Chateau de Peyrepertuse

It occurred to me that I haven't posted anything informative and interesting about this beautiful part of the world known as the Languedoc.

So, rather than reading my usual rantings and ravings, here is a sample of some the wonderful places to visit here in this delightful corner of southern France.

Chateau de Peyrepertuse

The Rough Guide to France says 'if you only have time for one of the Cathar castles, let it be the Chateau de Peyrepertuse', and what a recommendation! High in the Corbieres, Peyrepertuse is an excellently well-preserved castle with stunning views across the countryside. The complex itself is vast, spreading the length of a jagged rock-spine with sheer drops at most points. Great if like me you are scared of heights! But once you've made the easy ascent from the car park and visitors centre through the thickets to the entrance, the breathtaking views are well worth the climb and the fear.

Some history...

The Cathar Castles, though many were built either before or after the Cathar era, are a collection of romantic and ruined medieval fortresses distinctive to the region of Languedoc-Roussillon. This twelfth century sect, whose names derives from the Greek word for "pure", hated the materialism and wordly power of the established church (don't we all), and initially pacifist they denied the validity of fuedal vows or allegiances. Of course this sent the Church bonkers and the Cathars were declared heretics in 1208, henceforth the evil meanie Simon de Montfort and his cronies descended on the area and massacured Cathar and Catholic civilians alike.

It took the informers and torturers of the Holy Inquistion another 180 years to root out Catharism completely.


Thoughts on the Cathars

I liked the sound of these dudes. Agreed with their values and moral standing, until I discovered that they didn't eat meat or have sex. Since then I've decided against setting up my own Cathars Anonymous online forum or Facebook appreciation group. Surely that would make me a heretic to my religion of choice, the Greek God of wine and fun times, Dionysus. Might as well chuck Bacchus in the mix too, as he always seemed game for a laugh.