Cathar Country Sites 2021

Children Rates Price in euros Adults 6-15 years A network of monuments… Alet-les-Bains Abbey 4 2,5 Aguilar Castle 4 2 Arques Castle 6 3 Free up to Castle and Ramparts of the walled 9,5 City of 26 years old Caunes-Minervois Abbey 5 to 6 2,5 CATHAR COUNTRY Aude , Medieval City Free Free SITES Fontfroide Abbey 12,5 to 20 8 to 13 Abbey 5 2,5 A B C D E Lagrasse, Medieval City Free Free Castles 8 3,5 1,5 to 2,5 4 to 6 Mazamet Museum (children 12 to 15) CATHAR COUNTRY SITES Montségur Castle 5,5 to 6,5* 3 to 3,5* Towns and sea resorts Castle 7 to 9 4 to 4,5 Castle 6 to 9 4 to 5 Tourist offices Quercorb Museum at 3,5 to 4,5 2 Quéribus Castle 7,5 4,5 1 Saint-Hilaire Abbey 4,5 to 5,5 2 D6113 Saint-Papoul Abbey-Cathedral 5 2 Castle 5 3 D11 Termes Castle 4 to 5 2 D609 Usson Castle 4,5 2,5 D5 Lordat Castle 4,5 2,5 Villelongue Abbey 6 1 D610 Villerouge-Termenès Castle 6 to 8** 2 Aude

D610 D6009 D6113 Prices lists indicated concern exclusively visits without guides. For the price lists of guides visits, contact directly the concerned sites. * The second price is valided in July and August ** Second special price from 15 July to 15 August including a visit to the castle and the church 2 D6009

