View of Peyrepertuse from Queribus looking over Cucugnan

The Cathars were a Christian religious sect who first made themselves known in the 11th century.  They believed in a simple life and rejected the concept of priesthood and the use of church buildings.  The Roman Catholic Church regarded them as heretics.  The Cathar religion took firm hold in the Languedoc and Pope Innocent III initiated what became known as the Albigensian Crusade against them.  Catharism was completely destroyed by the end of 14th century. 

The first three photographs show Cathar castles. There is a Cathar walking trail as well as the various castles to visit. 

Cucugnan, a very pretty pedestrian village in the shadow of Queribus, boasts a still functioning windmill as well as some good restaurants.

Salses le Chateau, not far from Perpignan, was built by the Spanish in 1497.  This was once the border between Aragon and France.  It takes about 1 hour to visit the castle and is well worth it.  There are restaurants in the town.

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© 2009 Maureen and Ian George