Visit the castle of Montségur : tickets, prices, times

Do you want to discover a cathar castle? Come and visit the castle of Montségur in Ariège !

Did you plan to spend a vacation in Occitania? Do you think you can discover the Cathar country and its countless castles of character? Visiting Montségur Castle is a must. Located in Ariège, the fortress will seduce both history lovers and legend lovers or nature lovers. Nestled on a promontory overlooking an immensity of meadows and forests, the castle of Montségur is also an opportunity to discover the Ariegean natural heritage.

How to get there? What to see? What are the rates and schedules? Discover everything you need to know so that your visit to the site of the castle of Montségur leaves you an unforgettable memory!

History of the castle of Montségur

The castle of Montségur is a occitan building, located in Ariège, southeast of Foix, in the commune of Montségur. Built in the thirteenth century by the cathars, it was partially restored forty years later, after the surrender of those whom the Catholic Church considered to be heretics. It is indeed to remove the threat posed by this dissident “religious” that a crusade against the Albigeans is launched. More than two-cents go and die on the lumber in 1244. The castle will then be occupied by the Royal Guard until the 17th century. The castle of Montségur is listed as a historic monument in 1862.

In order to be able to watch the enemy and see him arrive from a distance, the castle of Montségur stands, like all the medieval fortresses, overlooking the village. From the top of a rocky promontory at an altitude of 1,207, the view is unbeatable on the land of Olmes. Visiting Montségur Castle is also an opportunity to discover several myths and legends around the building. It would indeed house the treasure of the Cathar church. One of the pieces would be nothing less than the Holy Grail!

Our tips to visit the castle of Montségur

In order to prepare for your visit and not find yourself disappointed, here are some tips:

• Access to the castle is done by walking, by a small path. It is therefore preferable to possess good shoes walking, sun cream, hat and water in summer. Plan equipment against cold and wind in winter.
• Don't miss the visit of the castle for the summer solstice. The light follows an incredible path and sweeps the castle from the start.
• There is no toilet on the site, no water point.
• Dogs are accepted, but must be kept on a leash.
• All seasons are interesting to visit the castle. The view being superb from the building, it remains throughout the year! However, it is certain that a winter visit to more than 1,200 altitudes imposes a proper teaming. This period is however an opportunity to admire the castle under the snow, for the most fortunate!

What to do during your visit to Montségur Castle?

The visit of the castle

The fortress is in ruin. Better to know before visiting Montségur Castle, otherwise you may be disappointed! However, once you pass this vision of its decayed walls and its shredded dungeon, you will let yourself be carried away by the charm of the site. In fact, you can see beautiful old walls in some places, especially near the main courtyard. The remains of Cathar dwellings are also visible outside the building.

The path that leads you from the parking lot to the castle is already the opportunity to dive into a particular atmosphere. Between aridity and coniferous forest, you can already imagine living at the time when the cathars populated the village and the castle. Once you arrive on the "pog", the rocky piton that welcomes the fortress, the view is striking. When you reach this point, the name of the castle “Segur”, of Latin segurus , "safe", then takes all its meaning.

Who could have dared to attack a fortress pretend to be closer to heaven than earth? When you arrive at the south gate, after half an hour walk, you can finally access the main courtyard of the castle. The walls reveal evidence of the presence of buildings. The bolt holes are indeed the sign that floors had been installed in this place. The dungeon was accessible from the courtyard or from the ramparts. The lower room used to store food. If you have the chance to visit the castle during the summer solstice, don’t miss the incredible spectacle of the passage of the sun through one of the murderers of the fortress, which then crosses the building, before fleeing through other murderers.

The visit of the museum

Visit the castle of Montségur also allows you to access the museum, located in the town hall Montségur . You will have less than two kilometers to go from the castle parking lot. Count between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on your interests. You will see mostly objects of time, in connection with the history of the castle.

The museum is open from 1 February to 31 December , every day, at the opening hours of the castle. The museum is closed in January and December 25.

How much does a ticket cost to Montségur Castle?

The rate includes the entrance to the castle, the visit of the museum and the possible commented visit:

• Adults: 6,50€
• Students and people looking for employment: 5€
• Child from 8 to 15 years old: 3,50€
• Visit the castle of Montségur is free children under the age of 8.

How to book an online ticket for the Château de Montségur ?

• To visit the castle of Montségur, you will have to buy your tickets directly on place. If you wish to book a visit, you must call.
• In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in various cities and places of interest. In addition, a guide and transport are also included. Prices vary between 50€ and 500€ depending on the options.

Are there guided tours of the castle of Montségur?

Guided tours are organized to visit the castle of Montségur, without further tariff . Count 1h visiting. Don’t forget to plan the 30 minutes of access to the castle and the time of redescent.

The guided tours take place at the following times:

• May and June: to **2 p.m. and 3 p.m.**Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• July and August: every day 11:00, 1:00, 3:00, 4:30.
• September: Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m..

Other times are possible upon reservation, every day, for groups of more than 20 people:

• February, March, November and December: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m..
• April and October: from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• May, June, July, August and September: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m..

In the event of an inconvenience, the guided tours are organized in the museum premises located in the town hall.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Montségur?

Have you seen enough? No panic, there are combined visits. These will allow you to discover other sites such as the city of Foix or Mirepoix.

These visits from Carcassonne or Toulouse full day for oscillating prices between 50€ and 500€ .

Opening hours

Visit the castle of Montségur is possible 1 February to 31 December (except December 25th).

• February, November and December: every day 11am to 4pm.
• March and October: every day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
• April, May, June, September: every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
• July and August: every day 9h to 7h.

The castle is closed on December 25 and January. It can also close at any time in case of poor winter weather conditions.

Be sure to call before your visit, to make sure that the schedules have not been changed.

How to get to Montségur Castle?

You can only access the castle of Montségur car or car . Visit to Lavelanet, a town located east of Foix. Drive towards Foix. When you arrive at Chaubet, take the D9 towards Montségur. You will cross the village of Montferrier.

Before you arrive in the village of Montségur, you will find the parking lot of the castle. Fourteen kilometers separate Lavelanet from the parking lot. To visit the castle of Montségur, you will still have to take a trail and walk 30min.

Where to park near Montségur Castle?

A parking lot is set free available to people wishing to visit the castle of Montségur. It is located at the foot of the castle. For buses, it is recommended to arrive in the village by Lavelanet. Buses can park on reserved seats.

Attention: the parking lot is located about thirty minutes walk from the entrance to the castle. You will have to take a hiking trail. Think about being equipped. Count 20min for the way back.

Where to stay near Montségur Castle?

There are multiple housing possibilities in the village of Montségur. Between gites, hotels and Airbnb , you should not have trouble finding a place to stay, and often a few steps from the museum.

If you prefer to take a few distances with the village life and sink into the countryside, there are also charming small cottages with or without pool, near Montségur. For those who prefer the city, Foix is only 40 minutes’ drive from the castle.

Ready to visit Montségur Castle?