Cathar castle

Artist: William Mason
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Card: US$3.71

Cathar castle

The ruined castle of Peyrepertuse is located in the Languedoc region of Southern France. It is set high on a mountain crag in a strong defensive position. From the approach below it is difficult to see where the rock stops and the castle starts. The name Peyrepertuse is derived from occitan language and means “pierced rock”. The castle is associated with the religious persecution of the Cathars over several decades around 1200.

Cathar castle belongs to the following groups:

Castle Magic, Heritage in Stone, History, Landscape Photography, Photographic France and Ruins, Ancient and Derelict Buildings

joak, 4 months ago

Great shot william good story
Rinkydink, 4 months ago

beautiful location well captured William, I am not sure I envy you the capture position ….brings on my vertigo just looking at it lol
stephaniek, 4 months ago

Amazing how they accomplished this so long ago. Great ariel photo!
William Mason in reply to stephaniek’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks for your comments. The photo was taken further along the ridge on which the castle is situated. The position provided a great view of the castle. Have a look at my photo of Peyrepertruse under “Photographic France” and “Landscape Photography”.
Colombe Cambo..., 4 months ago

William, I am amazed that you have been to this region of France (I grew up there). The cathar castles are not usually on the discovery route for tourists. This shot is breathtaking! Thank you for making people discover this beautiful place.
William Mason, 4 months ago

Colombe, I am fascinated by the history of the Cathars. The SW of France is a great area to visit, interesting history, beautiful scenery and of course French cuisine and culture. Ideal for a great holiday!
Kristina K, 4 months ago

thanks for sharing, its a wonderful looking place, very historic.
Cyril Marchand, 4 months ago

Hi ! I do love this place, and you’re right : this castle is very amazing ! Even if as many castles in the area he hasn’t been really involved in the history of catharism. Something strange in Peyrepertuse history : frenches (I say “frenches” because during the 13th and 14th centuries, they used to be our enemies ;-)... do not forget this part of France was the “Occitania”, a land of freedom and riches… ) so, frenches left only 12 guards to keep the spanish border, quiet far from this castle. It’s a really big place, but no more than 50 people have stayed there at the same time.
Do you know Puylaurens’ castle William ? .... It’s my fav’ !
See you and thanks for all these great pictures !
William Mason, 4 months ago

Cyril, Thanks for your comments. I only spent a relatively short time in “Le Pays Cathare” but I would like return and see Puylaurens and others. However, I did manage to see Roquefixade, Puivert, Queribus, Peyrepertuse and Montsegur.
EarthGipsy, about 1 month ago

Fantastic country and history, I’ve climbed all over here – wonderful image William.
William Mason, about 1 month ago

Thanks for the comment above and for the other comments that you have mabe about my images.