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Ariegean castle ancient proctector of the Donezan area
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Situated on the border between the counties of Aude and Ariège, the castle of Usson is a good example of the former unity of this territory which we call today, the Cathar Country. Located in the Quérigut canton, often known as the ‘Quebec of Ariège', the fortress rises out of the Pyrenean forests. About thirty kilometres south-east of the castle of Puilaurens, in line with the other ‘vertiginous citadels', it is perched on a mountain spur 920 metres above the Aude and Bruyante rivers.
Mentioned for the first time at the beginning of the 11th century, Usson was the castle of the former lords of So and Alion.
During the Crusade against the Albigensians, Bernard d'Alion, lord of Usson and important vassal of the count of Foix, made an oath of allegiance towards Simon de Montfort and his son Amaury. In spite of this, Usson remained a refuge for the Cathar perfectii (clergy). Indeed, Bernard d'Alion sent men of arms to defend Montségur during the siege of 1244. According to the registers of the Inquisition, six perfectii escaped from the stake at Montségur and found refuge, for a time, at Usson. In 1258, Bernard d'Alion was arrested then burnt at the stake at Perpignan for heresy.
The castle then became a powerful rampart against Spanish invasions. Like its neighbours, it lost its strategic importance at the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, when the French-Spanish border moved further south.
The monument became residence of the Marquis of Usson until the French Revolution when it was dismantled and sold off in lots. It served as a stone quarry throughout the 19th century. Today, consolidated and saved from ruin, this remarkable site shelters the Heritage House.
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Château d’Usson
09 460 Rouze
phone: (+0033) 04.68.20.43.92
phone (Tourism Office):
(+0033) 04.68.20.41.37
fax: (+0033) 04.68.20.46.25
email: ot@donezan.com
Site: www.donezan.com
Take the D118 to Quillan then D117 to Axat.
Then, again the D118 to Usson les Bains where you turn right (D16 direction Rouze)to arrive to the castle’s parking space
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