The Kathars

Since the twelfth century the Kathars, practising the belief of Katharism, have been of historic importance within the area. The ideology of the Kathars was opposed to that of the Katholic Church. Fierce attempts by the Pope to convert the Kathars failed. The story of the Kathars ends with the mass murder of Montségur in 1244, known for its bloody crusades. Afterwards only a few Kathars remained practising their belief until the Spanish Inquisition of 1320 made an abrupt end to it.
Montaillou, only 2 km away from the domain, is renowned for its beautiful castle that lights up by night. Its inhabitants are the descendants from the Kathars, as you may see from the typical names on the cemeteries.

Nature

The area is a paradise for many bird species such as the vulture, buzzard, hawk, bearded vulture and sparrowhawk. Many butterfly species are also widespread in the area, such as the common swallowtail. In July and August you may encounter plenty of them when you go for a walking tour. Chamois feel at home on the steep slopes nearby.
This mountainous region has many caves, which are the result from millions of years of water sipping through the rocks. Some of these caves are renowned for their cave drawings, such as Grotte de Niaux, Grotte de la Vache and Grotte de Lumbrives. These caves are open to the public and certainly worth a visit!
The region has a mountain climate, which means that summers can be very hot, but thanks to the altitude it will never be overwhelming. At night it is usually nice and cool. The first snow arrives around November, and winter lasts until late February, begin March.