Aude

3

Aude

In terms of the current pande- mic, the “Aude Vacances Sereines” charter unites tourism businesses committed to a cer- The Vertigo Citadels in the running for Unesco! 4 tification process and first class Aguilar, Lastours, Montségur, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Quéribus and Termes form an impressive architectural group around the Cité de Carcassonne, gazing at the horizon as far as the Mediterranean from their lofty peaks. hospitality to ensure you holiday In the 13th century, from the Montagne Noire to the edges of the Aragon kingdom, the French kings imposed their authority on supposedly rebel lands by designing this defensive architectural model and adapting it to steep hills. «Safe» in Cathar Country! The area’s lords’ castles were turned into impregnable royal fortresses. Alongside the Cité de Carcassonne, the Citadels of Vertigo are of «outstanding universal value» which has enabled them to join the French AGENCE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT TOURISTIQUE DE L’AUDE tentative list together, a step towards the World Allée Raymond Courrière - 11855 CARCASSONNE Cedex 9 Find all the seals of approval Heritage of Humanity list. Tél : + 33 4 68 11 66 00 - [email protected] awarded in our region on: Support the UNESCO application for the Citadels @audetourisme.com of Vertigo. Join the support committee! For more information, go to Création graphique : minelseb.com - Cartographie : Guylaine Gilles - Impression : Imprimerie Maraval ...in Cathar Country www.audetourisme.com citadellesduvertige.aude.fr Crédits photos : Henri GAUD - Céline DESCHAMPS - Philippe BENOIST - Vincent Photographie - Thierry RAYNAUD - E DE PUY Alet-les-Bains Abbey Caunes-Minervois Abbey Lagrasse, Medieval City Peyrepertuse Castle Saint-Hilaire Abbey Usson Castle Our magnificent ruins are listed as Historic The abbey spans twelve centuries of Classified amongst the “Plus Beaux Villages For a journey back in time with all the Former Benedictine abbey housing the The Ariège castle is perched on a rocky Monuments and perfectly epitomise the history with its Romanesque apse, Maurist de ” (The Most Beautiful Villages in family, set off to conquer the biggest famous «sarcophagus» by the Master of spur at an altitude of 920 metres. The talent and skill of their builders. After the cloister, underground archaeological remains. France), the narrow paved alleyways of the castle in Cathar country: Peyrepertuse! Cabestany. The visitor will appreciate the residence of the lords of Cerdagne and visit, make sure you immerse yourself In partnership with the Comics Art Museum medieval city boast numerous 14th and At an altitude of 800 metres, look down serenity of the Gothic cloister adjacent Foix kept watch over the Aude valley in the beauty of our town. Parents will in Brussels, the 2021 exhibition will be 15th century architecture: the Saint-Michel over all the plain with an exceptional view to the Romanesque church, the abbey and protected the Donezan region from love getting to know our well-preserved dedicated to the famous comic book «Les Church, the covered market, the bridge, as far as the Mediterranean. residence, the refectories, the pantries enemy incursions. Usson also has 700 m² heritage and children will enjoy a walk in the Carnets de Cerise», a big hit with young and the city walls, the beautiful stone façades. This remarkable castle was strategically and the fortified part. This is where monks of exhibition areas in the heritage house, a countryside and all the fun facilities on offer. old alike! Around the abbey, discover the Medieval style ceilings and painted décor located to keep watch over the old French invented Blanquette sparkling wine in memorial site with plenty to explore... An abbey, a village, a visitors’ area... Medieval village and paved alleyways, the from can be seen at the «Maison border facing the Kingdom of Aragon 1531 according to the legend. Visit adapted to children. 3 good reasons to come and see us. hiking and climbing routes, the vineyards du Patrimoine». (). Winemakers’ walks and paper chases A wide range of activities in summer. and craftspeople, and the unmissable Lagrasse is in an amphitheatre with the You will be amazed by the qualities of will delight the children during an unfor- New: access to the castle keep with a «Marbre et Terroir» ecomuseum. River flowing through it, the heart of the building and its architecture. A visit gettable family visit. magnificent view. the small town is filled with arts and crafts with castle characters and storytellers in It takes 15 minutes to get to the top. Dogs workshops and boutiques. summer. allowed on a lead. Open every day Open every day In July and August 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm Open every day From 4th July to 31st August 11am-1pm and 2pm-7pm In June and September 10am-midday and 2pm-6pm Open every day Open every day In July and August 10am-7pm Guided tours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays Open Monday to Friday TOURIST INFORMATION POINT In July and August 9am-8pm In July and August 10am-7pm from 2pm to 4 pm In April, May and October 2pm-6pm In June and September 10am-6pm Open Monday to Sunday morning From April to June and September 9am-7pm From April to June and September, October 10am-6pm Open at weekends and bank holidays in May Open at weekends In April, May and October 10am-midday and 2pm-6pm From 13th to 16th May and from 22nd to 24th May 2pm-6pm In April, May and October 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm From June to September 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm In March and October 10am-6pm From 2nd January to 31st March and November, December 10am-5pm In February, March, November and December 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm From 19th to 27th June Open Tuesdays and Thursdays Open Monday to Friday In February and November 10am-5pm Closed for a variable week in January and December, 1st January Open from Saturday to Monday From January to March and November, December 2pm-5pm Closed in January, on 24th, 25th and 31st December 2pm-6pm From January to May and October to December 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm In January and December 10am-4.30pm and 25th December From 4th to 19th September Open Saturdays Final entry 30 minutes before closing Final entry 30 minutes before closing Open Wednesday, Friday, Sunday From January to March and November, December 10am-midday Closed on 1st January and 24th, 25th and 31st December From 20th to 31st October 2pm-6pm Closed on 1st January Final entry 20 minutes before closing From 22nd December to 2nd January Final entry 30 minutes before closing Closed on 1st January and 25th December 11580 Alet-les-Bains 11160 Caunes-Minervois 11220 Lagrasse 11350 Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse 11250 Saint-Hilaire 09460 Rouze Tél. +33 4 68 69 93 56 - +33 6 89 77 20 42 Tél. +33 4 68 78 09 44 Tél. +33 4 68 43 11 56 Tél. +33 4 30 37 00 77 - +33 6 71 58 63 36 Tél. +33 4 68 69 62 76 Tél. +33 4 68 20 43 92 - +33 4 68 20 41 37 (Office du Tourisme) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.aletlesbains.com www.caunes-minervois.org www.lagrasse.com www.peyrepertuse.com saint-hilaire-aude.fr www.patrimoines.hauteariege.fr B3 C1 C2 C3 C2 B4

