Is Roquefixade a Cathar castle?

It was not built by the Cathars, but it served as a refuge and stronghold for the Albigensians in the 13th century.

Can visitors go inside the castle?

No, only open-air ruins remain, with no roofed interior.

Why was the castle destroyed?

Louis XIII ordered its demolition in 1632 following the Languedoc revolt with which the castle had been associated.

How do you reach the ruins?

A path starting from the village of Roquefixade leads on foot up to the rocky spur where the remains stand.

Château de Roquefixade

Roquefixade Castle

Roquefixade

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Where: Roquefixade

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Roquefixade stands in Roquefixade (Ariège), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 12th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Perched on a limestone spur between Foix and Lavelanet, in the Ariège region, the ruins of the Roquefixade castle overlook the village below. Its name comes from the split rock, a fissure spanned by a vault on the north side. Associated with the Cathar resistance during the Albigensian period, the castle later passed to the French crown before being demolished in the 17th century by order of Louis XIII.

Written from Château de Roquefixade

This place also features in The Cathar castles

What to know

The site consists of ruins only, with no roof or interior features remaining.
Access is on foot via a path from the village, involving a climb up to the rocky spur.
The site is a listed historic monument and has no known opening hours or admission fees.
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended given the rocky terrain and the uphill approach.

Where this château is

Roquefixade · Ariège · Occitanie

Map of the area around Château de Roquefixade

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Roquefixade, Ariège

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00135437
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 12th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is Roquefixade a Cathar castle?: It was not built by the Cathars, but it served as a refuge and stronghold for the Albigensians in the 13th century.
Can visitors go inside the castle?: No, only open-air ruins remain, with no roofed interior.
Why was the castle destroyed?: Louis XIII ordered its demolition in 1632 following the Languedoc revolt with which the castle had been associated.
How do you reach the ruins?: A path starting from the village of Roquefixade leads on foot up to the rocky spur where the remains stand.