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A campsite in the heart of Cathar country
Located in the heart of Cathar Country, the Chalets du Lac de Belcaire campsite invites you to discover a region steeped in history and boasting spectacular landscapes. Between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, the Aude department reveals a unique heritage marked by the epic story of Catharism.
In these wild lands stand impressive medieval citadels, often perched on vertiginous ridges. Among the most iconic, the Château de Quéribus dominates the landscape at an altitude of over 700 meters, while the Château de Peyrepertuse, nicknamed “the pierced stone,” stretches along a spectacular rocky ridge. Further north, the Château d’Arques showcases remarkable medieval architecture, and on the border with the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Château de Puilaurens watches over the valleys from its natural promontory.
Other sites, sometimes more private but just as fascinating, such as the Château de Termes, perched above the gorges, offer an authentic immersion in this turbulent history.
Staying at Chalets du Lac de Belcaire means settling into the heart of a truly distinctive region, ideal for exploring the famous Cathar castles. Between hikes, breathtaking panoramas, and cultural discoveries, each visit immerses you in a unique adventure, between unspoiled nature and medieval heritage.
It is impossible to leave without having visited these iconic sites: they are an integral part of the identity of the Cathar Country and promise unforgettable memories.
Montaillou, a place steeped in history
In the heart of Cathar Country, set off to discover Montaillou, a small mountain village steeped in history, located just a stone’s throw from the Chalets du Lac de Belcaire campsite.
This unassuming village has become world-renowned thanks to the work of historian Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie, *Montaillou, village occitan de 1294 à 1324*, which offers an exceptional account of the daily lives of its inhabitants during the Middle Ages. Through this historical study, Montaillou has become a major symbol of Cathar history and the Inquisition, providing a unique glimpse into the past of this region.
Today, this authentic village captivates with its peaceful and timeless atmosphere, where every stone seems to tell a story.
During your visit, don’t miss its museum, which retraces the daily life of the inhabitants in the Middle Ages and immerses you in this fascinating period. Then stroll to the village church, a discreet witness to this past, before discovering the ruins that overlook the surrounding area and offer superb panoramic views of the Pyrenean landscapes.
For a friendly break, stop by La Radio, a charming little place, perfect for enjoying the simple and authentic atmosphere of the village.
Between heritage, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle, Montaillou is an unmissable getaway right next to the campsite. A true journey back in time, to be experienced in all its simplicity during your stay in Cathar Country.
Occitan village
A magical night in a castle in Cathar country
Extend your immersion in the heart of Cathar Country by discovering iconic sites such as the Château de Puivert or the legendary Château de Montségur, key locations in Cathar history. Not forgetting the impressive hilltop citadels like the Château de Quéribus or the Château de Peyrepertuse, which offer breathtaking panoramic views.
After these discoveries, offer your children an adventure they won’t soon forget.
At the Chalets Lac de Belcaire campsite, discover our castle chalet, an unusual accommodation designed as a true playground for the imagination. Here, the youngest guests become knights, princesses, or time explorers, extending the magic of Cathar castles right into their holiday accommodation.
Its decor, sometimes chivalrous, sometimes delightfully quirky, immerses young and old alike in a playful and surprising world. Every detail is designed to amaze, stimulate the imagination, and create unique family memories.
Designed to combine dreams and comfort, this unique accommodation offers an immersive experience while providing a pleasant and functional setting. While children invent countless stories, parents can enjoy a relaxing moment surrounded by nature.
An original way to discover the land of the Cathars, combining adventure, discovery and the pleasure of a different kind of stay.
Cathar
Discovering the Cathar Trail
The Cathar Trail is much more than just a hiking route: it’s a true adventure through time, landscapes, and history. This grand route connects the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees mountains, crossing the heart of Cathar Country, a land of legends and memory.
The route begins on the coast in Port-la-Nouvelle, before gradually heading inland. As the kilometers pass, the landscapes transform: lagoons, fragrant scrubland, rolling hills, then rugged terrain and vertiginous ridges. Each stage offers a different, wild, and unspoiled setting, where nature reigns supreme.
But the Cathar Trail is also a unique cultural and historical immersion. Along the way, hikers encounter iconic sites such as the castles of Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, and Puilaurens—veritable hilltop fortresses that tell the story of the Cathars and the Crusades of the Middle Ages. Every stone, every ruin, every panorama seems to carry the memory of this fascinating past.
The trail continues to the foothills of the Pyrenees and ends in the Foix region, offering a complete journey between sea and mountain, between history and wide open spaces.
In this exceptional setting, the Chalets du Lac de Belcaire campsite is an ideal stopover. Located close to the trail, it becomes a true haven for hikers on the move, a welcome place to rest after a day of intense walking and exploration.
With its overnight accommodations, the campsite caters to all types of travelers: hikers on the Cathar Trail, families, or nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or comfortable options, everyone can find their pace and budget in a peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
Between stages, it’s the perfect place to recharge, enjoy the natural surroundings and continue the Cathar Country adventure in the best conditions.