Aguilar Castle Fanjeaux, Medieval City Lastours Castles Puilaurens Castle Saint-Papoul Abbey-Cathedral Lordat Castle Come and see Aguilar, a 5-minute walk The village of Fanjeaux has been inhabited Visit of the four castles (Cabaret, Tour Puilaurens Castle is a citadel standing 697 The Benedictine abbey became a bishopric One of the last Cathar refuges. from the car park. The castle was once since Roman times. It was a centre for Régine, Surdespine, Quertinheux) and metres high on a rocky spur in unspoilt in 1317. The age of the bishops followed The castle knights were accused of the owned by the Termes family. In the 13th preaching against the Cathar in the of the Cabaret castrum (vestiges of the mountain scenery. It is an outstanding the age of the abbots, and ended with the crime of heresy for their support of the century it became one of the «five sons 13th century. Fanjeaux has preserved a fortified village). A visit introducing you example of military architecture and its French Revolution. See all the treasures: last Cathars still resisting in Montségur in of Carcassonne», defending the border large number of traces of its rich past. to 4,000 years of history in breathtaking development down the centuries. Romanesque sculptures by the Master of 1244. The fortress stands at an altitude between the kingdoms of France and Loïc Tellier’s sculptures can be seen all scenery with the castle, the former mines You can see the first stones right from the Cabestany, an exhibition, a Baroque choir, of over 965 metres and boasts a unique Aragon. Today, the fortress keeps watch over the charming little town. They will and incredibly rich fauna and flora. A visit reception! At the end of the entrance path sculpted capitals in the Gothic cloister, view over the valley. It is a flagship for the over the and vineyards. take you to heart of our history. From the going through a new natural cave. A new is the impressive defensive staircase, then medicinal plant garden. Stroll through the historic heritage of the Ariège . Continue your visit on the family footpath, development of Catharism to the Crusades panorama over the site from the Belvedere. the main gate. village with its little streets and timber- A wide range of activities and guided Aguilar 360°, and see the castle from many against the Albigensians via the birth of the Archaeology exhibition. New: on the way up to the castle, walk framed houses with corbel arches. visits, medieval displays, bird-of-prey different angles, the striking landscapes Dominican order… And children are not Fauna, flora, geology exhibition. along a botanical path. The «Panoramas et Patrimoine» flights, a treasure hunt, stargazing, stories and preserved biodiversity. left out with the game booklet, «Fanjeaux This summer, guided tours are organised («Panoramas and Heritage») short hiking and conferences about Catharism… et le Mystérieux Sortilège» («Fanjeaux and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday trail for all the family. It takes 10 minutes to walk to the castle. the Mysterious Spell»). mornings. Reservation recommended. Dogs allowed on a lead.

Open every day Open every day Open every day Open every day In July and August 9am-8pm In July and August 9am-7pm In July and August 10am-7pm Open every day In July and August 10am-7pm TOURIST OFFICE From April to June and September 10am-6pm In May, June and September 10am-6pm From April to June and September, October 10am-midday and 2pm-6pm From 3rd July to 31st August 9am-6pm In May, June and September 10.30am-5.30pm Open every day In October and during the winter, All Saints and Christmas school holidays 10am-5pm From 27th March to the end of April 10am-5pm Open every day (except Sunday morning) Freely accessible In April and October 11am-5pm In July and August 10am-1pm and 2.30pm-6.30pm Open at weekends and from 1st October to 14th November During the winter and November school holidays 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm From 17th April to 2nd July 9am-5pm Open at weekends Open Monday to Friday Open at weekend (except Sunday morning) In February, March, November and December 10am-5pm Closed in January, February, March From 1st September to 10th November From mid-February to the end of March 11am-4pm From January to June and from September to 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm In March, November 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm Closed in January and from 15th November to the end of December Closed the rest of the year and from 1st to 15th November (and banks holidays) December and from 4th to 12th December (and bank holidays) Final entry 20 minutes before closing Final entry 30 minutes before closing Final entry 15 minutes before closing Closed from 20th December to 2nd January Closed in January and from 13th December Final entry 30 minutes before closing

11350 Tuchan 11270 Fanjeaux 11600 Lastours 11140 Lapradelle-Puilaurens 11400 Saint-Papoul 09250 Lordat Tél. +33 6 80 44 64 25 - +33 4 68 45 51 00 (hors saison) Tél. +33 4 68 24 75 45 Tél. +33 4 68 77 56 02 Tél. +33 4 68 20 65 26 - +33 7 85 63 63 72 Tél. +33 4 68 94 97 75 Tél. +33 5 61 02 75 98 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.tuchan.fr collinescathares.com www.chateauxdelastours.fr www.chateau-puilaurens.com abbaye-saint-papoul.com www.patrimoines.hauteariege.fr D3 B2 C1 C3 B1 A3

