Château de Termes: A Cathar Stronghold
Discover Château de Termes, a medieval castle with a captivating history, offering stunning views of the rugged Corbières landscape.
Château de Termes, a ruined castle near the village of Termes in the Aude département, stands as a testament to a tumultuous past. The castle's origins trace back to the 10th and 11th centuries, with the first mention of a castle dating to 1110. The castle held strategic importance, overlooking the Termenet Gorges and controlling the surrounding area. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the lords of Termes were associated with the Cathar religious movement. During the Albigensian Crusade, Château de Termes became a symbol of resistance against the crusaders. In 1210, Simon de Montfort laid siege to the castle, which was defended by Raymond de Termes. The siege lasted for four months and was one of the most challenging of the Albigensian Crusade. Eventually, the castle fell due to dysentery and lack of water. After the crusade, the castle was rebuilt as a royal garrison and became one of the "Five Sons of Carcassonne," fortresses defending the border with Aragon. In the 17th century, when the border shifted, the castle lost its strategic importance and was later demolished by royal decree. Today, the ruins of Château de Termes are classified as a monument historique and are open to the public. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the castle's history through exhibits and guided tours.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the castle is uneven and requires a 15-minute walk from the village.
- Bring water and sun protection, especially during the summer months, as there is limited shade on the castle grounds.
- Check the opening hours before visiting, as the castle is closed in December, January, and February.
- Consider downloading the "Pays Cathare, Le Guide" app for an augmented reality experience of the castle.
A brief summary to Château de Termes
- 2 Camin, Cami Dal Castel, Termes, 11330, FR
- +33468700920
Getting There
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Walking
From the village of Termes, follow the marked path uphill to the castle entrance. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The path is a wide track with a section of trail.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to the Château de Termes, you can take a bus to the village of Termes. From there, follow the walking directions to reach the castle. Bus routes to Termes may be limited, so check local schedules in advance. From Paris, you can take a bus to Termes via Clermont-Ferrand or Reims. * Bus fare (Paris to Termes, varies): Approximately €30-€50
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Driving
Reach Termes village via D40. Free parking is available at the entrance of the village. From the parking area, walk to the castle entrance following the marked path. * Parking: Free
