Château d'Arques
A well-preserved 14th-century keep castle in the Corbières valley, with a squared-off tower and corner turrets. It pairs well with Rennes-le-Château.
The keep of Château d'Arques was built from the late 13th to early 14th century. It stands about 25 m tall, with projecting turrets at each corner. Most Cathar castles in the area are now largely ruins, but this one is remarkably intact. Visitors can climb the keep's floors, and the view from the top is wide. Nearby, the Déodat Roché house has an exhibition on Cathar history. Admission is about €6, and it is open roughly 10:00–18:00 (shorter hours in winter). It is about 45 km from Carcassonne and can be visited on the way to Rennes-le-Château.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Rennes-le-Château
- Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire
- Château de Puilaurens
- Limoux
- Château de Termes
- Château de Peyrepertuse
- Lac de la Cavayère
- Les Lices