History, access: what you need to know about Montségur castle

Perched between the Aude and Ariège rivers, the Château de Montségur is one of the best-known Cathar castles in Occitanie. A thousand years of history permeate the ruins of this medieval castle, witness to the Cathar epic and its tragic fate. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Montségur castle: history, access and practical advice.

The (tragic) story of Montsegur

Nestling on the borders of the Ariège and Aude departments , in the heart of the Pays d’Olmes region, the Château de Montségur is the highest of the “citadels of vertigo”, the name given to the eight Cathar castles. Dominating the Ariège mountains since the 13th century, its silhouette seems to float between heaven and earth, on a ridge over 1,200 m above sea level.

Perched on its eagle’s nest, Montségur castle was intended to be impregnable and inaccessible. It became the seat of the Cathar church in 1232, and was one of the last bastions of Catharism in Languedoc, until its tragic end. The fortress was besieged in 1243-1244 by the troops of the King of France. The inhabitants, considered heretics, held out for ten months under difficult conditions, before surrendering.

Over 70,000 visitors set out to conquer Montsegur

Every year, 70,000 visitors climb up to the Château de Montségur. Clinging to its rocky peak, the Château de Montségur hides an unenviable history behind its majestic ruins. This historic Ariège landmark, classified as a “Grand site d’Occitanie”, is one of the symbols of Cathar resistance to persecution by the Catholic Church. On March 16, 1244, over 200 Cathars – men, women and children – were burned alive on a pyre lit below the castle. This massacre was one of the last major episodes in the crusade against the Albigensians, and marked the end of Occitan Catharism.

Access to the castle, a beautiful climb through the Pyrenees

A visit to Montségur castle is well worth the effort! The citadel is only accessible on foot, from Lavelanet. To get there, the climb is rather tough, but well worth it. Allow around 30 minutes for the walk, and good hiking boots, as the path is steep. The first five minutes are particularly strenuous, but the rest is more “rolling”. The view of the Pyrenees is magnificent!

Visit Montsegur castle and museum: opening hours, tickets

The Château de Montségur is open to visitors all year round (except January). From May to September, guided tours are organized to discover the castle’s history in greater detail. A local storyteller reveals the legends and mysteries of Montségur, as well as the tragic events that have marked the site. Guided tours are included in the ticket price. Parking at the foot of the château is free and unlimited. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Montségur also boasts an archaeological museum in the village. A rich collection of objects excavated over 50 years ago (skeletons, tools, ironwork, weapons, coins, ceramics…) retraces the daily life of the Cathar families who lived in the castle. The museum is open from February to December. Self-guided tours or guided tours by prior arrangement.

> Montségur Tourist Office: place de la République, 09300 Montségur. Further information at www.montsegur.fr.

Walking around Montségur castle

Have you discovered the secrets of Montségur castle? There are many wonderful walks to be enjoyed around the village. Start with the regional nature reserve of the Saint Barthélémy massif, which covers 500 hectares in the commune of Montségur.

The tour of the “pog”, the name given by the locals to the limestone peak on which Montségur castle is built , offers fine views of the citadel, with explanatory panels on the history of Catharism in Ariège. From the parking lot, take the “sentier des tisserands” (route of the GR7), then the “sentier des pur”. Distance: 8 km, duration: 3h, difficulty: easy.

> Download the hiking trails map

Camping holidays near Montsegur Castle

Camping des Grottes welcomes you near Tarascon-sur-Ariège, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises. An ideal destination for visiting the Cathar castles, including Montségur. Book a fully-equipped chalet or mobile home for your family vacation, or a pitch for a tent or camper van for a stay close to nature.

Also worth reading: Attacking the Château de Roquefixade, next door to Montségur