Château de Montségur: A Cathar Stronghold
Explore Château de Montségur: a historic Cathar fortress with breathtaking Pyrenees views and a poignant tale of faith and resilience.
Perched atop a rocky mountain in the French Pyrenees, Château de Montségur stands as a powerful reminder of the Cathar faith and their tragic end. This reconstructed fortress, rising 1,207 meters high, offers breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse into a turbulent past marked by religious persecution and unwavering resilience.
A brief summary to Château de Montségur
- Montségur, 09300, FR
- +33561010694
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-7 pm
- Sunday 9 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steep, 30-minute climb to the castle.
- Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
- Bring water and sun protection, as there is no water or shade available on the castle site.
- Visit the archaeological museum in the village before ascending to the castle to gain a better understanding of its history.
Getting There
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Driving
From Toulouse, take the D117 south towards Lavelanet. Then, follow the D9 towards Montségur. The drive offers scenic views of the Pyrenees. Parking is available at the base of the pog (rocky hill). Parking is free. From the parking area, it's a 30-minute uphill walk to the castle entrance.
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Public Transport
From Toulouse, take a train to Foix, then a bus to Lavelanet. From Lavelanet, the 450 liO bus goes to Montségur. Get off at the 'Château' stop. From there, it's a 35-minute walk to the castle. Bus tickets cost a few euros.
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Walking
From the village of Montségur, follow the marked trail uphill to the castle. The path is steep and rocky, so wear appropriate footwear. The walk takes approximately 30-35 minutes. There are no fees for walking the trail.
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