Arques Castle Fontfroide Abbey Mazamet Catharism Museum Quercorb Museum at Saissac Castle Villelongue Abbey Situated on a plain, the castle conserve an Fontfroide Abbey is one of the biggest Immerse yourself in the heart of the Middle Vestige of cathar history, in the heart of What immediately attracts visitors to the intact keep. The entrance ticket includes Cistercian abbeys in Europe. The historic Ages and explore the human realities of Puivert the Montagne Noire, the castle of Saissac Cistercian abbey is the confidential and access to the Catharism museum called site dating from the 12th century is the Cathar faith and history. Follow in the Set off to the sound of the flute, drums spreads out its terraces over more than family aspect, its peace and deep solitude. Déodat Roché’s house, located in the village exceptionally well preserved and has some footsteps of the « good men and women » and Occitan chants with the chance to get 115 metres in length in front of exceptional The charm of the cloister, the romantic centre, and open from mid-June to mid- magnificent gardens. Concerts, special who deeply marked medieval society in to know medieval music in the time of the view reaching out to the Pyrenees mountain church ruins, the fine restoration of the September (the site is open to groups on activities and exhibitions are part of life . Troubadours and arts and crafts in the Quercorb chain on the horizon. It shows how the chapter room, sculptures that are surprising reservation all through the year). at the abbey all through the year. Several Simply and without concessions, the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. medieval castle was transformed into an to see in a Cistercian abbey and an original richly illustrated museum staging brings Sound atmospheres, videos, objects and Try out the very first Escape Game options are on offer for visitors: guided the Cathar religious back to life: men and artillery fortress in the 16th century. and restful garden. in a Cathar castle! «The Treasure of tours, visits with a digital tablet or leaflet, women have their names restored to them, costumed characters will take you from the Two rooms have been restored to house Visitors are moved by the intimacy, the the Cathars»: reservation required on themed visits. Young and old alike can their words recover their meaning. An rooms to the garden, from the Middle Ages the museum dedicated to the Saissac atmosphere and the poetry of the site, the +33 6 72 73 81 20. have fun exploring the abbey during a informative visit to understand the Cathar to today. This year, get to know the secrets monetary treasure composed of 2000 architecture and the timeless and typical treasure hunt! tragedy. of musical instruments, and especially the coins dating from the 13th century. «southern Languedoc Gothic» sculptures. Children can enjoy a fun visit with our flute with Pierrol, an instrument maker and game booklet. musician. Musical and craft demonstrations.

Open Monday to Friday Open every day Open every day Open every day From 12th July to 22nd August 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm Open every day In July and August 9am-8pm Open every day In July and August 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-7pm In July and August 9.30am-7pm From 6th April to 11th July 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm From 14th July to 22nd August 10am-7pm From April to June and September 10am-6pm In July and August 2pm-6pm and from 23rd August to 31st October In May, June and September 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-6pm From April to June, September and October 10am-6pm Open Wednesday to Sunday In October and during the Winter, All Saints and Christmas holidays 10am-5pm Open from Wednesday to Sunday Open Tuesday to Friday In April and October 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm From January to March and from November to December 10am-12.30pm-1.30pm-5pm From 4th April to 13th July 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm Open at weekends From April to June and Septembre, October 2pm-6pm From 1st February to 5th April 10am-midday and 2pm-5pm and from 23rd August to 26th September In February, March and November 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Closed on 1st January and 25th December In February, March, November and December 10am-5pm Closed the rest of the year and from 6th to 8th August Open Saturday Closed the rest of the year Closed in January and December Final entry 30 minutes before closing From 12th July to 22nd August 1.30pm-5pm Closed in January, 13th July and 25th December Final entry 30 minutes before closing Final entry 30 minutes before closing Final entry 30 minutes before closing Closed in January, November and December Final entry 30 minutes before closing Closed on bank holidays (except 15th August)

11190 Arques 11100 81200 Mazamet 11230 Puivert 11310 Saissac 11170 Saint-Martin-le-Vieil Tél. +33 4 68 69 84 77 Tél. +33 4 68 45 11 08 Tél. +33 5 63 61 56 56 Tél. +33 4 68 69 81 51 Tél. +33 4 68 24 46 01 - +33 4 68 24 40 22 Tél. +33 6 61 44 36 24 - +33 6 15 77 79 03 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] arques.wixsite.com/arques-chateau www.fontfroide.com www.museeducatharisme.fr www.museequercorb.com www.saissac.fr www.abbaye-de-villelongue.com C3 D2 C1 B3 B1 B1

