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Château St-Ferriol
Late Medieval Castle in the South of France

The Cathar Connection

The castle has a number of connections with the Cathars of the Languedoc.

First the castle is located in the very heart of Cathar country. All of the most important sites are easily within a few hours drive, and most lie within one hour's drive.

Second, the original castle here, located a little further along the ridge at Le Dent, was ceded to the crusaders after the fall of Termes in 1210. The fall of Termes, considered impregnable until then, caused widespread surrender with many nearby castles surrendering without a fight (others include Albedun (Le Bezu), Caustaussa, and Rennes-le-Chateau)

Third, the family that built the castle here had been a well known Cathar family. Two brothers, knights of the de Plaigne family, had played a key role in the events at Avinonet in 1242,

Fourth, Cathar Tours are based at the castle. These are the best English language tours of the Cathar Castles and other historic Cathar sites available. For more information click on this link to the Cathar Tours website