The area around Toulouse is famous for being the region
of the Cathars, a religious sect that was wiped off the map in the 13th
centruy by the Albigensian crusades for the heresy of believing priests
should not be rich. (I'm summarizing a bit here, but not by much)
The Cathars had a number of castles, of which Montsegur is one. Having
climbed all the way up, I can say you would have to be VERY determined
to live here. It helps if you are part goat.
View from the bottom of the mountain
view of the valley from part-way up
Proof I actually made it to the top (main entrance to the castle)
View of the keep from the courtyard (north)
East view of courtyard
Rest of the Montsegur pictures
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