chateau de peyrepertuse

MarkOR1969

Stunning.. No question. You MUST visit this old Templar chateau.. simply beautiful. It's a bit of a walk up, as you would expect. But it is very manageable with good paths and steps all the way up. Not exposed at all, so no need for a head for heights (unless you want to walk around the OUTSIDE of the Chateau at the top!). A great family day out and a must for anyone with an interest in templar or cathar history

645davyw

As with the other Chateaus the drive can be a little bendy but this is by far the best of the Cathar chateaus in the area to visit. Not only a trek up but also a trek across very uneven ground but well worth it for the condition of the chateau and as with the other chateaus fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. d

GinkoBilobaLondon

A breathtaking sight from below the mountain looking up at the castle as well as looking back down the valley from 800m up... feels like your on top of the world and very exhilarating on a windy day ! You have a choice of way up, either the cathar path from lower down the valley or from the car park right near the entrance which then takes you up to the castle via a winding path around the hill, up many steps, through trees and bushes (which keep the wind off thankfully) until you reach the castle entrance. The castle is made up of two parts and from up high on a clear autumn day we could see right down the valley to the nearby Queribus castle. Absolutely stunning. The "privy" which is still in evidence has a marvellous outlook across the neighbouring mountains and valleys... a definite loo with a view!Would highly recommend this castle among others in Cathar country but would advise supportive footwear and plenty of space on your camera.

new_world_travellers

This castle has an amazing location and it is really worth visiting. There is a 15 minutes walk (with many steps) to access the castle and the views are great.

pwjpp55

If you're only going to tour one Cathar castle, do this one. It's well worth the mountainous drive, that may involve chasing cattle off the road. After arriving at the site, the hike to the castle is very strenuous. The access is only via an irregular, rocky, slippery, and often very steep trail. If need be, take your time. Also remember that one thousand years ago, someone had to quarry and carry every block up to the castle site! The castle is much easier to access without carrying rocks.Once you arrive the castle and views are incredible. I especially enjoyed the view of the lower castle from the upper castle.

JMR_Ottawa

need to see. a whole city at the top of mountain. it is quite a climb, but the view is it spectacular. Summer time, there is a predator bird show such as falcon, eagle and other that must be seen. have fun with family, but the claim can take a bit of effort/.

lynnfrombarrie

Worth the hike up over Stoney and slippery pathway. We took the audio and it was fun to hear the story. As with audio, they tend to go on a little bit too much for me. Loved the St. Louise stairway and of course, the views.

Susie63_11

It's not especially easy to get up there but it's worth it! Spectacular scenery and Queribus is very close. I'm 66 and made it so it's doable if you take your time.

MesaGrandJunction

We visited this on the same day as Chateau de Queribus. They are very close to each other and we preferred Queribus. It is better preserved, seems even more impossibly perched on the rock, and isn't such a long walk. That said, Peyrepertuse is also worth the visit. It is on 2 levels, so when you think you are finished climbing, you're not:)

Nadineayc

Not for the faint of heart!! But very well worth the strenuous climb! The ruins are amazing and the views spectacular. Hang on to your hats as it is very windy up there! But really one of the best views of the surrounding countryside and mountains!

LucV670

When you are in the region this a must see.Ok, it is a ruin, but the views on the chateau and on the surroundings are stupendous. If you do not fall in love with the Rousillon region after having seen this, well then really, we have other views on this worlds reasons of beïng ;-)On the other side of the valley, you can see Queribus castle and even the Mediterranean sea, Spain, etc.I am surely going to submerge myself in the Cathar history, after having seen this marvel.Beware to wear really good shoes with non slippery soles, because millions of tourists walked on the rocks before you .... Pity, this is not for disabled people, because it's all steep up and down walks over rocks and stone.Should you want to visit Quéribus and Peyrepertuse, take Quéribus first!

sheilar834

This was my third Cathar castle and my second favourite after Montségur. The climb is steep but less arduous than Montségur. As others say, you don't need walking boots but a good pair of deck shoes/trainers are a must. Of course the climb is worth it and even at the lowest level of this large castle spectacular. When you reach the top level you're blown away - not quite literally although your straw hat might be! As you catch your breath - the climb up the steps is pretty steep too - you can see all the way to the Mediterranean and towards the Pyrenees on one side and mountains on the other. The valleys inbetween are amazing and show how big a country France is as there were hardly any villages below. You can see neighbouring castle, Queribus, across the valley and can imagine the Cathars sending signals to each other to warn of the crusaders below. Magical.There is loads to clamber over and work out in this castle so take your time. The walk back down is pretty simple. Well worth the visit.

pensionerplus

As soon as you see it in the distance, you think wow, look at that. As you drive closer and closer, the wows just multiply if you are lucky to have good weather and see it silhouetted against a clear blue sky. Stop on the winding approach road as you get close and marvel at the sight. As you can probably tell, I was pretty well blown away by this Cather Castle, undoubtedly my favourite of the ten or so we have managed to visit. Enough said, I could ramble on and on, just make sure you don't miss it!

LCF467

One of the most memorable Cathar castles, with views in all directions. A steep climb to the top, and at time a bit of a scramble over rocks, so trainers are a good idea, but well worth it.

gjpeg

This castle seems to grow out of the mountain top. Its situation is spectacular, as is the amount of castle left to explore. This place really is outstanding.