The Château de Montségur : Cathar stronghold of Ariège
The Rock of Ariège !
Discover this important Cathar centre, one of the Grand Sites of the Midi-Pyrenees region. The Castle of Montségur stands at 1,207m on the highest part of a rocky spur named Pog. It is mentioned in texts from the end of the 12th century, although the first traces of human habitation of the mountain go back 4,000 years BC. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Cathars, followers of a dualist religion denounced as heresy by the Pope, settled here. In 1232, the castle became the headquarters of the Cathar church and the refuge of ‘faidits’, local lords who had been dispossessed of their property during the Albigensian Crusade.
While much of Languedoc was ravaged by fire and the sword, Montségur survived in relative peace for over 40 years until the Pope and the King of France decided to put an end to Montségur. After a terrible siege lasting 11 months, the Cathars were burned at the stake on 16 March 1244. Before surrendering Montségur, Raimont Roger Trencavel obtained a period of 15 days free from combat and intrusion into the castle…
The reason for the delay being granted remains a mystery to this day. More than 200 Cathars were burned alive after the truce. Catharism never recovered from the loss of Montségur and completely disappeared at the beginning of the 14th century. Montségur Castle remains steeped in history and mysteries which, despite much research remain unsolved...
The Musée Historique et Archéologique of Château de Montségur
The Musée Historique et Archéologique at Montségur is well worth a visit. It contains all the items found during excavations at the site of the castle including cannonballs, chisels, weapons and everyday objects dating from the 13th century. It also has a permanent exhibition about Catharism in Ariège. Visiting the museum is essential to get close to the everyday life of the men and women who lived in the castle of Montségur over the centuries. In addition to the various objects, models and other replicas, there are also the tombs of a man and a woman who died during the Siege of 1243 – 1244 (the only tombs ever found on Pog up to now).
Also, don’t miss the Limonaderie (lemonade factory) de Fontestorbes at Bélesta. Bélesta is well-known for two things : its forest which produces quality pine wood and its intermittent spring…La Fontaine de Fontestorbes. A curiosity of nature due to its intermittent function, the Fontaine de Fontestorbes has always enjoyed an excellent reputation for the purity of its water which is why lemonade started being made in Fontestorbes in 1885. At that time, Bélesta had 3 lemonade makers who shared the local market, at a time when the only fizzy drink in existence was lemonade. Today only one remains !
And don’t forget « Les Sapins » restaurant at Nalzen. This charming ‘auberge’ on the edge of a pine forest between the castles of Montségur and Roquefixade is a perfect place for a gourmet stop in Cathar country. Enjoy fine, tasty, traditional yet creative cuisine made from local produce in a friendly atmosphere.
Useful information :
For information and bookings, ring 05 61 01 06 94 or 05 61 01 10 27. Castle is open February – December. Pre-booked guided tours available, if required, and for groups of 20 people or more. Picnic area, free car park, coach park, signposted footpaths, drinking water. In winter, the castle is sometimes closed during bad weather. Disabled parking outside the ground floor of the museum only, no access for cars to the castle
