Chateaux de Lastours
Chateaux de Lastours
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
590 reviews
Excellent
397
Very good
155
Average
24
Poor
9
Terrible
5
rosemarytraveler
Sarasota, FL673 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The ruins of the castles tower over the valley like sentries. The route up to them is tough...steep and rocky with many steps. But, well worth it! One gets a real sense of history.
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your positive comments and your visit !!
Written 4 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain11,469 contributions
Aug 2021
Chateaux de Lastours are 4 Cathar Castles located in Lastours, a little town in the South of France. It is a great ruined castle (in fact, they are 4 little ruined castles called Cabaret, Tour Regine, Surdespine and Querthineux), Three of them were built before 11th Century, and the last one (Tour Regine) was buil after 13th Century to cotrol better all the surroundings.
If you can see all castles, you will do a little hike (about 15-20 minutes) to arrive to the first castle from the entrance and you see 4 wonderful stone towers. It is a grat hike to do with children. Really, views of the surroundings from every tower are excellent, and views from each to other towers are very nice, specially from a nearer view point, from where you can see clearly the disposition of 4 castles to defend land.
If you can see all castles, you will do a little hike (about 15-20 minutes) to arrive to the first castle from the entrance and you see 4 wonderful stone towers. It is a grat hike to do with children. Really, views of the surroundings from every tower are excellent, and views from each to other towers are very nice, specially from a nearer view point, from where you can see clearly the disposition of 4 castles to defend land.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your positive comments and practical explanations. Thank you for your visit
Written 17 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorthK1954
Winnipeg, Canada143 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Absolute must do! Incredible views and history. Recommend reading up before you go (if English speaking). English guide is good… but there’s so much more to know. Amazing site!
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your positive feedback and thank you for your visit
Written 17 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicolò V
Malmö, Sweden4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
The surrounding are beautiful, but they should reshape the expectations.
The guide for foreigners is very short, nothing you won't find on Wikipedia.
Half of the content are stones without any art, but plants growing on them and here and there a plate in French saying simply "Maison", "Ecurie" etc. The tracks are not well kept. There are indications for a "new track" that doesn't appear on the map and several look like tracks, but are dead end, even dangerous.
Of the towers, only 2 have more than the ground floor.
THERE IS NO RECONSTRUCTION! NO 3D DESIGN! Just text less insightful than internet. The fact that they speculate on the Cathars is ironical, considering the Cathars preached detachment from worldly possession.
The guide for foreigners is very short, nothing you won't find on Wikipedia.
Half of the content are stones without any art, but plants growing on them and here and there a plate in French saying simply "Maison", "Ecurie" etc. The tracks are not well kept. There are indications for a "new track" that doesn't appear on the map and several look like tracks, but are dead end, even dangerous.
Of the towers, only 2 have more than the ground floor.
THERE IS NO RECONSTRUCTION! NO 3D DESIGN! Just text less insightful than internet. The fact that they speculate on the Cathars is ironical, considering the Cathars preached detachment from worldly possession.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The site of Lastours has an area of 14 hectares which is maintained by the small village of Lastours (about 170 inhabitants) but also thanks to volunteers and work insertion sites.
The cost of rebuilding the castles is very high and impossible. Since 1905, the castles of Lastours have been classified as "historical monuments". The projects undertaken allow these monuments to be preserved and partially renovated.
You have had the chance to visit a listed site because of its fauna and flora. The site of Lastours is also a candidate for UNESCO heritage.
Sometimes, you have to appreciate simple things and disconnect from the virtual to appreciate.
Written 17 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tania LW
Conques-sur-Orbiel, France18 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Lovely place to explore. So much history in one location.
The walk up is not as bad as it looks and well worth the effort.
Pack a picnic to take with.
The walk up is not as bad as it looks and well worth the effort.
Pack a picnic to take with.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much!!
