More details on this house can be found at the Holiday Rentals website
See my self-catering holiday home No. 418243 on Holiday-Rentals
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at the Holiday Lettings website
Capendu houses to let
Directions to the house:
The house is located at 2 Rue Traversiere, Capendu 11700, France.
It is between Rue de Traversiere and Rue de Verdun at the Rue de Verdun end of the street. Your sat-nav will probably direct you to the other end next to the “Marie” or Town hall – but you are not far if you get here! The "A" on the google map is close but not exact.
Street map of village
View Larger Map
Capendu is situated between Carcassonne and Lezignan Corbieres on the D6113.
If you are coming from the West (eg Toulouse) on the motorway:
Take exit 24 – Carcassonne-Est towards Trebes toll road. Keep left at the fork and continue toward D6113. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for Narbonne/Trebes and merge onto D6113. Go through 3 roundabouts. Take a right after the lights on to Avenue des Anciens Combattants/D57 and you are in Capendu
There is a one way system in place so follow the road and as you enter the main square take the far left exit. Take a left at the next junction and the house is just 50 metres on the left from there.
If you cannot park immediately outside the house then pass the house on rue de Verdun and take a right at the “Cafe de la Terrasse” and there is a car park in on the right.
If you are coming from the East (eg Narbonne) on the motorway:
On the A61, head towards Carcassonne/Toulouse/Lezignan-Corbieres. Take exit 25-Lezignan towards Lezignan-Corbieres. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto D611 heading to Ferrals-les-Corbieres/Fabrezan/Durban-Corbieres. Slight right to stay on D611. Slight right at D111. Turn left at Avenue de Carcassonne/D111. Continue to follow D111. Turn left at D111/D2113. Turn right at Rue Camille Pelletan/D65. Continue to follow D65. Turn left at D6113. Take the third exit of the roundabout to enter Capendu. Pass the Alairic college on the left and over the speed ramps. Turn right at the junction. Follow rue du college. Turn right onto rue de Verdun and the house is about 50 metres on the left.
By Air Most International airlines serve the airport at Toulouse, (70 mins from Capendu) Ryanair has budget flights from – Dublin, East Midlands, London, Liverpool, Shannon or Cork to Carcassonne, (15 minutes from Capendu) - Dublin to Girona, (2 hours from Capendu) - London to Montpelier & Perpignan, both 1 1/2 hours from Capendu. Capendu is easily reached by the motorway network (A61 or D6113) Travel time from the channel ports takes approximately 12 hours including breaks. Motorail runs from ferryports to Toulouse and Narbonne. Santander in Northern Spain would be the nearest ferry port (6 hrs) sailing from Plymouth. Car hire is available at airports from Hertz, Europcar, Avis.
Trebes close by, (5 mins drive) offers all the necessary facilities such as; Grocers, petrol, supermarkets, chemist, newsagent, banks etc. All major stores and supermarkets are found in Trebes & Carcassonne
The village has all the services you require:
- Post office
- Mini-market
- Restaurant
- Butcher,
- Patisserie
- Pharmacy
- Doctor
- Cafe-bar
- Communal pool
- Internet (at the Maison Comunale, where you will also get local gigs and events information) Newsagent
- Local wine shop
- Beauty salon,
- Art gallery
- Concert hall (check local newspaper L’independant on Saturdays which has a pullout for all the local gigs and events)
Communal bins and recycling points are provided in the village. General rubbish is left in the bin near the Cafe de la Terrasse (black bags only) and the nearest recycling point is near the old railway station (Up by the public pool).
Where to start?
Nestling in a traditional village amongst the vineyards, it takes 15 mins to get to Carcassonne and less than 45 minutes to drive to the Mediterranean beaches. Restaurants and shops are only a few minutes walk away. This is the main wine producing area of France, so you will have ample opportunities for wine tasting. In summer, there are local events almost every day. The “Cite” in Carcassonne is unmissable! It gets busy in summer, so go early in the morning. Other must-sees are the Cathar castles at Lastours and the Gouffre Giant de Cabrespine. O2 is a wonderful aerial climbing park for adults & children alike, just next to Carcassonne. In winter, you can drive to the Pyrenean ski resorts in about 2 hrs. A huge selection of good pistes, cross country skiing, snowboarding, trekking with snow shoes and working with huskies & sledges. You can build your own igloo & spend the night in it!
