Quéribus Castle
Emerging over 700 meters above sea level on the southern ridge of Corbières, the castle casts its elegant silhouette over a superb panorama. Last stronghold of the Cathar resistance, then citadel border of France, its strategic situation allows it to exercise a remarkable surveillance on the Roussillon plain. The entrance ticket also gives access to the Cucugnan priest’s multimedia show at the Achille Mir Theater, in the famous village of Cucugnan.
Castle Peyrepertuse
A true invitation to travel back in time, the Peyrepertuse castle seems to be stranded like a majestic vessel at an altitude of 800 meters, in the heart of a still wild nature, overlooking the charming village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. By the quality of its constructions, Peyrepertuse is the most remarkable example of military architecture of the Middle Ages. This immense fortress is equal in size to that of the City of Carcassonne. Former castle of the Crusade against the Albigenses, it was one of the fortresses built by Saint Louis to protect the southern border of the Kingdom of France until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
The Castle of Termes
In 1210, the castle of Termes was the scene of a major episode of the Albigensian Crusade. The visit of the site is reinforced by an introductory film, a historical exhibition “1210, the siege of the castle of Termes”, and by revisited visit documents. Aided by specific documents, or even better yet with a free guide, the group of visitors will imagine the crusader camp facing the fortified village … the duel of the trebuchets … Simon de Montfort escaping death … the defenders finally overwhelmed by the dysentery … The remains appear each year more impressive, thanks to archaeological excavations, 15 minutes walk to reach the castle.
The castle of Villerouge-Termenès
Located about fifty kilometers south east of Carcassonne, Villerouge is the Mediterranean gate of Hautes-Corbières. Completely restored, this castle is a remarkable example of military architecture dating back mainly to the 13th century. An audiovisual tour (in 3 languages) entitled “The World of Guilhem Bélibaste, last ” perfect Cathar ” is proposed inside The wing of the castle which faces it is reserved for the” Rotisserie médiévale “, restaurant offering a kitchen of the 14th century unique in Europe which reopened in May 2013.
The Abbey of Lagrasse
Facing the medieval city, this imposing Benedictine monument commands respect. The Abbey of Lagrasse, famous for its elegance, presents a breathtaking architectural catalog from the 10th to the 18th century. We discover, for the part belonging to the General Council, mainly medieval buildings: the court of the abbatial dwelling, the cellar, the bakery, the abbey chapel, the sacristy, the northern transept, the tower, the lapidary deposit (exhibition on the Master of Cabestany), the ceremonial room and the dormitory partially restored in 2009. Last entry: 1 hour before closing.