|
|
 Quéribus Castle is where the Cathars made their last
stand in 1256. It is a steep climb by car to the parking area
from where it is a further 20 minutes upward climb to reach the
castle itself. |
|
|
|
 Peyrepertuse is about 15
minutes by car further along and is a much larger construction:
more of a fortified village in size than a castle. |
|
|
|
 The Da Vinci Code has made
Montségur
fairly famous. It's best to visit in the Summer months as it is in a ski
area and a considerable climb up from the main road by car.
Rennes-le-Chateau
is relatively easy to reach all year. |
|
|
|
 At the other end of the scale in size are the
remains of the castle of Aquilar which is the smallest still
recognisable castle. |
|
| |
 Most of this region was fo rmerly part of
Spain and the substantial castle at Salses testifies to
the former animosity between the two countries. The small castle
at Fitou contains a medieval museum. The castle at Foix (right)
continues to dominate the lively town. |
|
|
 As well as the famous castles there are countless others
in t he Corbieres such as this one right in the village of
Villerouge-Termenes where the last heretic (William Belibasto)
was burnt at the stake in 1321. Castillet in the centre of
Perpignan is less significant historically but is in many ways the
symbol of the region.
|
|
