The village of Montségur

At the foot of the fortress

Situated at the foot of the emblematic, world-famous pog of Montségur, the village of Montségur has been awarded the Grand Site Occitanie label and is currently applying to join the Opération Grand Site de France initiative.

Getting there

A Cathar village

In the Middle Ages, Montségur was a Cathar village, growing in the shadow of the mountain-top castle (le pog). The last and only village to resist the Roman Catholic Church, Montségur eventually gave in to tragedy. The fortress was rebuilt, and the village was rebuilt on its present site.

At the end of the 15th century, it boasted a square square, now known as the Caroulet district, lined with half-timbered houses. On today’s village square stands the church of Notre Dame de la Nativité, built in the late 16th century and enlarged in the 18th. At the eastern end of the village, the Caroulet belvedere offers a breathtaking view of the gorges and the ancient glacial valley of Montségur.

Here, legend meets history, and the many tales and legends of the Montségur region that have been told in the evenings have stood the test of time and continue to fuel the mystery…

Montségur, myths and legends

©rando St Barth (2)|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

In the heart of a green paradise

Montségur is at the heart of the Massif du Saint Barthélémy nature reserve.

On the northern slopes of the Tabe massif, between the Pic de Soularac (2,368m), the Pic du Saint Barthélémy (2,348m) and the Sarrat de Caudeval (1,800m), you’re in Ariège’s first nature reserve . Created in 2015, it offers an exceptional natural space for explorers, hikers and observers. Its mission: to protect, manage and raise awareness.

Here, nature puts on a great show: strong geographical and geological features will hold the curiosity of budding geologists and satisfy the desire for beauty of lovers of natural landscapes . More than 1,000 m of vertical drop await you, from mountain to alpine levels, where an exceptional diversity of natural environments is concentrated.

Set off on an expedition to discover the reserve’s fauna, flora and geological sites. The commune of Montségur and the Association des Naturalistes de l’Ariège regularly organize workshops, tours and awareness-raising events. These enthusiasts will help you discover and share the unique character of our territory and its biodiversity, in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Places to visit

Church of the Nativity of Our Lady
The archaeological museum
Viewpoint over the Carroulet gorges
Regional nature reserve of the Saint Barthélémy massif

In the company of a guide

Follow your guide on a 1-hour tour of the village of Montségur to discover all its secrets. These enchanted interludes are open to children aged 5 and over.

All tours