Château de Belcaire is situated on the outskirts of a small community which is the principal village on the Pays de Sault plateau. The plateau lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees (only 60kms from Andorra) at a height of 1,000metres. This means that you are spared the midday heat of the Mediterranean coast but can enjoy the sunshine that the South of France provides. Here you find yourself deep in unspoilt countryside, amid lush meadows and pastures carpeted with wildflowers.
Discover the wildlife and flora of the upland meadows and the more dramatic scenery where gorges split the craggy landscape, the home of eagles and vultures. Just a few steps from the Château and you are off the roads (on foot or bike) and into the countryside with no other sign of civilisation except the occasional path sign. Maps are provided. For the more adventurous drive a mere 20 minutes and you are in the high Pyrenean peaks.
In contrast, try the bustle of the local markets. Visit the Monday market at Mirepoix with its fresh local produce and interesting craft stalls in the surroundings of an ancient Bastide town before retreating from the heat to one of its many bars and restaurants. With a little more time take the car to the ancient cities of Carcassonne and Perpignan or explore the coastal delights towards the Spanish border of Collioure and Banuyls sur Mer. Don’t forget Andorra before you go home to pick up your duty-free!
Historically Belcaire has been a place where the forces of Spain (and the Saracens) and of France have fought for supremacy. The Château replaces an older Cathar castle which stood at the highest point in the village. The area is famous as the last refuge of the Cathar religion (or heresy to Catholics), once found all across the south of France and including all stratas of society.The Cathars were persecuted by a crusade starting in 1208. The “true believers” were forced back into their mountain retreats and their castles became the focus of resistance. Montségur is the most famous and nearest to Belcaire. A 25 minutes drive from Belcaire, it is a healthy but enjoyable climb to the top. From here you can see the mountains in one direction and to the north an enormous vista towards Toulouse. Other castles nearby are Puivert which has an interesting museum, Montaillou well known as the whole village fell under suspicion eventually for Catharism and was investigated by the Inquisition, and well worth a visit and easily accessible are Perypertuse, Queribus, Puilaurens and Arques.
Recently, Rennes-le-Château has become a place of international fascination partly due to the “Da Vinci” phenomenon. Like Montségur with its tale of lost Cathar gold, Rennes le Chateau is believed to hide the gold from the Templar castle which once existed overlooking the river Aude. Whatever the merits of this story, and it has many, fascinating details, it a spot well worth visiting for its fabulous views!
Other activities include;
Horse riding - http://www.pays-de-couiza.com/cassaign/blanchef/blanchef.html
Gliding and hang gliding http http://www.aude-en-pyrenees.fr/pages/tourisme/vol_en.html
Falconry http://www.chateau-peyrepertuse.com/
Canoeing and kayaking http://www.languedoc-france.info/040205_canoo.htm