Castle and Ramparts of the Lagrasse Abbey Montségur Castle Quéribus Castle Termes Castle Villerouge-Termenès Castle Known for its elegance and refinement, Standing at an altitude of 1,207 m, at Standing at an altitude of 728 m, the castle A wide footpath overlooking the village, The castle has been fully restored in a walled City of Carcassonne the abbey of Lagrasse has demanded the top of its “pog” (rocky spur), the offers an exceptional 360° view, from the forests and spectacular gorges, with an medieval village. Audio-visual guide in 3 Occupied as early as the 6th century respect since the 13th century. Divided castle of Montségur, encircled by the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees. Located easy access to the castle ruins in just 15 languages (F, GB, SP) around Bélibaste, BC, Carcassonne was a Roman town, into two during the French Revolution, the “castrum” from the medieval period, on the former defence line with Aragon, minutes, with partial access for pushchairs. the last Cathar Perfect, who was burned fortified during the Lower Empire, before public section includes primarily medieval offers an exceptional view over the Quéribus is an excellent example of a royal, Use the visitor materials to imagine what at the stake in 1321. From 15 July to 15 becoming a medieval city. It boasts 1000 buildings. The eleven areas which you Pyrenees mountain range. military fortress. The ticket to the château the castle and castrum once looked like. August, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm, guided visit to years of military architecture and 2600 can visit have been restorated, lit up and In the village, the Montségur museum, also provides access to a free screening You can find out about the epic resistance the church and the 16th century altarpiece years of history. We propose a rich varied are open to the public, offer a stunning classified as a Museum of France, at the Espace Audiovisuel Achille Mir in against the crusaders in 1210 and the (single ticket €8 castle + church). visit which includes many exclusive areas: architectural range and exceptional painted presents a collection of archaeological . Also visit the Omer Windmill massive building project that made Termes All through the summer, family activities ramparts, hoardings, lapidary museum, décor. Easy access to the ground floor with objects dating back to the Middle and the statue of the pregnant Virgin in the «one of the 5 sons of Carcassonne». The including calligraphy, jousting, jugglers and digital immersion «Ellipse» exhibition. a pushchair. Enjoy a refreshing break at the Ages. Entrance ticket to the castle village church. Termes Castle site is regularly excavated other surprises. Book your tour and buy your ticket online. Café Littéraire in the shade of a lime tree. permits access to the museum. Several free family activities, including by archaeologists and restored by qualified This summer the kids can take a pony ride two Cluedo games, which you can ask for masons. Visitors can explore a little more around the castle moats before heading at the reception. at each visit. inside for a tour. Open every day Open every day In July and August 10am-7pm Open every day Open every day Open every day Open every day In July and August 9am-8pm From April to June and September, October 10am-6pm In July and August 10am-7.30pm From April to September 10am-6.30pm From 14th June to 12th September 10am-7pm In July and August 9am-6pm In May, June and September 9.30am-7pm From 1st to 15th November 10am-5pm From April to June and September, October 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm From January to March and October to December 9.30am-5pm From 1st April to 13th June and from 13th September to 31st October 10am-6pm From Mars to June and September, October 10am-6pm In April 9.30am-6pm In March 10am-5.30pm Open at weekends (non-stop at weekends) Closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December From January to March and November, December 10am-5pm In February, November and December 11am-4pm In October 10am-6.30pm In March 10am-5pm Open at weekends Final entry 30 minutes before closing from October to March and 45 minutes from Closed on 1st January and 25th December Closed in January and the 25th and 31st December In January, February, November and December 10am-5pm Closed in January, February and from 16th November In March and from 1st November to 15th December 10am-5pm April to September Final entry 1 hour before closing Closed on 1st January and 25th December Final entry 20 minutes before closing Closed in January, February and mid-December Final entry 15 minutes before closing Final entry 30 minutes before closing 11000 Carcassonne Centre des monuments nationaux 11220 Lagrasse 09300 Montségur 11350 Cucugnan 11330 Termes 11330 Villerouge-Termenès Tél. +33 4 68 11 70 72 Tél. +33 4 68 43 15 99 Tél. +33 5 61 01 10 27 Tél. +33 4 68 45 03 69 - +33 6 71 72 64 01 Tél. +33 4 68 70 09 20 - +33 6 47 66 20 77 Tél. +33 4 68 70 09 11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.remparts-carcassonne.fr www.abbayedelagrasse.com www.montsegur.fr www.cucugnan.fr www.chateau-termes.com villerouge.fr C2 C2 A3 C3 C2 D2