Top 5 Castles around Villanière

Commonly called Château des Saptes, the building is in fact, in its functions, a mill. The set was bought at the beginning of the 16th century by the Saptes brothers, drapers. They want to take advantage of its location on a bend in the River Orb to concentrate their activity: preparation of raw wool, washing, fulling, dyeing, weaving, trimming, everything could then be done in the same place. We find around the castle a set of houses which made it possible to gather around them other related professions. Thus twisters, weavers, re-entryers, masons in charge of building maintenance settled nearby.

Exceptional site of the Montagne Noire with its 4 castles, 40 caves and medieval village. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age and archaeological excavations continue in these places. The medieval complex includes 4 castles: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertineux, built on top of a rocky base; while the medieval village, the Castrum de Cabaret, is housed in the steep valley. For history buffs, visiting the village can easily keep you busy all day...

Here is a very small village quite representative of the Cathar country with its church and the ruins of a castle enthroned on a rocky outcrop. It had only 46 inhabitants in 2020, after having experienced a population peak of 469 inhabitants in 1806, a sign of the rural desertification that affects this region. The village is the birthplace of the troubadour Raimon de Miraval who officiated in the Languedoc region in the 12th and 13th centuries. A plaque leaning against the rock at the foot of the remains of the castle reminds us of his work and his existence.

Built lengthwise in the hollow of the valley formed by the Orbiel, this Cathar village is not lacking in charm. Dominated by the remains of a medieval castle that played a strategic role during the wars of religion, you can discover in the town, in addition to the Church, various old corbelled and half-timbered houses testifying to past prosperity. Similarly, the so-called Weavers' Cross evokes a textile activity that has now disappeared, just like the agricultural exploitation which is no longer practiced in the town because of the steepness of the land. After having counted up to 900 inhabitants around 1860, the village only has 177 at the last census.

Part of the circuit of "Villages perched in the Black Mountain", Roquefère is a magnificent example. Set between two steep mountain sides, this tiny village has only 77 inhabitants at the last census. It is dominated by the castle built on a rock protuberance. The latter offered a surveillance point on the road between Carcassonne and the Albigeois. Its origin dates back to the 12th century, and it has undergone only a few changes in its configuration since feudal times, apart from the two square towers and the south facade redesigned in the 17th century. The castle has always been occupied since its origins. It now belongs to a private person. You should also know that you will find a drinking water tap on the small square next to the road, right next to a fountain with a metal wheel (see photo).

View of the four castles of the eponymous village! Access it by the Fournès road which climbs a little but without too many cars!

Magnificent castle with a magnificent view when you descend from the waterfalls

Atypical village that makes you want to come back to discover the hikes.