French Cultural Heritage Complex

The Cathar Sect Emerges in Limousin

The Cathar sect appeared in Limousin at the end of the 11th century and flourished in the 12th and early 13th centuries in the southern regions of France (Toulouse, Carcassonne, Foix, Béziers…). From 1208 to 1244, the Albigensian Crusaders continuously launched devastating attacks, causing the gradual dissolution of the Cathar sect.

In terms of history, the existence of the Cathars was relatively brief; however, they left a significant impression on the people of France, especially in the southern regions. Over the past seven centuries, the Cathars have left their mark through ancient constructions: castles, fortifications, towns, cities, and villages. These cultural sites enrich the cultural heritage of France, including Foix, Narbonne, Béziers, Carcassonne, Roquefixade, Mirepoix, Montségur, Puivert, Montaillou, Usson, Puilaurens, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Aguilar, Paden, Durban, Auriac, Arques, Coustaussa, Fanjeaux, Castelnaudary, Suissac, Lastours, and Minerve. These 24 sites have become invaluable heritage of France’s tradition. Below are 6 among the 24 Cathar sites.

1. Foix Castle

The Foix tower stands majestically atop a mountain, resembling a jewel amidst the expansive green of trees and rocks. Three towers rise high, adorned with battlements and arrow slits.

The castle appeared in the early 13th century as a hallmark of Count Roger Bernard, featuring two square towers surrounded by fortifications. By the 15th century, an additional round tower was constructed to protect the castle. The central tower contains three magnificent rooms, with vaulted ceilings that remain intact.

For a long time, the castle served as a storage facility and prison. Since becoming a museum, Foix Castle comprises two sections: the “Paleontology – Prehistory – General History” section, which includes a very large mammoth skeleton discovered in 1901 in Baulou, and the “Folk Art” section, which showcases an ostal, the traditional house of ancient residents in the Vicdessos valley.

2. The Old Town of Mirepoix

This small town, located at the foot of the Pyrenees, retains its medieval architectural style.

The overall setting resembles a rural area, centered around a wooden arch built over a splendid half-timbered house. The building of the magistrates still preserves a statue that appears fearful: the statue has a head resembling that of a human yet also a demon.

The Saint-Marice Cathedral, constructed in 1298 and renovated in the 14th and 15th centuries, is an expansive Gothic church, the largest of its kind in Europe.

In the 13th century, many beautiful houses were created here. The lord of the city was Pierre Roger de Mirepoix. In 1289, followers of the Cathar sect were defeated in their military campaigns, leading to the city’s devastating destruction.

3. Montségur Castle

At an elevation of 1,207 meters of a massive rocky outcrop, Montségur Castle emerges, imbued with the mysterious aura of legend. The castle sits firmly between mountain and sky, seemingly impervious to any force, enhancing the majesty of nature. Originally, this castle was built by followers of the Cathar sect. In 1232, Lord Raymond de Péreille took control, with 500 defenders. Today, many paleontological remnants cover the mountains and fortifications.

Time and foreign invaders have caused much destruction, yet the castle still exudes its ancient and pristine charm. Since 1958, a “Paleontology Museum” has been established here, featuring two ancient skeletons that evoke the poignant tragedies of Montségur.

4. Puilaurens Castle

At the summit of the fortifications, dotted with arrow slits, a silhouette is etched against the vibrant blue sky. On sunny days, the fortress is clearly visible, elevated against the brilliant backdrop of lush vegetation.

Puilaurens serves as a military stronghold. The massive cliffs rise on either side of the path leading to the soldier’s entrance. The outermost layer consists of a large wall and a circular path surrounding it, while the second layer features enormous fortifications. The entrance gate has a unique design: a passage below, with storage for stones and boiling pots ready for battle above. The northern walls are taller, with battlements featuring circular openings for guards to aim their weapons downwards.

The square defensive tower overlooking the Puilaurens valley offers a unique view. To the southwest, the “White Woman” tower serves as a lookout for the winding paths surrounding the barracks.

In 1243, after the death of Lord Pierre de Fenouillet, Chabert de Barbaira took over the castle’s management. He organized a fierce resistance against the attacks from the Albigensian Crusaders. Later, in the mid-17th century, the castle became a crucial stronghold against the Spanish army.

5. The Village and Castle of Villerouge – Termenès

The sturdy square castle is protected by round towers. The village of Villerouge – Termenès still retains the spirit of medieval doctrine.

In the latter half of the 13th century, the Archbishop of Narbonne initiated repairs and renovations to part of the architecture. By the early 14th century, the Cathar religion waned, and some lamented attempts were made to revive the prosperous memories of the previous century. By 1321, this castle was burned down, marking the final judgment of the Inquisition against the Cathars.

6. The Small District of Castelnaudary

This small district endured the fierce attacks of the Albigensian Crusaders in 1211, echoes of which still resonate in the nearly 300-line epic of Guillaume de Tulède: “The Song of the Albigensian Crusaders.” Castelnaudary was once a small city built on elevated land overlooking the Fresquel valley. The castle was erected on the highest hill, surrounded by small houses and narrow streets.

In the 16th century, Castelnaudary became the headquarters for both civil and military courts. Part of the building was used as a prison.

In the 17th century, the construction of a large canal transformed Castelnaudary into a prosperous port bustling with trading vessels.