The 14 most beautiful villages in Cathar Country

Are you planning a stay in South France? Then discover the 14 most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country!

In the heart of Occitania, the Cathar Country mainly covers the department of Aude. This department was once in the centre of the country where the seigneurs and the people had converted to catharism. From this troubled time there are castles, abbeys, medieval villages and towns.

All these places are gathered around a shared history: that of cathars, those called perfect men, good men and women.

Would you like to discover the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country? Here is a small tour of those to visit during your stay in the South of France.

1. Lagrasse

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in the Hexagon, Lagrasse stands at the edge of the Orbieu River. In a small valley, you will discover this beautiful testimony of the past. Surrounded by steep hills, it certainly presents an unforgettable and striking decor.

Among its hidden treasures, Lagrasse has the largest Benedictine abbey in the medieval Languedoc. The latter stands on the other side of the Orbieu. It is obviously a must-see monument to visit in this most beautiful village of Cathar Country.

2. Terms

Nestled in the Corbières, this charming village is best known for its Château de Termes. A valiant heart of the massif, it stands at the top of a rock surrounded by ravines. Renowned unbeatable, this castle is known to be the theatre of one of the most famous seats in the Crusade against the Albigeans.

Authentic, sinful history, Termes is thus one of the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country.

3. Villerouge-Termènes

This beautiful commune stands at the foot of the Mont Tauch . Voisine de Termes, it is located on the terroir Corbières (AOC). Like many Cathar villages, Villerouge-Termènes houses a castle. Completely restored, the latter is one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in the region.

Mediterranean gate of Hautes-Corbières, this beautiful village will seduce you by its vineyards, landscapes and typical houses.

4. Limoux

Limoux is not only one of the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country, but also a must-see stop in the Aude Valley. Located in the heart of Razès, the city has been known since the 16th century for its production of a reputable effervescent wine: the Limoux blanquette.

In addition to enjoying this unique drink, you will discover here a preserved heritage and atmosphere. Limoux thus houses many small museums, which try to preserve the art and memory of the region.

5. Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

Enclosed between two limestone folds Pyrenees , the terroir of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse is only mountains. Built on a rocky grove, the village dominates a small circus where the vineyard is still cultivated. Here you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and especially a breathtaking view of a treasure of the region. For the commune is, as its name so well indicates, under the Château de Peyrepertuse.

Known as the fortress of vertigo, this vast fortress dominates the region from its high cliff. This visit will certainly leave you an unforgettable memory!

6. Cucugnan

A few steps from Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, you can discover another of the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country. Cucugnan is a traditional and ancestral village. Surmounted by the church of Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse, it is accessed by the grau de Maury.

This mountain pass is dominated and was once controlled by the castle of Quéribus. Last Cathar citadel in the region, it was until 1659 one of the French sentinels at the gates of Spain !

7. Talairan

An important commune of the Corbières, Talainrain is in the heart of a beautiful plain. This charming village is surrounded by a vast and rich vineyard. The latter produces a very famous wine. But the product of the vine is not the only asset of this village.

Talairain has preserved all its occitane authenticity. You will evolve here in beautiful shaded avenues very pleasant. Along the promenade you will admire beautiful houses, typical cafés and vestiges of the past.

8. Montségur

Montségur is of these emblematic communes of the Cathar Country. Its mythical "pog", abrupt rock in the form of sugar bread, offers an incredible panorama of the region. The gravel is thus a must-do ! But the site is also the place of a terrible and exciting story.

The museum of the peaceful village of Montségur restores its memory. Very lively, the commune is a treasure of authenticity and picturesque. It is obviously one of the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country, but also the most iconic and unmissable of this list!

9. Saint-Hilaire

Located halfway between Limoux and Carcassonne , this beautiful village is located in the region of Carcassès. Surrounded by beautiful forests, Saint-Hilaire is best known for its magnificent abbey. Joy of the 12th century, the latter is one of those buildings of the past that do not leave indifferent.

In addition to its Gothic architecture, whose cloister is the do-valoir, it houses some treasures like its painted ceilings. If the abbey of Saint-Hilaire is worth a visit, it is the same for the village. The latter has kept all its occitane authenticity.

10. Lastours

Like many villages in this list, Lastours houses a castle. In fact, she even welcomes four of her beautiful terroir. On the long arid ridge overlooking the village, you will discover four royal fortresses! Travellers can also discover the magnificent vestiges of the castral village, at the foot of the towers.

This site, unique in France, was also the territory of men of the Bronze Age before being that of the Cathares. You can discover some testimonies in the nearby caves.

11. Alet-les-Bains

Alet-les-Bains, a medieval village with a water-flower, is nestled in a meander of Aude, between steep hills. Secret gardens and spring waters, walls of dry and old houses, arcades and shaded facades are all the wonders that await you there. Dominating the village, the imposing vestiges of its abbatiale-cathedrale are also to be discovered.

She was once one of the most important in the Languedoc before her destruction. Alet-les-Bains is certainly one of the municipalities that best deserve its title of the most beautiful villages in Cathare country. But you'll find out soon enough!

12. Fanjeaux

Fanjeaux is one of the must-see medieval cities of Aude. Along the streets, you will discover a rich history of this most beautiful village in the Cathar country. For it is here, in the heart of this country, that Simon de Montfort has established himself to fight against heresy. Well preserved, the old castral village reveals all its authenticity and picturesque to its visitors eager for cultural discoveries.

13. Rennes-le-Château

This lost village of Couiza is the theatre of ancient legends. Some events related to a rural pastor from the late nineteenth century, Abbé Béranger Saunière, have thus upset the peaceful world of Rennes-le-Château. Surrounded by mysteries, the central town dominates a curve of the Aude valley. You will enjoy superb views, especially since its beautiful Magdala Tower.

But visitors should also turn to his museum dedicated to Abbé Béranger. You will learn more about the legends of the village on this occasion. Don't miss visiting his castle as well as his beautiful church, famous for its windows!

14. Caunes-Minervois

Our list of the most beautiful villages in the Cathar Country could not be complete without the sublime commune of Caunes-Minervois. Situated at the foot of the Black Mountain, this charming village offers its shades of pink and red under a bright sun. Prised by tourists, the village is known for its sublime abbey, treasure of the Cathar country, as well as its marble quarries.

Rich in a sublime heritage, Caunes-Minervois is ideally on foot, along its narrow alleys. You will then be able to admire its beautiful stone houses and appreciate its preserved atmosphere. Surrounded by vineyards and garrigues, the commune is also known for its wines. In particular, you can enjoy them in the many cafes, cellars and restaurants typical of Caunes-Minervois!