Château de Montségur: A Cathar Stronghold
Explore Château de Montségur, a medieval Cathar fortress with panoramic views and a poignant history of religious resistance in the French Pyrenees.
Château de Montségur, a former Cathar fortress in southern France, stands as a powerful reminder of medieval religious conflict. Perched atop a rocky mountain, the castle ruins offer stunning views and a glimpse into the history of the Cathar resistance against the Catholic Church during the Albigensian Crusade.
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 30-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the castle.
- Bring water and sun protection, as there is no water or shade available on the castle site.
- Visit the archaeological museum in the village of Montségur to learn more about the castle's history and see artifacts from the site.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the castle's high altitude can lead to unpredictable conditions.
Getting There
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Driving
From Toulouse, take the D117 south for approximately 90 minutes to the village of Montségur. From Carcassonne, take the D117 west for about 80 km. In Montségur, follow signs to the Château de Montségur. Parking is free and unlimited at the foot of the mountain. From the parking area, it is a 30-35 minute walk up a steep mountain path to reach the castle. Good walking shoes are recommended.
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Public Transport
From Carcassonne, take a bus to Mirepoix and then another bus (line 450) to the 'château' stop in Montségur. The total journey time is approximately 3 hours. From Foix, take bus line 451 to Lavelanet, then bus line 450 to Montségur ('château' stop). The 450 bus also runs from Pamiers to Montségur. From the bus stop, it is a 30-35 minute walk up a steep mountain path to reach the castle. Bus fares vary depending on the origin, but a single journey on the local bus is typically around €2.
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Walking
From the village of Montségur, follow the marked trail uphill towards the castle. The trail is steep and rocky, requiring approximately 30-35 minutes to ascend. Ensure you have appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
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