Description:

Standing high above the village of Montsegur, in the Ariege department, is the Chateau Montsegur.  It was built on a "pog", which is derived from the Occitan pueg or peak, at a dizzying height of 1207 metres.  With the vertical faces and gullies of the pog, attempting to attack the chateau would be nearly impossible.  The only walking access is on the southern side and this takes about thirty minutes.

The original chateau was constructed between 1204 and 1232 and was later occupied and reconstructed by the Cathar sect.  These are known as Montsegur I and Montsegur II.

In 1243 the chateau was besieged by 10,000 Catholic French troops for ten months and the Cathars finally surrendered in March 1244.  The besieged Cathars were given a choice, either renounce their faith or be burnt alive.  Over 220 people chose to be burnt alive, including three generations of one family.

The remains of Montsegur II were pulled down after the siege and Montsegur III was built and upgraded on the site over the following three centuries.  Only the ruins of the castle now remain, with just the curtain walls and keep which is open to the elements.

The castle is often linked with the Holy Grail and there are stories that during the siege, some Cathars managed to escape with mysterious treasure.  Speculation as to the identity and location of this treasure abound and strengthen the Holy Grail link.

A footpath from the village leads up to the Prats de Cramats, the field where the Cathars were martyred.  From here it is a 30 min steep climb to the top of the pog and the ruins.  The walk is rewarded firstly by the memories that the castle holds and the exploration of its remnants, but also by the outstanding views offered across the Pyrenees.

Entrance to the castle costs 4€

Montsegur can be found a little way due south of Lavelanet.  If driving from either the east or west, take the D117 and the chateau can be seen from the road.  Coming from the north, the D625 from Mirepoix brings you to Lavelanet.

For a description of Montsegur village look at our information page.  There is also a museum in the village with displays of artefacts from around the chateau.

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