Discovering the Cathar Castles
Montségur, Fontestorbes, Cucugnan, Quéribus and the Galamus gorges
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The experience
On the trail of the last Cathars
The citadels of vertigo, from Montségur to Quéribus
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, perched on the foothills of the Corbières. The return journey takes you through the dramatic Galamus gorges, before a regional dinner with the flavours of the South-West at the château.
Montségur castle on its rocky peak · Photo: Lucas Destrem, CC BY-SA 4.0
Programme
Your stay, hour by hour
8 am
8 am
Departure from the château
Departure by van with your driver and guide, who shares experiences and anecdotes throughout the journey.
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
Galamus gorges
Return along a spectacular road carved into the rock.
5 pm
5 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
Regional dinner
A dinner with the flavours of the South-West to end the day.
Next morning
Next morning
Night and breakfast
Night at the château and breakfast.
Times are indicative and adjusted to your group and the conditions on the day.
In pictures
The places of your stay
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
- Regional dinner
- Flavours of the South-West
The wines
Languedoc wines
Practical
Good to know
- The climbs to Montségur and Quéribus 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 stay
Tell us your preferred date and the number of participants: we will contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability and send you a tailor-made quote.
See also
Our other themed stays
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