Considerable research has been made into the very often bloody and tragic history of the Cathar people (1145-1310AD), a group of enlightened christians known as the "bons hommes" (the good men), a movement that swept through Italy and Germany into France taking a strong foothold in the Languedoc. Catharism was based on a simple lifestyle opposed to materialism and possessions. Its message was totally at odds with catholicism, viewed as a large pompous and fraudulent body,having lost its integrity and sold out for power & corruption.
The Catholic Church, seeing these spreading beliefs as a threat to the established order, declared them heretics and instigated the Albigensian Crusade to crush them, led by knights and former crusaders to the Holy Land seeking land and promised riches as the booty of victory. it began with the bloody massacre at Beziers, where an estimate of betwenn 10-15000 souls were lost, where the catholic leader was asked "how will we recognise the Cathars, to which his reply was "kill them all, God will know his own". It ended in 1242 when following the siege of Montsegur, 140 cathars unwilling to renounce their faith were led to be burnt on the funeral pyres. An inquisition followed for more than a century to eliminate any remnants of catharism that subsequently sprang up. Spies, informants and forced confessions created an uneasy feeling throughout the region. It has been referred to as one of the earliest forms of ethnic cleansing. Records from the time of the Inquisition declared that the Cathars possessed a treasure described as "....so powerful as to transform the world".
Now today we can still gain a glimpse of this fascinating history through the remains of 11 castles, 7 abbeys and 2 museums plus many fortified villages and bastide towns that remain as a witness to this bygone era.
A wide variety of alternative pleasures exist in this region, such as the lively local markets and festivals that are steeped in history. Add to this a sprinkling of quaint villages, Collioure's coastal charm plus mountain lakes and waterfalls which have acted as a magnet to hikers and famous artists through time who have left their imprint on the region. The people here are hospitable, respecting the nature and land that supports many of them, justifiably proud of their long rich heritage.
one of the aims of these tours is to give you a glimpse into this vibrant world and hopefully to be seduced by the charms of this corner of France for many happy returns.
[If you would like more detailed information on the Cathare history, download this file : Detailed Cathare History]
Much more information links on the cathar history can be found on Useful Information links page
The Catholic Church, seeing these spreading beliefs as a threat to the established order, declared them heretics and instigated the Albigensian Crusade to crush them, led by knights and former crusaders to the Holy Land seeking land and promised riches as the booty of victory. it began with the bloody massacre at Beziers, where an estimate of betwenn 10-15000 souls were lost, where the catholic leader was asked "how will we recognise the Cathars, to which his reply was "kill them all, God will know his own". It ended in 1242 when following the siege of Montsegur, 140 cathars unwilling to renounce their faith were led to be burnt on the funeral pyres. An inquisition followed for more than a century to eliminate any remnants of catharism that subsequently sprang up. Spies, informants and forced confessions created an uneasy feeling throughout the region. It has been referred to as one of the earliest forms of ethnic cleansing. Records from the time of the Inquisition declared that the Cathars possessed a treasure described as "....so powerful as to transform the world".
Now today we can still gain a glimpse of this fascinating history through the remains of 11 castles, 7 abbeys and 2 museums plus many fortified villages and bastide towns that remain as a witness to this bygone era.
A wide variety of alternative pleasures exist in this region, such as the lively local markets and festivals that are steeped in history. Add to this a sprinkling of quaint villages, Collioure's coastal charm plus mountain lakes and waterfalls which have acted as a magnet to hikers and famous artists through time who have left their imprint on the region. The people here are hospitable, respecting the nature and land that supports many of them, justifiably proud of their long rich heritage.
one of the aims of these tours is to give you a glimpse into this vibrant world and hopefully to be seduced by the charms of this corner of France for many happy returns.
[If you would like more detailed information on the Cathare history, download this file : Detailed Cathare History]
Much more information links on the cathar history can be found on Useful Information links page
