maxiewaxie Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 How accessible are the cathar castles- peyrepeteuse, puilarens, queribus, montsegur? how long is the walk from the nearest car park, town etc.many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hegs Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 Generally the drive up is pretty good in good weather. Looking over the side of some of the roads isn't a little hairy, especially Montsegur and Queribus. If you're worried about the drive, approach Montsegur from the Montferrand side and Queribus/Peyrepeteuse from the Bugarach side. For the walk, from hardest to easiest, to the entrance gate. Montsegur: 45 minute walk from car park, very steep at times, off season can be foggy/snowy. Shops and cafe in Montsegur village below. Queribus: 20 minutes from TOP car park (take the road till you can't go any further), moderate slope, steep inside the castle, it's exposed so difficult when wet or windy. Shop at bottom. Puilarens: 10-15 mins from car park, steep but cool, sheltered climb. Shop at bottom. Generally not very busy. Peyrepeteuse: 10-15 mins rolling up and down walk through woods and round a ridge to first entrance. Can be difficult when wet but not too hard otherwise. Walk up to second castle inside the first is pretty steep and slippery when wet. Lower parts pretty sheltered. All have their own character, but I'd recommend Peyrepeteuse as a good one to try first as it is architecturally the most interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard-R Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Two that are on the flat and complete are at Villerrouge Termenes and Arques. Good for older peopel and those with mobility problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxiewaxie Posted July 20, 2006 Author Share Posted July 20, 2006 thank you, that's so useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilot Posted July 21, 2006 Share Posted July 21, 2006 I've only visited Montsegur - the view from the castle is fantastic, but getting up there on an average August day is not to be attempted if you can't stand a combination of steep paths and hot sun. Do it as early in the day as you can, and then have lunch in the village after. There's an excellent restaurant we tried attached to a hotel as you come into the village. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxiewaxie Posted July 22, 2006 Author Share Posted July 22, 2006 thank you. do you need walking boots or is the path fairly smooth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piprob Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 You need something with a decent grip and support for the ankles. When we last went, we were amazed to see a woman coming down in high heels - complete with child on hip - so anything is possible! Wonder if she made it without breaking something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opas Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 [Www]Possibly the heel on her shoe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piprob Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Boom boom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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