Not visiting the Cathar Castles during your camping holiday in Aude is a bit like exploring Marseille without strolling along its old port or going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. You understand, these superb castles (some of which are located near the campsite) are essential remains that are well worth a short hike in an exceptional natural setting to immerse yourself in a fascinating history.
Why the Cathar Castles? The term Cathar comes from Catharism, a doctrine of Christianity that emerged in the 10th century in Occitania. The Cathars (also known as Albigensians, Perfects, or Good Men) advocated a simple and austere existence, far from the material world that would distance them from purity. The growing success of the movement, opposite to the dogmas of the time, provoked the anger of the Church, of which Pope Innocent III was a faithful representative. The repression began, and with it the famous crusade against the Albigensians. The Inquisition reinforced the stigmatization of the Cathars, and the latter had to flee and hide in the hills of the region to escape persecution. Sad events such as the siege of Montségur from 1243 to 1244 and then the fall of Quéribus in 1255 marked the end of these years of repression. Today, the Cathar Castles represent more than a dozen sites marked by a rich history and inseparable from Occitan culture. All in a natural environment of great beauty!
Located less than 20 minutes from the campsite, do not miss the four castles of Lastours perched on top of a rocky peak. Like many Cathar castles, these remains are perched on hills, so you will have to climb a bit (appropriate shoes and a bottle of water will be useful!) to fully enjoy the spectacle. The reward? A magnificent view of the mountainous landscapes and the five citadels: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine, and Quertinheux. By going to the belvedere two kilometers from Lastours, you will also benefit from a superb panorama. The area also has many caves and cavities, some of which house a few legends, such as the one that would have a secret tunnel connecting Lastours to Carcassonne. If you ever come across it, do not hesitate to let us know! Half an hour from the campsite, the castle of Saissac will offer you a superb panorama of the region, and you will learn more about the treasure it housed: 2000 deniers from the 13th century. We will not convert it into euros for you, but it is the most important buried royal treasure in Languedoc!
But the Cathar castles are also the 'five sons of Carcassonne,' which played a strategic role in defense and protection against the Kingdom of Aragon and Spain. Among them, we can mention the famous castles of Peyrepertuse and Quéribus. In addition to visiting them, we can only advise you to take advantage of your camping holiday near Carcassonne to discover this magnificent medieval city, which was a stronghold of Cathar resistance with its fortifications, castle, and ramparts listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cathar castles will take you back to the heart of a fascinating heritage while rejuvenating you in a breathtaking setting. Between the Corbières and the Pyrenees, the panoramas of Minervois that will be offered to you during your historical getaways will leave you speechless. But the Cathar remains are also the discovery of abbeys such as that of Caunes-Minervois, just 10 minutes from the campsite! So many sites marked by history that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your camping stay in Aude.
