Carcassonne

The only fortified town in Europe still inhabited. The medieval city of Carcassonne has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997. In this magnificent fortress you can relive 2 500 years of history...
With a number of restaurants, cafés and shops selling local produce, arts and crafts.
     
Main Cathar SitesIn 1208 the catholic pope launched a crusade against Cathar heresy which had taken a strong hold among the people of this region. The crusade led by Simon de Montfort finally stamped out the heretics but in doing so devastated the area. In a bid to escape their assailant, the inhabitants sought sanctuary in impregnable hilltop fortresses, enduring many months of seige until finally succumbing.The ruins of these mysterious and legendary fortresses still stand proudly in wild and beautiful surroundings.

The Cathar Fortresses:

The castle is in the middle of the present village and was the property of the Archbishops of Narbonne until seized by Simon de Montfort and given to one of his lieutenants when Termes was taken in 1210. Here the last cathar heretic, Guilhem Bélibaste, was tried and burnt at the stake in 1321.

The four castles built on the same rocky outcrop continued in use from the 11th century until the Revolution in 1789. Known as the "bolt" in the door of the Cabardès. During the Albigensian crusade it resisted Simon de Montfort tenaciously.

This medieval city was where the cathars took refuge after the massacre of Beziers. Minerve has kept its charm with its gates, the covered street leading to the well and its two walls, nothing much remaining of the castle but the candela and one facade. Has nice friendly restaurants.

Despite its many historical dramas this castle has managed to keep close links with music. In the village you can visit the "musée du Quercorb" and discover the traditions of the area.