Château de Puilaurens
A well-preserved Cathar castle on a rocky peak at the foot of the Pyrenees, with long battlements. It is known as the 'eagle's nest of castles'.
Château de Puilaurens sits on a rocky peak at about 700 m above sea level. Built in the 11th century, it later became a border fortress between France and Aragon, and its outer walls, battlements, and towers are well preserved. From the car park, a forest trail climbs for about 15 minutes, passing through a winding defensive passage at the entrance. Admission is about €6, and it is open roughly 10:00–18:00 (closed in some winter months). It is about 75 km from Carcassonne and can form a loop with the Peyrepertuse–Quéribus route.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Rennes-le-Château
- Château d'Arques
- Château de Peyrepertuse
- Limoux
- Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire
- Château de Quéribus
- Château de Termes
- Château de Villerouge-Termenès