Some pics of the house and rooms
Bedroom one
The terrace
Bedroom 2 (Twin option)
Double option
Stone sink on first floor landing
Kitchen
Kitchen
Dining room
Dining room
Living room
Pics of the village
The local Café-bar
Road to Capendu
Village church
The "Marie"
Carcassonne
The Medieval city of Carcassonne is a major attraction in the South of France and a must-see for anyone visiting the region. On bastille day there is a massive fireworks display at the old Cite. During the summer months, there are many outdoor events scheduled in Carcassonne ranging from Opera to rock concerts. Some of these events are free of charge, however, it may be necessary to check if tickets are required for larger events. The main City of Carcassonne has many shops, bars and restaurants around and off the main square - Place Carnot. There is a large market here on Saturday where you can experience real French life after which you can enjoy lunch around the square. The neighbouring town of Trebes (5 mins away) is a main port of call for the Canal du Midi, where you can hire boats or just take a short trip on the Canal.
Visit:
http://www.carcassonne-tourisme.com/carcassonne_EN.nsf/vuetitre/docpgeIntroVisiter
“La Cite” with the river Aude.
“La Cite”
The fountain in Place de Carnot - Carcassonne
The nearby lakes (Jouarre & Cavayere) offer swimming and water sports. Walking and cycling are popular pastimes. The more energetic can enjoy hiking in the Montagne Noir. For a relaxing stroll, the Canal du Midi is the perfect place. The Golf Club in Carcassonne is open to visitors and clubs can be hired. The bistro restaurant in the Golf Club have a lovely lunch menu very reasonably priced.
Things to do and see in the Languedoc
(See the links for more information on any of the headings below)
Activities nearby:
Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Canyoning, Cycling, Flying, French tuition, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Ice skating, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Paragliding, Photography, Photography, Rambling, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Shopping, Sightseeing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Water sports, Wind Surfing, Wine tasting, Wine touring.
Walking in our area is magnificent. The Black mountains can literally be explored for days without coming across other walkers.
Bike riding through the vineyards or through the quiet country roads is heavenly.
Dozens and dozens of both small and large wineries welcome visitors for tasting.
Exploring the villages and markets is a wonderfully French experience.
Lakes of the area
Lac de Jouarre (20 mins)
Situated between Azille and Olonzac in the Minervios where you can find sailing, swimming and fishing
Lac de la Cavayere (20-25 mins)
known as 'Carcassonne Plage' this picturesque lake is not just for taking a stroll. It is also a health resort, an amusement park, a place where adults and children can have fun, a special place where you can relax within a stone's throw from Carcassonne.
With its picnic areas (with barbecue), children's games, water sports, sandy beaches and grassy edges, fishing, and the ideal place for walking, this lake is a true haven of peace, freshness and delight. The park provides sandy beaches, picnic areas, crazy golf and volleyball all accessible via a broad path that circumnavigates the lake.
You can walk all the way around the lake (in about an hour) you'll discover a wide variety of landscapes and environmental conditions, from freshness to aridity, from woods to wastelands, from shadow to full light. You'll notice this region's three dominating hues: blue, green and ochre. In the middle of the lake, you'll see a bird's island used for the nesting of ducks and other aquatic species.Practical Details Swimming: • Only in life-guard supervised areas delimited by buoys between 12:30 and 7 pm. Other activities : • All water sports allowed except motor boats, pedalo hire, crazy golf, walking, horseback and pony riding, boules, picnics in dedicated areas.
