Châteaux de Lastours
Four Cathar castle ruins standing side by side along a single ridge, impressive when viewed from the lookout across the valley.
The four castles of Lastours (Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine, and Quertinheux) stand in a row along the same rocky ridge. In the 13th century they were strongholds of resistance against the Albigensian Crusade. Admission is about €8, which includes the steep trail to the castles (about 40 minutes round trip) and access to the Montfrin viewpoint across the valley, where you can photograph all four castles in one frame. It is only about 20 km from Carcassonne and can be combined with the Gouffre de Cabrespine, making it suitable for a half-day trip.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (summer 09:00–20:00)
Nearby sights
- Gouffre de Cabrespine
- Canal du Midi (Port of Carcassonne)
- Église Saint-Vincent
- Bastide Saint-Louis
- Pont Vieux
- Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne
- Château Comtal
- Porte Narbonnaise