How to get by car to Chateau de Queribus in Occitanie?
Perched high up on a rocky hill, Château de Quéribus is a castle located in the commune of Cucugnan in the Aude department of France.
Where is Château de Quéribus?
The castle is located in the Occitanie region, in the southern part of the country. Set high in the mountains, Quéribus stands isolated on the highest peak for miles around. The summit is very windy.
When Was Château de Quéribus Built?
The fortress, built in the 14th century, dominates the plain extending from Tautavel to Caudiès. From a distance, it can be seen on the horizon, standing tall against the sky. A must-visit for anyone interested in Cathar history, the entrance to the castle is very steep and narrow—a defensive measure. Between 1998 and 2002, the castle underwent a complete restoration. The walk up is steep and gravelly, and once at the castle, the steps can be slippery, especially in wet weather.
Is the Road to Château de Quéribus Paved?
The road to the castle, often referred to as the last Cathar stronghold, is fully paved but quite narrow, bumpy, and very steep, with sections reaching gradients of up to 16.4%.
Can I Drive to Château de Quéribus?
You can drive almost all the way to the castle. The road ends at a parking lot 614 meters above sea level, leaving only a few hundred meters to walk.
How Long is the Road to Château de Quéribus?
Starting from Cucugnan, the road to the parking lot is 3.3 km (2.05 miles) long, with an elevation gain of 316 meters. The average gradient is 9.57%.