Opening period • 15 June through 31 August How to get there by bus: • (Carcassonne) Line 7 of the city’s public transportation system provides easy access to the lake from Carcassonne. How to get there by car : • Take the Montlegun turn off the A61 motorway (or national route between Capendu and Trebes.)
Lac de Montbel (1 hour)
In the foothills of the Pyrenees this grand lake offers sensational walking, swimming and sailing, as well as a passenger boat that provides tours around the key access points and wildlife sites.
Lac de Saint Ferreol (55 mins)
Nestled up in the Montagne Noir this beautiful lake offers walking, swimming, sailing and fishing as well as numerous restaurants and cafes in the village of St Ferreol. The lake is approximately 150 acres of water nestled amongst pine and deciduous forest above Revel. Surrounded by a park of a further 150 acres, criss-crossed with marked footpaths, it is the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends. Dotted with restaurants around its banks, Saint-Ferreol is popular with sailors, canoeists, joggers, walkers, sunbathers and swimmers.
Location: Just outside Revel, 20km north of Castelnaudry, on the D629.General Info: The Lac de St-Ferréol has facilites including restaurants.Description: This artificial reservoir with a 780 metre long dam supplies water to the Canal du Midi via a 20km waterway. There is some delightful walking in the woods around the lake.Our recommendations: For a bit more seclusion you could make a detour to the Lac de Lampy which is higher up in the mountains. The Lac de Lampy is a perfect starting point for walking in the Black Mountains.For the children: They will love swimming or sailing in the lake, or hiring one of the pedaloes.
Lac de Ganguise
Home of the 'French Sailing School' this lake offers boat hire, windsurfing and sailing tuition throughout the season. It is located near the village of Baraigne which is not far from Castlenaudry on the main route (A61) between Carcassonne and Toulouse (Approx 71km) from Capendu.
Other Lakes and Reservoirs in the region
Lac du Lampy/ Lac des Cammazes /Lac de Belcaire/ Lac de Camurac/ Lac de Laprade
Art and Painting workshops in the Languedoc.
Landscape Painting. Six day intensive field based course with multiple tutors. Mentoring from professional painters, the course includes workshops, slide shows and visits to locations. Based at Renaissance château in Cathar country. Telephone + 33 (0)468 20 11 42e-mail: sophie@ferreolus.infoWebsite: www.ferreolus.info
Sasha Hetherington, illustrator and fine artist.Painting, printing, illustration & design courses. Painting Holidays A La Carte. En Ramounas, amid wheat fields and sunflower fields. Tuition can be arranged for individuals or groups. Help with materials and equipment. Website:
www.gopaintfrance.com
Wine Tasting and making
**Local brands are available at "Chateau Capendu" just off the main square or head to Comigne a few kilometers away (turn right at the post office) and fill up your own container with local produce at a VERY reasonable price!**
Wine has been produced in Languedoc for more than 2000 years. As you drive around the Languedoc, you will see numerous signs reading "dégustation". The word originally denoted the art of recognising a wine, its place of origin, quality, and age just from the taste, but now it just means free tasting. You can stop and taste wines at these places, and if you like what you taste you buy direct from the producer, sometimes at a significant discount. If you want to find out about what is currently recommended in the region, buy a copy of "Hachette" - it reviews the wines every year and provides reasonably comprehensive information about them.
Take a look at some of these Wine and Food Experiences in the Languedoc:
www.wine-food-languedoc.com An epicurean guide to the Languedoc. Offers guided tours of Languedoc wine domaines and Michelin or Gault Millau listed restaurants. Also covers Languedoc Culture.
ALFMED: Academie de Langues France Mediterannée: www.alfmed.com/uk/alf-4100.php Learn French in Perpignan in the Roussillon. The intensive programmes offered by ALFMED are focused on a group of diplomas called FLE (Francais Langue Etrangère or "French Language for Foreigners"). But accademic learning can be combined with activities such as gastronomy - based on the local food and wine. www.alfmed.com/uk/alf-4100.php?CatID=19&ArtID=119
Golf
For a detailed contact list, with phone numbers and websites, of all the golf clubs in the Languedoc see the links above on the right.
