Cathar Castles, Carcassonne

See the World Heritage-listed walled citadel at Cathar Castles and get a glimpse into one of the most dramatic periods of French history. Locals often refer to these castles as "cinq fils de Carcassonne," the five sons of Carcassonne. Built by the French kings to protect the country's southern border against invasions from Spain, the structures stand on spots once occupied by small but heavily fortified villages. Abandoned after France and Spain signed a peace treaty in 1659, the fortresses lost their importance and slowly fell into disrepair. Restored in the 20th century, Carcassonne's castles and their citadel now serve as the region's main tourist attractions. Before you head to Carcassonne, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Carcassonne trip planner, to make sure you see all that Carcassonne has to offer, including Cathar Castles.