Idea for an outing in the Ariège Pyrenees: Roquefixade castle

Ready to take on the trail that will lead you to the Château de Roquefixade in Ariège? This impressive 11th-century fortified castle, located less than 30 minutes’ drive from your Les Grottes campsite, will leave you breathless. Perched on its rocky peak, it dominates the valley and all those who wish to approach it… We’ll take you there!

Visit the ruins of the ancient medieval fortress of Roquefixade

From the top of its ruins, just over 1000 meters above sea level, the Château de Roquefixade dominates part of the valley in this beautiful Occitanie region. Imagination is the order of the day when visiting this ancient medieval fortress, of which only the ruins remain. Its construction dates back to the 11th century. Its destruction was ordered by Louis XIII, 5 centuries later, for the good reason that it was too expensive to maintain! The name Roquefixade means “cracked rock”. In fact, a huge natural gash formed in the rocky spur was filled in by the construction of a stone arch to build the castle. For this fortress, the royal architects spared no expense. A ramp, a gate and a second wall to pass through, a keep (or what’s left of it), and there you have the Château de Roquefixade…

A pleasant walk around Roquefixade castle

Now that you know more about the history of this Pyrenean heritage site (listed as a historic monument in 1995), it’s time to embark on a beautiful hike to reach the legendary summit. Up there, the panorama is unique and well worth the detour. In the distance, you can see the red roofs of the village of Roquefixade, the Lesponne valley, the Tabe massif, the Saint-Barthélemy peak and the Cathar castles, including Montségur. Several trail loops are available. And at least one long-distance hiking trail(GR 107) passes through here. Starting out from Foix, take the Chemin des Bonshommes. You’ll go back in time to the Middle Ages and Catharism, with a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees. But beware of the cliff on which the castle stands, which is so narrow that it makes you wonder how this mysterious and impressive castle manages to dazzle you so much.

Château de Roquefixade (09300) Free admission. Allow half an hour’s walk after leaving the car in the village of Roquefixade.