"Montsegur: the Cathares' formidable fortress" Montségur by adelinemmc

The Cathares were a medieval Christian group mainly located in the South West of France Languedoc). They separated from the Catholic church that they viewed as deeptly corrupt.

They advocated a manichean take on life and viewed themselves as pure. Of course, they were classified as heretics by the roman catholic church and were exterminated after a protracted campaign.

They left many legends and magnificent castle perched all around the Languedoc area of France.

Montsegur was the place of a long siege and the Cathares defensers killed themselves rather than admit defeat. It is now a beautiful castle to visit and a stopover on the Sentier Cathare or Cathar trail, a long distance hiking path.