Written 21 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alice
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Amazing place with a beautiful view. Easy walk you can do with the entire family. The staff is friendly and the work done in the garden and the path is amazing. I highly recommend
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Written 27 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Archaeobuff
Sydney, Australia2,012 contributions
Sep 2019
I drove up to the belvedere for a birds eye view from the amphitheatre like seating opposite the four Cathar castles on a ridge. These castles held out for many years, resisting sieges in 1209 and 1227, until eventually falling during the Cathar crusades. What a great sight. I did not need the 2 hr climb to see them - I had a bigger fish to fry in Carcasonne. But what a sight this was sitting on a ridge opposite. To access keep on driving past the castles entry through the village. All the facilities.
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your advice!!
Written 10 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Northern_Baggie
Bury, UK999 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
This is a great place to visit but wear sensible shoes and be prepared for some serious steps and rough terrain. Forget buggies while if you are not as fit as you could/should be I'd also think carefully as this is not a leisurely walk.
Saying that for €8 per adult the place is stunning. Just like out of a fantasy novel yet not one but four different complexes perched on rock pinnacles to visit. Make it up there and the views are stunning
Given the walking I'd want to avoid this on a hot summer day. Also bear in mind its around 10 mins from the free public car park at the start of the village.
Overall, well worth it with a free guide book 'en Anglais' thrown in.
Saying that for €8 per adult the place is stunning. Just like out of a fantasy novel yet not one but four different complexes perched on rock pinnacles to visit. Make it up there and the views are stunning
Given the walking I'd want to avoid this on a hot summer day. Also bear in mind its around 10 mins from the free public car park at the start of the village.
Overall, well worth it with a free guide book 'en Anglais' thrown in.
Written 25 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you for your advice!
Written 10 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian C
London, UK23,970 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
The Romans mined tin and gold here. On top of a rocky outcrop are the ruins of the four castles of Lastours, built in the 12th and 13th centuries and destroyed under the Crusades.
The four residences - Cabaret, La Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertinheux - were, because of the natural resources, exceptionally wealthy and were home to Pierre-Roger de Cabaret and his brother who fought against the evil excesses of the Crusades in the region. Religion and power have a lot to answer for.
The Belvédère across the valley provides an impressive view of this hilltop site which we visited on an early evening.
The four residences - Cabaret, La Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertinheux - were, because of the natural resources, exceptionally wealthy and were home to Pierre-Roger de Cabaret and his brother who fought against the evil excesses of the Crusades in the region. Religion and power have a lot to answer for.
The Belvédère across the valley provides an impressive view of this hilltop site which we visited on an early evening.
Written 21 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very complete historical summary!! We are delighted that you liked the site as well
Written 10 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ivyrose2016
Adelaide, Australia9 contributions
Sep 2019
I fully agree with other reviewers regarding the castles and the views so I won't go into extra detail here. I would have liked some more information in English to save me googling it back at the hotel to find out exactly what I was looking at. I'm not sure why the Spanish lady selling the tickets felt the need to make fun of my wife and I simply because we didn't speak Spanish or French. Asking rudely if we spoke French, in French and then asking if we spoke Spanish in French just to mock us. And all the while looking at, smirking and gesturing to her female colleague about what a great show she was creating. This lady then proceeded to speak in fluent English and we bought tickets We merely asked 'do you speak Engish?' as we approached the counter. What a way to start the afternoon. As I said, great castles but we just left with a bad taste in our mouths because of this treatment.
Written 26 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are surprised by this incident and thank you for your report.
Written 4 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Noemi G
11 contributions
Buenas tardes. ¿Se puede llevar comida en plan bocadillos para comer por el camino? Gracias.
BarbaraBLM
Perpignan, France32 contributions
Bonjour, le sites est il accessible (prochainement donc il ne fait pas trop chaud) à un enfant de 4 ans équipé et bon marcheur ? Combien de temps compter pour la montée, la visite et la descente ? Merci
Bonjour, la visite est accessible à un enfant mais tout de même sous surveillance. La montée au 1er château est de 20 minutes, la durée totale de la visite est de deux heures.
Maxime57930
Sarrebourg, France25 contributions
Bonjour, le circuit découverte des châteaux est-il accessible avec des enfants de 3 et 6 ans ?
Merci !
