The finest Cathar castles to visit near Carcassonne

Your adventure naturally begins in Carcassonne, the largest medieval city in Europe. From the banks of the Aude, the city rises like a theater set, imposing and majestic. On passing through the Narbonne Gate, you enter a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with boutiques, up to the Château Comtal (Count’s Castle).

Built in the 12^th century, it embodies the history of the crusade against the Albigensians. From the chemin de ronde wall walk, you contemplate the vast Aude Plain and the contours of the Black Mountain.

In Lapradelle, a trail lined with black pines takes you to the crenelated silhouette of Puilaurens, perched at a height of 697 meters. After passing through a triangular arched doorway, walk along the ramparts and climb up to the south tower.

From on high, take the time to discover the chapel and the cisterns, overrun with vegetation. Below, Boulzane Valley winds toward the Aude, surrounded by hills of green oaks.

In Cucugnan, you spot the rocky promontory of Quéribus, on the summit of Mount Tauch. Leave your car in the parking lot and follow the steep path that takes you to the keep. Inside, you cross a Gothic hall and take a spiral staircase to the terrace.

The final Cathar refuge to fall in 1255, the castle offers a stunning panoramic view: the Mediterranean to the east, Pic du Canigou mountain to the south, and the Corbières to the north.

Starting from Duilhac, you wind your way through the scrubland until you reach the ridge along which Peyrepertuse Castle stretches out: 300 meters long, two levels, and several watchtowers opening onto the gorge.

First of all, you enter the lower enclosure, built in the 12^th century, then take a staircase cut into the rock to reach the upper enclosure, created under Louis IX. From Sant Jòrdi keep, on a clear day, you can admire the Corbières all the way to the coast.

Not far from Tuchan, take a path at the heart of the heath to Aguilar Castle, situated at the top of a hill covered in vines. You are welcomed by a double enclosure made of pale yellow stone, set off with Aragonese-influenced hexagonal towers.

Built in the 12^th century and assailed by French troops in 1210, this castle was used to watch over the roads of Roussillon. Before leaving, take the time to contemplate the grape varieties stretching out to the hills of Fitou.

Overlooking a bend in the River Sou, Termes Castle is gradually revealed, staggered on several levels. In the 13^th century, Raymond de Termes resisted Simon de Montfort’s assaults for four months before surrendering.

Today, you can explore its ruins — living quarters, chapel, curtain walls — then go down toward the Termenet Gorges, where a trail winds its way between slabs of schist and scattered pines.

Perched at a height of 1,216 meters, Montségur Castle towers over a rocky spur known as a pog. You climb up a steep trail and then enter through the south doorway. Rebuilt after 1245, the current building stands on the ruins of the besieged fortress.

Around the courtyard, you can make out the ancestral living quarters. In the north, an opening leads to the lower hall and the former cistern, covered with moss. Below, Lasset Valley stretches out before you, calm and protected.

To the north of Carcassonne, set off to discover the four castles of Lastours, clinging to a limestone ridge between the Orbiel and Grésillou Valleys. From the visitors’ center set up in the former Rabier factory, a well-appointed path takes you to the ruins.

Once there, you go from one promontory to another — Cabaret, Surdespine, Quertinheux, Tour Régine. In summer, it is best to go there early as the ascent is on open ground. Once at the top, your efforts are rewarded with a splendid panoramic view over the Black Mountain.