Cathar Castles
Cathar Castles
4.5
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Reiselust112
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany2,615 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The Cathar Castle of Carcassonne was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and has a military architectural history dating back more than 1000 years
From a distance, Carcassonne appears like a dream over the Aude plain. With its 52 towers, its double enclosure and its castle built in the 12th century by the Trencavel family, it represents a perfection of ramparts and towers, set in a crown on a hill in the middle of vineyards.
You enter the city through the "Porte de la Narbonnaise", the imposing main gate of the city, which is reserved exclusively for pedestrians.
Then you get to the historic city, where you pay an entrance fee of €11 per person. We also had an audio guide for €3.50 extra. When we visited in May, it was not that busy, so we had no problem buying tickets on the spot.
When you visit the castle, you walk through towers, battlements, locks and watchtowers.
The inner enclosure is the result of a reconstruction of the original Gallo-Roman rampart around 1280. The outer enclosure was added around 1320, with a total length of more than 3 km.
The ramparts offer a breathtaking view of the Aude plain and the lower town of Carcassonne.
From a distance, Carcassonne appears like a dream over the Aude plain. With its 52 towers, its double enclosure and its castle built in the 12th century by the Trencavel family, it represents a perfection of ramparts and towers, set in a crown on a hill in the middle of vineyards.
You enter the city through the "Porte de la Narbonnaise", the imposing main gate of the city, which is reserved exclusively for pedestrians.
Then you get to the historic city, where you pay an entrance fee of €11 per person. We also had an audio guide for €3.50 extra. When we visited in May, it was not that busy, so we had no problem buying tickets on the spot.
When you visit the castle, you walk through towers, battlements, locks and watchtowers.
The inner enclosure is the result of a reconstruction of the original Gallo-Roman rampart around 1280. The outer enclosure was added around 1320, with a total length of more than 3 km.
The ramparts offer a breathtaking view of the Aude plain and the lower town of Carcassonne.
Written 12 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandro PB
Helmsange, Luxembourg192 contributions
Aug 2020
Once you have parked in the village, walked to the entrance and paid the fee (face mask compulsory inside) you then take off your mask for the steepish walk up the hillside paths to reach each of the 4 castle ruins in turn. Allow 2 hours to do the tour. Ticket includes access to viewpoint across the valley which you can then drive to afterwards.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateJourney
Exeter, Canada170 contributions
Dec 2019
The castle of Carcassone, built over centuries by various cultures as evidenced by the layers of rock in its walls, are an amazing testament to the local heritage. Once destined to be taken down for its rocks, the effort to save the main castle of Carcassonne was well worth it. The story of the Cathars in the area and the views are spectacular. It was off season, and a Monday, so many restaurants were closed in the interior. Still, a walk within the walls along the paths of so many centuries of history was fascinating.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny C
Sittard, The Netherlands1,501 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The best way to visit top 4 Cathar Castles is a road trip from Carcassonne to Perpignan. Start early with Le Cite and the bridge (nice view). Via D118 to Limoux, D117 but AXAT, D7 gorges de galamus, D117 to Maury, D19, D14 and D123 you will find Le Cite, Puilaurens, Peyrepertuse, Queribus, d’Aguiilar. Besides the chateaus also beautiful cool scenic road!
Automatically translated
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain24,245 contributions
Aug 2021
Cathar Castles are a lot of castles, which are related with Cathare period in Middle-Ages, and they are located in Occitaine Region, in the South of France. Some of them are in ruins, some of them are well preserved and some of them are reconstructed. Also, you can visit almost all of them and it is possible to do a little hike to arrive to each one. Some of them are Termes Castle, Arques Castles, Lastours Castle, Lagarde Castle and the most important one: Carcassonne Middle Ages Fortress. The last one is very well preserved and reconstructed in the 19th Century, and nowadays you can see the full fortress, walk on it, visit some museums, churches, the main castle or the Cathedral. Really a fantastic place to visit with adults and children. Also, the other castles are some in ruins, but they are a more authentic atmosphere. Top in the region!
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusetteInSeattle
Seattle53 contributions
Oct 2022
Visited the base of Château de Quéribus and Peyrepertuse for the view. These castle ruins were the last strong holds of the Cathars, a Christian dualist sect in western France. They are perched at the top rugged cliffs and seem impossible to have been built, especially in the 12th and 13th centuries. For anyone interested in Medieval history, these castles are worth the drive.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Brown
London, UK2,593 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
castle
I’m disabled wheelchair user and my wife (carer) and two children went there in 21 of October without entry charges.
