Montsegur Castle Montségur : Montségur Tourism

Description

Located at the top of a rocky peak, 1207 meters high, the Cathar castle of Montsegur dominates the area because of its height. Built in the XIII century, this castle called "the citadel of vertigo" was the residence of the Cathars and Faydits then of the lords of Levis. The latter restored the castle. A garrison of 30 soldiers had stayed there until the seventeenth century however, from 1510, it was gradually abandoned.

The top of the rocky outcrop of Montsegur has been inhabited for thousands of years. We found traces of life dating from the prehistory and others from the Roman period. The place was fortified by Raymond Péreille following a request from the Cathars. We now know through archaeological excavations that the castle was surrounded by a fortified village.

The Cathars had lived in the castle of Montsegur until 1244, when the 10-month siege, led by the Council of Beziers, ended. After their surrender the Cathars were forced to abandon their faith and to convert or die by fire. 205 of them chose death. At that time, the family of Lévis took power on Montsegur.

Today, the fortress of Montsegur is emptied of its buildings, only the battlements and some walls remain. Nevertheless, tours are organized with a specialized guide. These visits are intended to help you imagine life in the castle and visualize the various civil and military buildings that were there.

The site of Montsegur also includes a historical and archaeological museum. Many objects of everyday life are displayed : tools, ornaments, weapons, ironworks,...

Schedule and tours of the castle:

- May, June and September: guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays at 2:00pm and 3:00pm.
- July and August: Guided tours daily at 11am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
- February, March, April, October, November and December: no tour
- For groups of 20 or more : guided tours all year round : call 05 61 01 06 94
- Open houses are available all year except during severe weather conditions when the site is closed.

Entrance fees:

- Adults: €4.5
- Children (8-15) : €2
- Under 8 : free

Groups:
- School groups : €4
- Groups of adults : €5

Website

(Distance < 1 km)
rooms ranging from: 52.00 Euros
Info: In the heart of the Pyrenees area, this inn welcomes guests to Montségur, one of the last strongholds of the Cathars. It is set in a 15th-century building with stone walls, wooden beams and open fireplaces.

The Auberge de Montsegur......

(Distance < 7 km)
rooms ranging from: 60.00 Euros
Info: Café du Théâtre is located in the city centre of Lavelanet, just 600 metres from Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church. The property offers an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi internet access.

The guest rooms are individually decorated and......

(Distance < 9 km)
rooms ranging from: 45.00 Euros
Info: Located along the Route of the Cathars, in the mountain village of Comus, this B&B offers a library where guests can relax and a 24-hour staff presence. Free Wi-Fi is offered in communal areas of the B&B.

Guest rooms are simply......

(Distance < 11 km)
rooms ranging from: 49.00 Euros
Info: Situated in the village of Laroque d'Olmes, Hôtel Castel d'Olmes offers en suite accommodation with free Wi-Fi as well as a fitness room, a children's playground and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens.

The guest rooms are......

(Distance < 11 km)
rooms ranging from: 33.00 Euros
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