The Cathars

Catharism began in the XI th century in Germany and spread throughout Europe during the XII th C. The movement was particuliarly well established in the south-west of France especially in the region around Albi (the Albigenses) where it received the support of the local barons, such as the Count of Toulouse, Raymond VI, and his vassal the Count of Foix to mark their differences with the royal power of the King.

Believers in Manichaeism, Cathares had a dualist conception of good and evil. The system was based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness. The good is in heaven next to God and the evil on earth with Satan. To lead a good life it is necessary to abandon this material world. Ascetism leads to eternal salvation.

These Christians condemmed the wealth and excesses of the Church of Rome, and the luxury in which the religious dignitaries lived. The Cathar priests called themselves "les Parfaits" (the Perfects) and preached poverty and abstinence. They wandered the countryside dressed in rags and spread the good word. Their way of life was the expression of their spiritual ideals and earned them sympathy among the population, especially the poor. Eventually these good Christians were to become a subversive menace to the authorities.

The Crusade

To counter this threat to the power of the Catholic church, Pope Innocent III and the King of France launched a crusade against the Albigenses in 1209, led by Simon de Montfort.

There followed the sieges of the fortified towns and the massacres (notably at Béziers where 20,000 were killed). Hundreds of Cathar believers were burnt at the stake. The Catholics finally eliminated this "heretical" movement with the fall of the last Cathar bastion, Quéribus, in 1255.

As the Cathars became more influential, the barons of Languedoc converted to the religion. Behind the religious autonomy there developed a political autonomy. To oppose the danger this new doctrine represented for the Catholic church Pope Innocent III and the King of France launched a crusade against the Albigenses in 1209, led by Simon de Montfort.

There followed the sieges of the fortified towns and the massacres (notably at Béziers). Hundreds of Cathar believers were burnt at the stake. The Catholics finally accomplished the elimination of this "heretical" movement with the fall of the last Cathar bastions, Montségur, in 1244 in the Ariège, and Quéribus in the Aude in 1255.

The Chateau of Peyrepertuse XI century 10.00 - 19.00 April, May, June & Sept. & October 9.00 - 20.00 July & August Adults 4€ Children 2€	These formidable Cathar castles are in semi-ruined state now, having been more or less demolished by Simon de Montfort. But they remain impressive and still conserve their aura of mystery in magnificent sites high in the mountains. You can admire the magnificent view points from these ancient citadelles, such as Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Puilaurens, Aguilar and Termes.
Visiting these castles takes you into the heart of the Corbières, and you can discover the villages and the unspoilt countryside of a bygone age. You can follow the "Routes du Pays Cathare" which take you into the heart of the Corbières, and discover the charming villages and the unspoilt countryside of another age.	The Chateau of Queribus XI - XIII centuries 9.30 - 19.00 April, May, June & Sept. 9.00 - 20.00 July & August Adults 5€ Children 2€
Chateau Aguilar
NB : The word cathar comes from the Greek katharos = pure ; katharsis = cleansing	Links: www.chateau-peyrepertuse.com www.cathares.org