OUR LIFE IN CHALABRE: An American Expat in the South of France

MONTSEGUR (April 2008) Montségur is in the Ariège département next door. It is famous for its castle, the last stronghold of the Cathars in 1244. In 1929, Otto Rahn was the first to link Montségur and the Cathars with the Holy Grail, hence its popularity. (Also see Rennes-le-Château.) The local hotel restaurant, Costes (website), is enthusiastically recommended for its food and service. The "pog" of Montségur The castle looms over the village The village church A village street Satellite dish and Cathar ruins cohabit A local snack bar New blossoms The castle The castle (another angle) The road to the castle The valley below The valley below (another angle) ROQUEFIXADE (April 2008) Roquefixade is a small town located between Lavelanet and Foix in the Ariège, with the ruins of a 12th century castle on a cliff overlooking the village. Roquefixade A strange rock formation nearby The castle The castle (another angle) FOIX (April 2008) Foix is the capital of the Ariège. It is remarkable for its castle, built in the 7th century by the Counts of Foix. It is now a museum devoted to prehistory, Gallo-Roman and mediaeval archaeology. (website) The castle The castle (another angle)