chateaux de lastours

francojoint

Two hours and a half to do the whole tour of the 4 castles but it really worths. Amazing view, nice walk in the nature surrounded by hills in a magic environment.

JohnH669

Castle closed when we visited in November but if you drive up to the village past the church and park by the campsite you walk through green gate and through some bushes and there you have fantastic views of the castles

hrishikesh_k

One of the oldest chateaux on the Cathar trail. Requires quite a bit of physical effort to climb the mountain and visit all the chateaux but it is worth it, especially if you are interested in history.

GinkoBilobaLondon

As others have said in previous reviews these four castles are well worth the effort to see them. A straightforward climb, steep steps in places, but do-able by our 7 year old without complaint, from the centre d'accueil up to the four magnificent castle towers, each one different. History you can see and feel and touch without guided accompaniment. Brilliant! Information leaflet in English (panels at the site in French only) was really interesting on historical background and tower details. For a family of five we felt the total entrance fee of 18 euros was really good value for money - we could have spent longer than the 2 1/2 hours we were there. And the views were breathtaking. Would highly recommend this. One tip though... don't forget your water bottle! It's thirsty work!

Ciaran-O

This site is not for those with mobility problems, it is a difficult climb all the way to the four chateaux atop the hills overlooking Lastours. The paths wouldn't pass any Occupational Health and Safety test. The walk, if all four sites and the village are visited takes about an hour and a half depending on fitness. However, the views all around are spectacular and the difficulty of the climb simply explains the reason the castles were built. The remains are rather limited after time and attack have had their way but a clear impression can be gained of what used to be. Anyone who has ever built a rock wall will appreciate the extent of labour required to build these fortifications. Before you go it is valuable to investigate the history of the site especially of the Cathars, the Albigensian Crusade and Simon de Montfort's brutality. A visit here is well worth the effort. Access is via the museum past the restaurant and auberge.

757JulieB

Amazing view and scenery over the Chateaux de Lastours. Well worth going to, we did 3 of the 4 castles as they were renovating on one of them but was close enough to see it all. The castles were fantastic, amazing how they were built so high up. Highly recommend this.

Chip1701

I'm not sure much new can be said about this attraction since it has already been reviewed many times here. The climb up to see the four castles that make up the Chateaux de Lastours requires 30 or so minutes, depending on what kind of shape you are in. It is an up-hill climb all the way and not for everyone. The castle ruins are just that, but interesting to see up-close-and-personal. For 2 Euros more added on to your ticket price, however, you can also drive up the nearby hill (follow signs to Belvédère), take a short two-minute relatively level walk, and have a wonderful panoramic view of all four castles that might beat any of the close up views we had on the hike up. You can also just drive up to Belvédère and pay 2 Euros to only do the panoramic view. We thought it was spectacular.

PF1972

My husband and I did the 2 hour climb with our children aged 7 and 11. It was a steep climb and a bit narrow at times but it was well worth it. The views from the top were just sensational. The 4 ruins were all quite different but were all beautiful. My kids were just fascinated with it all and never once complained about the walk. I would highly recommend making the effort.

MunroBasher

There are two parts to the visit, and the modest entry fee covers them both.The 'main attraction' is in the village where the path to the castles starts from a converted mill and winds fairly easily up the hill. It's a bit rough in places so consider your footwear. The path passes through a cave about half way up (and down) which is a good spot to pause to get out of the sun and cool down again.The other part is a short drive away to the viewpoint that overlooks the 4 castles. That's where all the classic photos of Lastours are taken from and it is well worth the detour up to it for the view of the chateaux and the surrounding area.

tommywelltravelled

The 4 chateaux are well worth visiting. One of the more spectacular of the many Cathar sites, the effort needed to walk up to and around these ruins is well worth while. Set atop a stunning ridge amid forests and chasms the views are stunning. Enter through a former factory and enjoy the views up and down.

MaryH631

These are abandoned castles that you can visit. There is about a 2 hour walk to get to them along a well marked path. Or you can view them from a lookout called Belvedere across the way. Watch for signs for Belvedere. You follow the road to the end. There is a small house or building there where you pay a small fee to view the castles. The building has souvenirs you can buy plus the lady there was able to answer any questions we had. Then you walk out the back of the building to a lookout point where you can clearly see all 4 castles. Great photo opportunity. Not sure visiting the castles up close would be beneficial unless you are interested in history especially Cathar history. Still, I am glad I got to see these ancient relics even though it was from afar.

Tonytourist

The lady in the visitor centre was very welcoming and informative. The walk up to the castles was better than I had feared. You need sensible footwear and I wouldn't recommend it on the hottest days. The views made it very worthwhile. It took us about 2.5 hours.

GeoffS84

These 4 castles are built along a spine of rock, so there is a bit of a climb to get to them. The path is good, and there are steps and handrails where needed, but do wear sensible shoes.Once up the views are stunning, bot of the castles themselves and of the surrounding countryside. Don't miss the excavations of the village beyond the fourth castle, interesting in themselves, and giving lovely views back up to the castles.Allow plenty of time, but don't worry about it closing, they leave an exit gate for those like us who just don't want to leave.........

helenal65

Wonderful and exciting walk around the 4 ruins of the cathar castles. It is a challenge but absolutely possible with good shoes, time and a bottle of water. My teenage boys loved it.

barnabyt127

I can strongly recommend this if you are in the area (nearest airpot, Carcassonne). You have to enter through a ticket office, I think it was about 6euros pp. Its well worth it! Then you climb up the hill, pretty steep, absolutely you do need walking footware, and would be impossible for the disabled. The views of the lovely countryside are wonderful. There is a cave you go through. There are about 4 old forts up there. I estimate if you walked round all the ruins probably it would take a couple of hours. Take plenty water. The only thing for those who don't speak french is that the descriptions are all in French (after all, why not?!), and only French. Maybe there is a leaflet in the ticket office. Its very natural, unspoilt, and I strongly recommend Lastours!