Description:

Eight centuries ago,a religion related to Christianity was developed in Occitania,roughly the French Midi.

It was quickly spread to the whole south of France,and very critical towards Catholicism,which made Pope Innocent III decide to start a crusade,followed by a war between. Northern and Occitan Lords.

Catharism was soon eradicated,however,even today it is gaining increasingly sympathy,and is still a symbol of tolerance,freedom and open-mindness.

The witnesses of these bygone days still remain,sometimes in well preserved condition or spectacular location,but always well-worth a visit.

Click on the following links for more.

• Arques Castle
• Fontfroide Abbey
• Lastours Castle
• Puilaurens Castle
• Lagrasse Abbey
• Saint-Papoul Abbey
• Saissac Castle
• Carcassonne Cité
• Villelongue Abbey
• Villerouge Termenès Castle
• Caunes-Minervois Abbey
• Saint-Hilaire Abbey
• Termes Castle
• Quercorb Museum/Puivert Castle
• Alet-les-Bains Abbey
• Usson Castle(Midi-Pyrenees)
• Peyrepertuse Castle
• Quéribus Castle
• Aguilar Castle
• Maison de Memoires Mazamet (Midi-Pyrenees)

All these sites can be visited by one pass,allowing a discount,available at the entrance of each site or here.
Click here to find the sites on a map.