer a unique experience for hiking and history lovers.

Monstégur is a classy village, located in a mid-mountain area, Montségur is surrounded by mountains, forests, summer pastures.

The village is lively thanks to tourist activity on the one hand and the numerous secondary residents. Thanks to excavations undertaken over several years, and from historical documents. It suggests that this site was frequented by Roman occupations from the Neolithic period.

It was in the 16th century that this village became Montségur and developed to take on the appearance of the current village in the 19th century, some of the houses being built with stones from the castle.

Visit to the castle and museum You can enjoy visiting the castle and museum in Montségur. Free visit or guided tour.

Montségur Castle listed by Unesco

There are a total of eight castles to be classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the city of Carcassonne to the Château d'Aguilard via Lastours, Montségur, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Termes or Quéribus, all with an exceptional history and unique beauty.

The Castles of Lastours

Made up of four majestic towers on a rocky ridge, the Château de Lastours is a medieval jewel. Located in an exceptional natural setting, it is accessible by a hiking trail which winds through Mediterranean vegetation.

Discover the history of the Cathars and their resistance to the Albigensian Crusade.

History of the Lastours castles

During the victory of the Visigoths over the Burgundians. Three fortresses are attested: Cabaret, Surdespine and Quertinheux. It was a powerful mining lordship, shared by several co-lords.