A true jewel of feudal architecture from l’Aude, the Château de Peyrepertuse is the most impressive of the Cathar castles, in the heart of the Massif des Corbières. Rising to an altitude of 800 m, 1000 years old and counting, the fortress has withstood the assaults of the Spanish enemy and the ravages of time.
Conquer the largest Cathar castle in Occitania
Take advantage of your camping vacation near Carcassonne, in the Aude department, to visit the most famous castle in the Cathar region. Head for Duilhac sous Peyrepertuse, a typical Corbières village.
Perched on a rocky outcrop 800 metres above sea level, between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the high In the Corbières, the castle of the “Albigensian” Guillaume de Peyrepertuse is one of the “Five Sons of Carcassonne”, along with the castles of Quéribus, Puilaurens, Termes and Aguilar. Nicknamed the “heavenly Carcassonne”, the Cathar eagle’s nest covers the same area as the the Cité de Carcassonne . This makes it the most imposing of all Cathar castles .
How do I get to Château de Peyrepertuse?
From the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, a 2 km road leads to the parking lot below the cliff. After that, it’s a 15-minute walk down a steep, stony track. You’ll need good walking shoes. The path skirts the ridge line, offering magnificent views of the limestone cliffs of the Corbières, before climbing back up to the château entrance.
Visit the castle
The Château de Peyrepertuse can be visited all year round, either on your own, with an audio guide or with an accompanying guide. Behind the loophole-pierced walls – 2.5 km of ramparts – visitors discover a gigantic 7,000 m2 stronghold dotted with staircases, sentry walks, curtain walls and fortified gates. The Donjon-Vieux and Sainte-Marie church are the oldest parts of the edifice.
The highlight of the visit is the Donjon San Jordi, the highest point of the castle (796m). It was built around 1250 by Louis IX, known as Saint-Louis. After climbing the 71 steps, you have a 360-degree view of the Hautes Corbières. The Château de Quéribus is just a few kilometers away, and on a clear day, the Mediterranean can be seen in the distance.
During the summer, costumed and interactive tours, a theatrical tour and a falconry show bring the Cathar castle back to life, to the delight of young and old alike.
A little history
Erected between the 10th and 13th centuries, Château de Peyrepertuse is one of the “Citadelles du Vertige”, a line of fortresses against the Spanish enemy. Following the crusade against the Albigensians, the Cathar fortress was acquired by the French crown in 1240. Saint-Louis turns Peyrpertuse into a royal fortress, an outpost on the border with the kingdom of Aragon.
In 1659, the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees pushed the border back to the Pyrenean ridge line. Decommissioned, the citadel lost its strategic importance. Nevertheless, a modest garrison remained until the French Revolution. Shortly afterwards, the site was definitively abandoned and sold as a national asset in 1820. The first restoration campaigns began in 1950.
Hiking and swimming around the castle
Château de Peyrepertuse is located on the Sentier Cathare/GR367 trail, which is very popular with hikers.
Between garrigue and vineyards, a path leads to the Duilhac waterfalls and the gorges of the Verdouble river. A succession of waterfalls, interspersed with pools and small lakes with turquoise waters, are ideal for bathing. In summer, swimming is supervised. Yellow markings, slight gradient, duration: 2 hrs.
Another hike follows the river and waterfalls to the “Moulin de Ribaute” site. 6 km loop, 130 m elevation gain.
For the more sporty, you can set off from Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse and hike to the Gorges de Galamus, on the border between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments. 11 km hillside circuit, 300 m gradient, duration: 7 hrs.
And for climbing and paragliding enthusiasts, the limestone cliffs of Peyrepertuse offer an exceptional playground, both dizzying and magnificent!
Practical information
- Château de Peyrepertuse: Lieu-dit Le Château, 11350 Duilhac sous Peyrepertuse (70 km from the campsite) 3-star campsite La Pinède )
- Open all year except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
- Price: €7 / adult, €4 / child aged 6 to 12, free for children under 6.
- Site : www.peyrepertuse.com
Read also: A memorable tour of the four châteaux of Lastours