The castles of Lastours are four castles perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the superb scenery of the Montagne Noire. Starting from the charming village of Lastours, 45 minutes from the campsite, you can begin a superb hike … to add to your list of outings for your next camping holiday in the Aude! Here’s an overview.
The history of Lastours castles
The first three towers, Cabaret, Surdespine and Quentinheux, were built in the 11th century. The site was then controlled by the Lords of Cabaret, a group of twenty or so men who grew rich from iron mining. These lords were closely linked to Catharism and attached to its followers, and many Cathars found refuge in the region during the Albigensian Crusade launched by the Church. The site was besieged several times during this sad period in French history. In 1229, Humbert de Beaujeu succeeded in making Cabaret capitulate. This is followed by looting, the flight of the inhabitants (for the lucky ones) and the destruction of the towers. Saint-Louis, determined to establish his authority, demanded that these royal fortresses be rebuilt. He also ordered the construction of a new citadel, Régine, the last tower to see the light of day.
Your visit to the four castles #Lastours
The castles of Lastours are well worth a visit! Before enjoying superb panoramic views of these emblematic vestiges of the Cathar country you’ll need to hike and climb the well-maintained paths (allow around a quarter of an hour for the walk) in the spring or summer sunshine. A visit to the castles of Lastours combines the pleasure of hiking in a magnificent setting with the discovery of treasures from the past that will plunge you into the heart of a fascinating history. Sumptuous vantage points allow you to better identify and admire the four citadels: Cabaret, the largest; Surdespine, the most damaged; Quertinheux, the hardest to pronounce (and the most architecturally complex); and the Régine tower, the youngest (and logically the smallest of the four!). For those with reduced mobility or other visitors who can’t take the path up to the châteaux, there’s a belvedere two kilometers from the village offering a breathtaking panorama of the châteaux prostrate in this magnificent natural setting.
Organizing your visit to Lastours castles
There’s no need to prepare with pomp and circumstance before visiting this must-see site in Cathar country during your stay on a camping in the Aude . However, there are three essentials: sun protection (cap, sun cream), good walking shoes and hydration.
If you’d like to know a little more about the history of the castles, you can count on guided tours with a passionate and fascinating guide. Don’t hesitate to consult the 2020 Lastours castles diary to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the various activities and events on offer around the site: falconry shows or a storytelling walk that will delight young and old alike (schedules and prices for 2020 also available on the official website).
How to get to Lastours castles: 22 route des quatre châteaux. Free parking is available at the entrance to the village. Dogs are accepted, kept on a leash.