Château de Montségur

Montségur

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Montségur is an enduring destination for Cathar history enthusiasts. As the site of the gruesome siege of Montségur, its historical significance in the annals of Cathar history is unmatched. Here’s a worthy addition to any France sightseeing itinerary that includes visits to magical villages in Occitanie. 

How to Get There 

Renting a car saves you time and allows much flexibility in making stops as and when you wish. You can cover Carcassonne and Montségur on a day trip from Toulouse. The autoroute from Toulouse to Carcassonne takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Exploring Carcassonne – one of the famous places in France – shouldn’t take more than 2-3 hours. Head south to the fortified medieval town Mirepoix and further on to Montségur. 

History & Culture 

Montségur is a village in the Ariège department, best known for Château de Montségur (also called Montségur Castle), a former fortress and bastion of the Cathars, standing serenely on a rock formation known as a pog. The area was home to Neanderthals and occupied by the Romans. It withstood several sieges in the 13th century and, in 1233, became the seat and head of the Cathar Church. 

In 1242, a garrison of Cathar sympathizers killed two inquisitors and their retinue at Avignonet. A year later, 100,000 royal troops led by Hugues Des Arcis, seneschal of Carcassonne, besieged the fortress, and an estimated 300 dissidents who surrendered were burned in a bonfire at the foot. At the base of the mountain, a memorial called “Prat dels Cremats” (“Field of the Burned”) commemorates the victims. The names of the 25 Cathar Perfecti who took the vow of austerity and renunciation are displayed at a museum in the village. The village also finds a mention in the provocative best-seller The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, which challenges the accepted view of Christ’s life. 

Top Things to Do

Do the 15-minute walk to the ruins of Château de Montségur, the most famous Cathar Castle, and a historic site designated by the French Ministry of Culture. The current fortress is not the original structure but one built during a later period to guard France’s border. 

The early fortress was built as a solar temple perfectly aligned with the rising sun. This architectural feature is observable in the alignment of the two windows in the fortress wall and attracts astronomers and spiritual pilgrims.  

Visit the Musee de Montségur afterward. The entrance fee to the castle includes the museum too. Exhibits in the museum depict the life of Cathars and the tragic siege. 

If you’re an arts and crafts enthusiast, make an appointment at Le Royaume Oublie, a workshop that pays tribute to the ancient civilization of Occitanie. You can commission a project or buy a piece of art.