In the 13th century, the Cathar movement — a form of dualist Christianity — flourished throughout Languedoc before being violently suppressed by the Albigensian Crusade (1209–1229) and then the Inquisition. The Cathars took refuge in fortresses perched on inaccessible rocky outcrops. Many of these refuge castles are now listed as historic monuments.
4 km from our cottage, the Lastours castles form one of the most spectacular sites in Cathar Country: four medieval towers dominating the confluence of the Orbiel and Grésilhou rivers. Archaeological excavations have revealed continuous occupation since the Neolithic. 25 km away, the Cité de Carcassonne (UNESCO, 1997), with its 52 towers and 3 km of ramparts, is the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Further afield, Lagrasse (54 km) is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its 8th-century Benedictine abbey, still occupied by Augustinian canons, is one of the largest in southern France. The Sentier Cathare — a 250 km GR trail linking Port-la-Nouvelle to Foix — passes through our area and can be walked in stages from the cottage.
Mas-Cabardès is one of those Montagne Noire villages that have survived the centuries without losing their character. Its 186 inhabitants live in stone houses inherited from the Middle Ages, on a territory that has been occupied since Antiquity.
The medieval castle from the 13th century dominates the rooftops from the hilltop. Its silhouette recalls the era when Cabardès was an independent viscountcy, on the border between the counties of Carcassonne and Toulouse. The Église Saint-Étienne, built in the 12th century and modified during the Revolution, has been a listed historic monument since 1926. The Weavers' Cross from the 16th century — a testament to the prosperity of the cloth industry that made Mas-Cabardès wealthy — has been listed since 1933.
A few kilometres away, the ruins of the Salsigne gold mine are a reminder that in the 20th century this region was one of Europe's most important gold producers. A fascinating industrial history to combine with medieval visits. The local Festifoire, the village's annual fair, is a chance to taste local produce and meet the residents.
This itinerary is a guide — adapt it to your pace and the weather.
Cathar Country fascinates visitors well beyond France's borders. British, American, Australian and German travellers make up a significant part of our guests, drawn by medieval history, the mystery of the castles and the beauty of the landscapes. For some, it is even a pilgrimage: generations have read the historical novels of Umberto Eco and other writers who evoke these lands.
The region is accessible by air (Carcassonne airport 30 km away, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Bristol, Dublin), by TGV from Paris (5 hours to Carcassonne), from Barcelona (3 hours) or Toulouse (1h15).
Cathar Country refers to the territory where the Cathar movement lived and was suppressed in the 13th century. It covers a large part of the Aude, Ariège and Tarn. The 'Pays Cathare' label brings together castles, abbeys, medieval villages and archaeological sites that bear witness to this period.
Yes, for most of them. Lastours castles have a car park 10 minutes on foot. Carcassonne has large paid car parks at the gates of the Cité. Peyrepertuse and Quéribus (further away, around 80 km) require a mountain road but remain accessible. In season, prefer morning visits.
May-June and September-October offer the ideal balance: mild climate, fewer crowds, reasonable accommodation prices. July-August are the most lively months (shows, night markets) but also the busiest. Avoid the week of 14 July in Carcassonne — the city is packed.
Yes. Major sites (Carcassonne, Lastours) have audio guides in English. Independent guides offer private tours in English — we can recommend contacts. The official Pays Cathare website also publishes itineraries in English.
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