The castle itself amazing but shame ( limited access and No)
Has got a lot of history and amazing view.
I’m disabled wheelchair user and my wife (carer) and two children went there in 21 of October without entry charges.
The castle itself amazing but shame ( limited access and No)
Has got a lot of history and amazing view.
Written 21 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lenina
Dublin8 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
This is one of the most famous and notorious Cathar castles. It is said to have been the location of the last Cathar stand and the mystery surrounding it is very interesting. The story goes that the people of the castle were protecting the Holy Grail, which was then smuggled out before they surrendered and were burned. You will need a car to get here, as it's a very remote location in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The journey up to the foot of the castle's hill is stunning, and when you get to the castle remains themselves the views are breathtaking. To reach the top, you will have to climb a narrow and very steep path. If you are not in reasonable shape, it will be quite difficult. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots and bring something to drink. I recommend learning a little about the history of the place before going, as it will make the trip a lot more mystical. And make sure to bring a camera!
Written 8 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterfenn1
Westwood, MA175 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
we saw Peyrepertuse and Queribus one day, and Puilaurans the next. The first is a little hard to find, back roads not too well marked, at least from the northwest. But it is spectacular, 3 small ruined castles strung out on top of a hill. You can't believe these things were built on top of mountains by hand 1000 years ago. Queribus can be seen from Peyrepertuse on a clear day. It is more massive, one structure, and more intact, with even more spectacular views. it commanded the whole valley below. Its 1/2 hr away by car. Both castles require a 10 or 20 minute walk up from the parking lot, moderately strenuous, and the paths on top and within aren't always easy or in good repair. But worth it.
The next day we saw Puilaurans. maybe an hour or a little more from Queribus. Not as high, not as spectacular a view, but larger and more intact, definitely worth the trip if you like castles. allow an hour or two for each castle, and take a sweater, it is a lot colder on top and the wind blows hard. Don't expect to find a bathroom hop there either, or refreshments. Consider it more like a short hike than visiting a building.
Bring your own guides, there isn't any info available on site in English, There is some interesting information available in French, but since it is about 11th and 12th century castle fortifications, it can be a little technical. You can puzzle most of it out if you have some French, but some of the vocab is fairly arcane. If you are looking for the Tower or London or Versailles, this isn't it. these are smaller, purely military sites, in amazing locations. You'll get a lot more out of them if you read up on the Albigensian crusade before you go.
The next day we saw Puilaurans. maybe an hour or a little more from Queribus. Not as high, not as spectacular a view, but larger and more intact, definitely worth the trip if you like castles. allow an hour or two for each castle, and take a sweater, it is a lot colder on top and the wind blows hard. Don't expect to find a bathroom hop there either, or refreshments. Consider it more like a short hike than visiting a building.
Bring your own guides, there isn't any info available on site in English, There is some interesting information available in French, but since it is about 11th and 12th century castle fortifications, it can be a little technical. You can puzzle most of it out if you have some French, but some of the vocab is fairly arcane. If you are looking for the Tower or London or Versailles, this isn't it. these are smaller, purely military sites, in amazing locations. You'll get a lot more out of them if you read up on the Albigensian crusade before you go.
Written 22 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nemak
New Jersey, USA145 contributions
Sept 2011 • Friends
We took our rented car from Carcassonne south past LImoux and Cuiza first to Rennes-le-Chateau (a must if you are interested in and followed the Holy Grail story) , then drove a curvy and picturesque backroad east to the Peyrepertuse Castle perched high on a cliff. From the parking lot it is still 15 minutes walking and climbing stairs to get to what was once the largest of the Cathar castles. It is in ruins but enough is there to give you the impression of its might and grandeur. The view is stunning in all directions. Not far east and visible from Peyrepertuse is Queribus, the last Cathar castle to surrender, easier to access, a 10 minutes walk from parking. It is also a ruin and presents a phantastic view. We drove back via Maury, where we picked up the highway to Carcassone. Dinner in Limoux. A great day all around and highly recommended.
Written 12 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
qu'elle est la meilleure période pour visiter la cité de Carcassonne ?
