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The experience
On the trail of the last Cathars
The citadels of vertigo, from Montségur to Peyrepertuse
In the 13th century, the Cathars took refuge in fortresses clinging to mountain ridges. You climb the peak of Montségur, a stronghold of their resistance, as your guide tells the story of the siege of 1244. Then you discover the Fontestorbes spring and its strange intermittent flow.
After lunch in an inn in Cucugnan, the village made famous by Alphonse Daudet's tale of its priest's sermon, you continue to Quéribus, the last Cathar bastion, then Peyrepertuse, a spectacular citadel perched on its ridge. The return journey takes you through the dramatic Galamus gorges, before a medieval-style dinner at the château.
Peyrepertuse castle, the citadel of vertigo · Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Programme
Your day, hour by hour
8 am
8 am
Departure from the château
Departure by van with your driver and guide.
9 am
9 am
Montségur castle
Climb to the summit with commentary and history.
10:15 am
10:15 am
Fontestorbes spring
Discover a strange phenomenon: a spring with an intermittent flow.
11 am
11 am
Cucugnan
Visit the village famous for its priest's sermon, then lunch in a local inn.
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Quéribus castle
The last Cathar bastion, perched on the foothills of the Corbières.
3:30 pm
3:30 pm
Peyrepertuse castle
Tour of the citadel of vertigo and its panoramic views.
4:30 pm
4:30 pm
Galamus gorges
Return along a spectacular road carved into the rock.
6 pm
6 pm
Arrival at the château
Free time to unwind before the evening.
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
Aperitif at the bar
Champagne and gougères.
8:30 pm
8:30 pm
Medieval-style dinner
A dinner with medieval flavours to end the day.
Next morning
Next morning
Night and breakfast
Night at the château and breakfast buffet.
Times are indicative and adjusted to your group and the conditions on the day.
In pictures
The places you will visit
Montségur castle on its rocky peak
Photo: Lucas Destrem, CC BY-SA 4.0
The village of Cucugnan
Photo: Jcb-caz-11, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quéribus castle facing the Corbières
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Galamus gorges
Photo: Vassil, CC0Evening at the château
Drinks and dinner
Aperitif
Champagne and gougères, at the château bar.
The menu
- Medieval dinner
- Dishes inspired by the tables of the Middle Ages
The wines
Languedoc wines
Practical
Good to know
- The climbs to Montségur and Peyrepertuse are steep: walking shoes are essential and a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- The wind can be strong on the ridges: bring a windproof jacket.
- In bad weather, the programme may be adapted for your safety.
- In summer, remember water and sun protection.
Booking
Book this day
Tell us your preferred date and the number of participants: we will contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability and finalise your programme.
See also
Our other discovery days
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