Château de Puilaurens — Attraction in Limoux

Getting there is impressive when you see the castle getting closer and bigger through the trees.

The car park right at the entrance is quite small, but electric cars have the best parking space here. Further ahead on the road (about 100m) there is a larger parking lot.

Adults pay 7€ and with a 2€ upgrade you get a guided tour. This lasts 2 hours and is only in French. But you get the full package of history and stories and how much action there was back then. This also makes the ascent a little easier, because you often take a break in the shade and catch your breath.

Don't show up here with flip-flops or ballerinas. Sturdy shoes are essential, even in dry weather. The stones are also quite slippery when dry!

Once at the top, you can get lost in a labyrinth of dead ends and scramble up the castle. The condition of the castle and the view in all directions is bombastic.

Definitely pack water and...

You either come here for the love of this astonishing landscape or for your interest in the cathars, which can only grow after this experience. This castle (as well as others in the region) is not a fake fortress or a careful restoration of the Viollet-le-Duc class. This is the real thing. Ruins, for sure, but the site where they lived and resisted to their deaths against the invading frankish forces with papal mandate. This was a crusade in the heart of Europe against peaceful communities of...

We had a great visit. Good parking, even a recharge point for electric cars. Nice shop and clean toilets. The man at the shop was welcoming, knowledgeable and efficient. The walk up through woods (with some of the plants identified) was steep and then you arrived at the foot of this impressive castle. Climbing up through the outer and then inner defences, I wondered if anyone made it into the castle when it was being defended! Extensive ruins and wonderful views topped off the visit. Definitely...