Cathare Castles

The Cathare castles form a circle around the mountains in Fenouillèdes, west of Perpignan. As you drive around the wine region, you continually catch a glimpse of the castles off in the horizon. Perched high atop the mountains, they keep watch over the valleys, always protecting their domain. Today the castles are ghosts; only the faint image of their previous presence remains. They dot the sky, clouds weave in and out of their fortress walls but only a whisper of their previous majesty remains. The Cathares placed their castles strategically along various mountains to maximize their view throughout the mountain valleys and protect against potential invaders. They practiced a Christian religion that did not pay homage to the Pope and because of their independence, the Pope declared war on the Cathares. During the 1300s, the Cathares were destroyed along with their religion. Today their fierce determination and independence represent the Roussillon spirit. Some of the main castles in the Fenouillèdes are: Quéribus, Puilaurens, and Peyrepertuse. To view the castles you can take a road just outside Maury off of Hwy D117. You can view two of the castles, Peyrepertuse and Quéribus, then drive further west on D117 to Lapradelle and you will see Puilaurens.

Vacation Rentals in Languedoc Roussillon Southern France:Perpignan, Haut Languedoc National Park, Vernet les Bains, St Pierre de la Mer, Uzes, Carcassonne, Prades, Pezenas, Montpellier