CHÂTEAU DE TERMES
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Castle belonging to the de Termes seigniorial family, rebuilt and destroyed by royal order in the century, with the lower wall preserved
After a winding road through the heart of nature, the château rises on a rocky promontory in a majestic setting, with a breathtaking view over a wild landscape. The de Termes lordly family appears in written records in 1061. At the head of a vast feudal district, Termenès, the site came under siege from Simon de Montfort in 1210, during the Crusade against the Albigensians, which made the place famous. Raymond de Termes, who was imprisoned and died in the Cité de Carcassonne, was a Cathar sympathizer, and his brother Benoît de Termes was appointed Cathar bishop. Attached to the French crown in 1228 and used as a stronghold guarding the border with Aragon, the fortress was remodelled in the 13th century, then destroyed by order of the king in the 17th century. The lower enclosure is the best preserved: the curtain walls have retained their full elevation, giving the overall profile of the castle, with its postern overlooking the gorges (beware of vertigo! We advise you to give your children a hand). The second enclosure features various elements excavated by archaeologists, the scattered remains of the destroyed keep, and above all, the chapel. Step inside and you'll discover two Romanesque openings, one of them cruciform. In fact, this cruciform window has become the castle's signature feature. The tour begins with a 12-minute film giving an overview of the castle's history. From the reception desk, it's a 15-minute climb up to the top. An illustrated guide is available on loan, so you can visit at your own pace.
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