Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours — Attraction in Carcassonne

One of the most dramatic, incredible castle sites I have visited. Well worth the €9 each entry fee (there's a small shop and small, but very well displayed, exhibition about the archaeology of the site in the reception).

To visit the site you do need to be physically fit, with stout footwear and optionally rucksack, waterproofs, water and walking poles depending on your needs and weather conditions. To hike around the whole complex is 5km and will take you 2-3 hours depending on how comprehensive you are at each site and how many stops you make for breathtaking views, photos, plants, birds and wildlife.

The French authorities responsible for the site must be contratulated for their ongoing programme of maintenance and site interpretation. There are numerous different language guides with trail maps (explained at reception) which you get as part of your entry fee. There are individual information panels for most of the sites, except at the Cathar village. These are just in French, but we respect that multilingual information shouldn't be expected (and the French are way much better than the UK in this regard anyway).

The trails are variable and caution is needed in some parts, especially if wet (entry isn't permitted if there are high winds and storms). We felt there was a balance between providing support and good paths and steps and more natural paths. We had a feeling of safety and security exploring most of the sites, but also some were...

Have visited this historic site twice, with 15 years between each visit. Enjoyed it as much the second time as the first. Superb views from the ruins running along the arête, hill fort ruins are fascinating to explore. Both occasions I have visited there have been high winds, which makes the climb up and walking from one fort to another "interesting" fun. The climb up is mainly steps, a lot of steps either carved from the rock or made of rocks. Some are uneven and caution has to be taken, I feel especially towards the end of the season. Sensible shoes or sturdy trainers should be worn. As a reasonably fit fifty something, I found the climb pretty easy, however some of our party struggled, both with the physical effort and the vertigo inducing drops you can see from the path. So if you have mobility issues then you will need to consider if this is for you. Once at the top everyone felt it was worth it. You should allow at least 3 hours for your visit, I imagine longer in high season, especially as you might want to have a beer after coming back down in to the attractive village that nestles in the valley below. Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours is a historic and visual treat. On the same day we visited Minerve which is not too far away, and is also...

Amazing place to visit and to think what it was possible to build in the 13th Century. We visited on a wet and windy day, which added to the atmosphere. Good reception area and initial entrance to the site. Amazing views and an experience never to be forgotten.

So why only 3 stars? Basically many of the paths were lethal, very uneven, many sharp edges in places. And during our visit, very slippery. We had to help some visitors that were coming down the hill - not having reached the top as they clearly struggled with the steep path and uneven footings.

Inside one of the Chateau’s was a wooden spiral staircase. Stuart from the fact you need a torch to see your way up and down, it wobbled a lot. At the top we found out why - it had come adrift from the upper floor!

Entry to the site is very cheap - perhaps they should charge more and improve the...