HISTORY
Inhabited since the Classical period, the site of Peyrepertuse first consisted of a small fortified settlement. The fortress is mentioned for the first time in 1020 in the will of Bernard Taillefer, the count of Besalù, a small Catalan territory. From 1162, it was part of the kingdom of Aragon's defensive line against the Occitan lords. Peyrepertuse did not play an important role during the Albigensian Crusade, but its destiny would change dramatically. In 1240, it fell under the control of the King of France, who made it a key part of his line of defence against Aragon. Louis IX and his successors wanted to demonstrate all their power here. The royal architects carried out a masterpiece of innovation and adaptation to the terrain. They created a wonderful piece of military architecture which, at the end of the 13th century, proudly defied the kingdom of Aragon. Its strategic importance ended with the Pyrenees Treaty in 1659, but until the French Revolution, men continued to watch over this beautiful castle, which had become a shadow of its former self.
In the lower wall
The Old Keep
Saint-Louis staircase
Sant Jordi Keep
Valleys and mountain passes
Things to explore
As you walk
Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse
Perched on a rock, Duilhac is surrounded by vineyards and mountains. This village is not fortified, aside from a central nucleus that includes the Church of Saint Michel. Beautifully renovated, it welcomes visitors into a charming, picturesque setting. The quality of its recent refurbishments has led the village to receive a Trophy for Urban Planning from the environmental minister in 2008.
The Church of Saint Michel
This Roman church undoubtedly led to the growth of the ecclesiastical enclosure from the 11th century, around which the village has developed. In this sacred space, the 'Peace and Truce of God' was invoked to protect peasants and the clergy from attacks by the lords. Duilhac received a 'Rubans de la Patrimoine' prize in 2002 for the restoration of this church.
Duilhac Fort
During the One Hundred Years War, this refortified ecclesiastical enclosure developed into a 'Fort', whose door is still visible. Some villagers would have owned refuge houses inside its walls, to protect themselves in the event of an attack.
The Fountain
Below the village, hugging the natural contours of the rock, lies the Fountain of Duilhac. Carved into the rock, the words of Ronsard ring out like a pledge: 'Quiconque en boira qu'amoureux il devienne…' (Whoever drinks it, will fall in love) Poetry and fresh water await...
About
The Ribaute Trail
To grind their wheat, the residents of Ribaute had a precious commodity: the Ribaute mill. This water mill on the Verdouble belonged to them and, amazingly, was exempt from taxes, which were called 'banalités' (trivial). A path leads you to the ruins. In the forest of green oak trees, snakes flee quickly. Next comes the heath, the cistus, the broom trees and dogwood... the majestic silhouette of the castle breaks up the sky, alive with the cries of birds of prey. Finally, the Verdouble appears, over the ridge of the protective high limestone cliffs.
Les Cascades
The clear water gushes down waterfalls, then gathers briefly in little pools, hollowed out of the rock that rises towards the sun. The only sounds are the caresses of the breeze, the call of cicadas and the gurgling of water. 'Les Cascades' is a little piece of paradise maintained by the village of Duilhac in the Verdouble gorges. Drive down a little road lined with vines, and you will arrive at this natural leisure centre. A car park, picnic tables and compost toilets are available. In order to protect this area, BBQs are forbidden. For your safety, bathing is forbidden except when a lifeguard is present, in a designated bathing area.
'Le Sentier Cathare' (The Cathar Trail)
Duilhac is a picturesque stop along the Cathar Trail. The stage that leads here departs from Tuchan, and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular, as is the stage that follows. As you approach the village, the wild paths are replaced by vines. Welcoming narrow roads will lead you to a communal rest house in the centre of the village. The following day, fresh and ready, set off towards Camps-sur-l'Agly. En route, the imposing Galamus Gorges will open up in front of you...
'Petra Pertusa', or 'pierced rock', was once an important centre of power, as shown by the fact that an entire region is named after it! In this area, many regions are named after castles, simply by adding the suffix '-és' in Occitan. Therefore, you get Fenolhedés from Fenouillet Castle or Lauragués from Lauragais (French) from Laurac, Termenés from Termes, or, in this case, Peyrepertusés from Peyrepertuse. Today, unlike Fenolhedés, Fenouillèdes in French and Fenolleda in Catalan, the name 'Peyrepertusés' is no longer used.