_itmarie
Montpellier, France5 contributions
Sous le soleil peut-être pas car au départ ça monte vraiment pas mal. Je dirai un enfant de 6 ans en le motivant en racontant une histoire de chevalier oui, 3 ans, non il faut le porte bébé !
ElaineWindsorUK
Windsor UK141 contributions
Hello, we hope to visit this area in April and we have several questions:
1. Are the sites (walk and Belvedere) open every day?
2. If we only wanted to go to the Belvedere ...
a) is that a difficult drive (that is, a very narrow, steep, winding road) and if so, approx. how long does it take?
b) is it possible to walk to the Belvedere and if so, approx. how long does it take?
Thank you
Archaeobuff
Sydney, Australia2,012 contributions
Hi, the belvedere is actually a fairly long distance from the the Chateaux because it is like a balcony on the opposite side of the valley looking across to the magnificent sight of the 4 castles. Driving there was easy - about 5 minutes from the town with the entrance to Lastours.
PandKLloyd
97 contributions
Hi, thanks for your post. We want to walk up the overlook. Can you tell me how to get there? Were those pics taken from the Belevedere?
carole h
Adelaide, Australia319 contributions
Hi - sorry so late replying! Hope I can help; we did the walk first, parked near the visitors carpark. Then used the map/signs to get to the lookout by car - only a 5 minute drive, park at the top & easy stroll (2 mins) to the lookout. Fabulous!
France A
1 contribution
REVIEW.. By France A
We climbed this hill to the 4 towers with my mother-in-law (ma belle-mere) who was 82 years old ! She was leading the 3 of us! It was a warm day in summer.. But there is a cool large room of a cave where you can si, rest & cool off.. We live locally & take all of our visitors here! It's fantastic!
You must also enjoy the museum which exhibits the artifacts still being found on the site.. There you will also find related books on Cathar history ..very nice display.. Clean, beautiful.. Never disappointing! Stop here for a pic nic before wine tasting! You also have a bakery & 2 restaurants nearby in the village by the river.. Everyone loves this climb!
4chateaux
Lastours, France13 contributions
Thank you for your comment! We are delighted that our site as well as the small village of Lastours enchanted you !
jeanfrazer
Mirepoix, France
Bonjour, mon amie ayant été opérée des pieds il y a 4 mois, elle a encore quelques difficultés à marcher ...
La randonnée d'accès aux châteaux est-elle longue ?
Merci
4chateaux
Lastours, France13 contributions
Bonjour je suis désolée de vous répondre si tardivement.
la visite des Châeaus de Lastours nécessitent une heure et demi a deux heures, le dénivelé est de 100 mètres, des escaliers régulièrement irréguliers, des sentiers et de temps à autre des cailloux. par contre le site du Belvédère lui est totalement accessible même aux personnes a mobilité réduite. le billet des châteaux est de 6€ par adulte et 2€ par enfant, Belvédère inclus, si vous ne faites pas la visite des Châteaux le Belvédère seul le billet est de 2€ par adultes les enfants ne paient pas. j'espère vous voir sous peu.
Bien cordialement Thérèse
Stephan T
3 contributions
Comment me rendre aux chateaux de Lastours en transport public depuis Carcassonne?
Corinne C
5 contributions
Il y a un bus en semaine qui fait le trajet de Carcassonne à Lastours entre autre pour le transport scolaire. Pour les horaires voir sur le site su conseil départemental de l'Aude, sur : audelignes, cg11
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chateaux de Lastours
- Hotels near Chateaux de Lastours:
- (0.27 km) Quiet campsite in the heart of the Cathar country
- (0.54 km) Camping Le Belvedere
- (0.93 km) La Salimonde
- (13.43 km) Carcassonne Bed And Breakfast Du Palais
- (13.82 km) La Cour Carree
- Restaurants near Chateaux de Lastours:
- (0.05 km) Le Puits du Tresor
- (0.06 km) L'AUBERGE DU DIABLE AU THYM
- (0.07 km) Auberge de L'orbiel
- (0.06 km) Le Puits du Trésor
- (0.21 km) Le Moulin de Lastours