CHÂTEAU DE PEYREPERTUSE
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Castle on a spur, composed of four parts: the lower enclosure, the old keep, the middle enclosure and the Saint-Jordi keep
Peyrepertuse is the name of the rock on which the fortress sits, and means "pierced stone" in Occitan. Erected 800 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the Corbières to the north, the Fenouillèdes to the south and all the way to the sea. With its 1.2 km of ramparts, it is the most extensive of the "Sons of Carcassonne" castles. First mentioned in 1070, its location meant that the fortress suffered little from the Albigensian Crusade, and saw few major battles. In the 13th century, it became one of the royal fortresses rebuilt to defend the border with the kingdom of Aragon, and then with Spain until the 17th century. The citadel of this gigogne castle consists of three parts, superimposing three constructions, dating from the 11th and 13th centuries. The lower, triangular-shaped enclosure is protected to the north by a 120 m wall with an old keep and loggia. The median enclosure houses a series of ruins, including an imposing polygonal building. At the very top, the San-Jordi keep features fascinating medieval rooms with loopholes facing east, following the sunrise at the summer solstice. Access is via the Saint-Louis staircase, built by order of Louis IX in 1250. Peyrepertuse is the most accomplished and best-preserved example of medieval architecture in the Languedoc region. From this rocky outcrop, you can not only see the Château de Queribus, but also enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside.
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Members' reviews on CHÂTEAU DE PEYREPERTUSE
Parmi les plus grands et mieux conservés des châteaux du Pays cathare.
PEYREPERTUSE fait partie des 5 fils de CARCASSONNE, érigés sur des pitons rocheux et qui constituaient la ligne de défense face à l'ESPAGNE.
Certes, l'accès n'y est pas aisé, mais la magie du lieu vaut bien l'effort
de quoi se restaurer en contre-bas.
Visite chargée d'histoire !