Written 11 August 2019
Bonnes réponses : éviter juillet-août à cause du monde.Le printemps et l'automne sont des saisons douces.Je n'ai jamais visité Carcassone l'hiver , mais pourquoi pas ?
Written 12 August 2019
Hi we are visiting Carcassonne in the summer but one of our party cannot walk up steep hills. Can we drive close to the citadel to drop him off?
Merck
Written 8 July 2019
You can drive until the Gate of Narbonne
Written 9 July 2019
Tom thanks for your contribution and the good info. Did you take a private driver up to the Cathar Castles? I didn't want to have to take a half day tour. Wondered if taxis were readily available to and from and price if you know anything about that. Thanks in advance for any further help.
Written 30 April 2018
Hello. I had a hire car and visited the sites at my leisure. I think there are organised bus tours, you would have to visit a tourist information centre for details. Hiring a cab/taxi would be very expensive as the sites are quite far apart! Don't be put off by that though because they are well worth seeing. Good luck
Written 1 May 2018
bonjour ca vaut le coup de les faire ou la cité suffit ? cordialement kakou
Written 26 March 2018
Il faut faire les gouffres les châteaux cathares ne sont pas beaux ( ce n’est pas Chambord) mais ça vaut le coup. Nous avons escaladé,si vous aimez grimper il faut les faire.
Written 12 August 2019
pouvons visiter avec un petit chien
Written 5 August 2017
Bonjour
Oui, les Cathares étaient végétariens, il ne risque rien.
Bonne visite
Written 6 August 2017
Hi, can the Cathar Castles be visited using public transport? Please provide some guidance on how this can be done from Carcassone. Many thanks.
Written 16 April 2017
Hi Peter. The Cathar Castles are all well worth a visit. However, only the main castle in Carcassonne is accessible by public transport (actually you can walk to it from the centre of Carcassonne). For the remainder, which are mostly on remote hillsides (some are in small villages), you'll need to hire a car, or join a private bus tour from either Carcassonne or Toulouse. Try the tourist bureau in Carcassonne for booking options - they are very helpful. Each castle takes from 1 to 3 hours to visit, so a maximum of three in a day is feasible. There is a Cathar Country Passport available at each site, which for Euro 2 gives you Euro 1 discount at each site (Euro 2 discount at Carcassonne, which effectively makes it free after that). Make sure you are fit though, because apart from Carcassonne, most other castles involve a LOT of climbing. Enjoy your visit!
Written 22 May 2017
Pouvez vous rectifier votre message : Aucun chateau n'a jamais été construit pas les cathares, ils ont uniquement servis de refuges ... ce qui change l'histoire ...
Written 15 January 2017
J'ai fait comme nous tous ici, habitants de l'Aude, appeler ces châteaux "les châteaux cathares"... c'est donc un raccourci qui ne dérangeait pas mes clients de l'époque....Certes, en lisant des documents sur la construction des châteaux, il ne semble pas que ce soient les cathares qui les aient construits,(mais qui) comme quoi la vie est bien faite, ils les ont donc occupés pour se réfugier et se défendre, comme vous l'affirmez.. Merci pour votre intervention, et mes excuses auprès du public pour mon erreur. En attendant, ces châteaux sont magnifiques, emprunts d'un passé pas reluisant...et la région aussi.... Cordialement
Written 16 January 2017
I was just going to visit Carcassonne, but it looks like there's so much more. Is there a recommended route to visit the Cathar Castles and how many would you recommend. I could spend all week just visiting these castles, but wonder if it gets old after the first 3-4? Is this best done by car. Where would you start and rent a car from?
Thanks for the help.
Written 22 September 2016
Just seen this. Apologies for delay. Hope it's not too late. If you're visiting Carcassonne for the first time you need 2 days there which includes a tour of Lastours where there are three ruined Cathar castles to see on a nice stroll in the countryside. The walk up is not too strenuous but you will need half a day for the excursion.
Written 14 December 2016
A che ora finiscono le visite guidate? E di quale castello parliamo esattamente, che ha le audioguide in italiano? Grazie.
Written 11 May 2016
7ophia
Neversink, New York
Could someone recommend me a guided tour from Carcassonne to any of the nearby cathar castles in June? I found just one available only in July and August and it would be a shame getting to Le Pays Cathare and not be able to visit at least one castle...
Written 15 May 2015
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