logo
ic_menu

Château de Peyrepertuse

Route du château, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Occitanie

Description

The Château de Peyrepertuse was originally built during the 10th century and further fortified until the 13th century; the ruins that can be visited today date from this period. The castle is set at the top of a rocky outcrop, making it virtually impregnable, like the other Cathar fortresses in the French Pyrénées. At the time of the Albigensian crusade, it belonged to Guillaume de Peyrepertuse but he finally submitted after the failure of the siege of Carcassonne, and the castle was sold to Saint Louis (King Louis XI) in 1239. Some of the ramparts, towers and parts of the church are still standing, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Massif des Corbières.

Access & Transport

The castle can be reached after a 15-20 mins uphill walk on a trail leaving from the village of Duilhac, in the south of the Aude department. It is a 50 mins drive from Perpignan, 75 mins from Narbonne and 90 mins from Carcassonne.

Instructions & Recommendations

Guided visits are available for groups and upon reservation. The ruined Château de Quéribus is only a 20 mins drive away and whilst there is a clear overlap in terms of content, unless you are a regional resident who will have other opportunities in the future, it may make sense to combine both visits.

Meta review

Not the most famous of the Cathar castles but still a regular entry in travel guidebooks and online visitors are generally very happy with their visit. They highlight the views from the top and the interesting historical background but note that without the audio-guide there would be insufficient information in the leaflet. As for the trail from the village, it is generally described as steep but well shaded and not challenging.

Environmental & Social

Helps preserve the region's historical heritage + tourism brings some economic activity to this rural area. No carbon footprint other than the drive to get there

Conclusion

Difficult to imagine the structure as it would have been in the 13th century but there is just enough left standing to make it worth the climb with views as the icing on the cake. We suggest at least one person in each party rents an audio guide to make the most of the visit.

Key positive

Nice views from the top

Interesting historical background

Key negative

Little information provided outside of the audioguide

Suitability

Not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and younger children may find the climb a little challenging

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

March 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closes at 16h30 in Dec & Jan and at 20h in July & Aug.

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
70 - 99
€7
Adult
13 - 69
€8
Child
6 - 12
€4.5
Infant
0 - 5
€0
Price for students is 7€

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.