Heritage : Castles

The castle of Montségur

The most famous cathar castle

Perched at 1207 m, on the highest part of a rocky bluff called "the pog", the castle of Montségur is first mentioned in texts dating from the end of the 12th century. However, the first signs for human settlement here dtae from over 4 thousand years ago. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Cathars, adepts of dualist religion which was condemmed as heretical by Pope, made their home here. In 1243, the Pope and the king of France decided to deal with Montségur and at the end of a terrible siege that lasted 11 months, the Cathars were butchered. More than 200 were burnt alive.

The Montsegur archeological and historical museum

The museum exposes all the items discovered from the archeological explorations of the site. You will discover cannon shot, scissors, arms and objets from their daily life. It is also a permanent exhibition of the Cathars in Ariege.

Prices : adult : 5 € 50 / 6 € 50 - Young (8-15) : 3 € / 3 € 50 - Group : 4,50 € / 6,50 €
Address : Chateau - 09300 Montsegur (30 min from the hotel)

 

The castle of Foix

Towering up on a rocky outcrop, this Castle dating back from the Middle Ages dominates the mediaeval town town of Foix and offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. The impregnable fortress was built in the year one thousand. Its wall-walk, machicolatins, battlements, terraces, lists, round tower... take you back to your childhood dreams. This was the residence of the counts of Foix, including the famous Gaston Fébus, poet and writer, and Henry III of Navarre, who became King of France as Henri IV.

Prices : adult : 5 € 60 - Young (8-15) : 3 € 80 - Family pass : 15,90 €
Address : Chateau - 09000 Foix (15 min from the hotel)