Peyrepertuse Castle

Perched on a limestone ridge at an altitude of 800 meters above the Verdouble river valley, this ruined royal fortress is the largest Cathar fortification in the region. Known as the "Celestial Carcassonne," the site consists of a lower castle and a larger upper fortress added in the 13th century. The original structure dates back to the 11th century and has been a protected monument historique since 1908.

The fortress served as a significant seigneury and one of the eight royal fortresses of Languedoc. Its name, meaning "pierced stone," reflects its position on the summits of the Corbières in the Pyrénées. For centuries, the site functioned as a strategic defensive point along the border against the Crown of Aragon (a historical Mediterranean monarchy) and Spain, remaining in use until the 17th century.

The site is open to the public and features preserved towers and extensive ramparts. The surrounding area includes the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse and the natural site of Moulin de Ribaute.