Mirepoix is less than an hour from Carcassonne and is a wonderful medieval town with one of the finest arcaded markets squares you will see in all France. The square is lined with medieval half-timbered houses and many of the beam ends are decorated with sculptured heads and hideous monsters. The little houses are gaily painted and on a Monday the whole town becomes a huge market, one of the best in Occitanie.
A Private Tour to Mirepoix & Château de Montségur
This one-day tour will take you to visit Mirepoix to discover its history and architecture including a visit to the cathedral of St-Maurice which boasts the second widest Gothic arch in Europe. Mirepoix was a very important base for the Cathars in the 13th century and many parfaits were housed here. This tour is an ideal way to walk in the footsteps of these people and learn about their beliefs and how they lived.
On a Mondays we will linger here to enjoy the busy market and have lunch and on other days we will head to the village of Montségur to eat.
In the afternoon we take the short drive to Château de Montségur which sits on a ‘pog’ or limestone peak that resembles a closed fist raised 1200 meters above you. This is the last stronghold of the Cathars and where the Albigensian crusade came to an end in 1244 when the last Cathars were burnt at the stake.
Your guide will accompany you to the castle and explain the history of the Albigensians and the crusade against them which began in 1208 and after visiting the castle you have the option to visit the excellent museum in the village before returning to Carcassonne.
| 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7 people | 8 people |
| 275 pp | 215 pp | 180 pp | 155 pp | 150 pp | 140 pp | 135 pp |
For larger groups please request a quotation
What’s includes:
- Guided walking tour of Mirepoix
- Visit to the Montségur museum in the village of Montségur
- Optional visit to Château de Montségur (entrance fee not included)
- Delicious lunch with wine
- Pickup and transpor
Please note entrance into the castle is not included in the price. We do this because it is a very stneep walk up to the castle and some people may not wish to go up but prefer to view it from below. If you want to visit the castles it is essential you wear suitable footwear such as trainers or walking shoes.
How to Book
To arrange your Private Cathar Trail to Mirepoix & Château de Montségur tour either complete the enquiry form or send an email to wendy@vinenvacances.com and let her know the date or range of dates you are available, how many people are in your party and where you are staying.
At the time of booking we request a €25 deposit per person which is non refundable if your tour is less than 5 days in the future. For more details please read our Terms & Conditions.