Montségur Towns and Villages in Montségur

Welcome to Cathar Country! In the heart of Ariège, Montségur Castle dominates the valleys and commands the attention of all visitors along the roads.

Its picturesque village, typical of mountain buildings, is surrounded by a preserved, natural and protected environment. The village was built with stones from the castle. The economy is mainly focused on crafts and agriculture.

During the Middle Ages, the region consisted of a conglomerate of principalities living under the suzerainty of the powerful Counts of Toulouse. A new doctrine also emerged in the face of Catholicism: Catharism, which did not greatly please Pope Innocent III. In a bloody crackdown in 1244, Montsegur Castle was besieged by Catholic armies. More than 200 worshippers were burned alive. The fortress remained occupied until the end of the 17th century.