Winter Sports
For more detailed information on winter sports in the Languedoc please see the links above on the right providing informationon about Down hill skiing, cross country Skiing, Snow Kiting,snowboarding, and Dog Sledging and much more. (Check links above on the right)
Castles
The four Chateaux de Lastours. Cabaret, Tour Regine, Surdespine and Quertinheux all four built on the same rocky promontory, together controlled access into the Carbardes from the 11th century up to the French revolution 1789.
The Chateau de Villerouge-Termenes. Owned by the Archbishop of Narbonne, it became the property of Simon de Montfort when the castle at Termes surrendered in 1210.
The Chateau dAguilar. The ruins of the castle , standing on top of a rocky summit, consist of a high polygonal perimeter wall that narrows to a point on the vulnerable approach.
The Chateau d'Arques. The chateau is believed to date from the latter part of the 13th century, as the region immediately surrounding Arques has sheltered Cathar perfecti since the end of the 12th century.
The Chateau de Peyrepertuse. Forming the largest ensemble of fortifications of its type in the Languedoc region, it also offers the finest example of medieval military architecture in the region.
The Chateau de Puilaurens. Consists of a keep, modified and enlarged in the 11th and 12th centuries, within a walled enclosure on top of a rocky spur that blocks off the valley.
The Chateau de Queribus. This 13th - 14th century castle was the last stronghold to succumb to the crusaders (1255), it was converted by the central monarchy into a royal fortress to stand guard over the Spanish marches until 1659.
The Chateau de Termes. In the 13th century, this castle was a Cathar stronghold, resisting siege during the Albigensian Crusade for four months.
The Chateau de Saissac. Castle of medieval origin, with vast quadrangular defensive wall dominated by the remains of a polygonal dungeon.
The Cite of Fanjeaux. Standing at 360 meters altitude, this historic village offers a panoramic view over 7 French departments. In the 14th century it grew into a medieval stronghold with a population of 3000.
Abbeys
Fontfroide Abbey. Founded at the end of the 11th century by the Benedictines, it immediately became very prosperous. Affiliated to the Cistercian order in 1145, it was a bastion of religious orthodoxy during the period of the crusade against the Albigensian heretics.
Lagrasse Abbey. A benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century, it was restored under the Carolingians and prospered enormously from the 11th to the 13th centuries.
Saint Mary's Abbey at Villelongue. Founded in the 12th century, it toke an active role in the fight to suppress Catharism. The chapter house and the church date from the end of the 12th century, the cloister from from the beginning of the 14th.
The Abbey at Alet-les-Bains. Ruins of the former Cathedral of Notre Dame 12th century and the abbey building 12th-14th century.
The Abbey at Caunes-Minervois. Dating from the 8th century, a present day visit takes in the abbey church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the cloister and the monastery buildings.
The Abbey at saint Hilaire. This fortfied abbey was a Benedictine house founded in the 8th century. Also on the site are a Romanesque church 12th century, a Gothic nave 13th century with a tomb representing the martyrdom of Saint Sernin and a Gothic cloister 14th century.
The Abbey at Saint Papoul. A fortified Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century. The church is 12th - 14th century. The cloister was rebuilt in the 14th century.
The Abbey at Saint Polycarpe. Initially a fortified Benedictine abbey founded at the end of the 8th century. The 11th century abbey is dedicated to the Virgin.
Carcassonne Festival.
Each year there is an excellent summer season (normally from the end of June through to the end of July) of opera, orchestral and pop concerts, theatre, dance and jazz in the open air theatre of the medieval city of Carcassonne: www.festivaldecarcassonne.com
Cathédrale Saint Michel, 52 rue Voltaire, 11000 Carcassonne, Tél: 04 68 25 14 48, The cathedral is between Rue Voltaire and Boulevard Bardés in Square de L'Armistice. Organ concerts are held here, particularly during the period of religious festivals. Basilique de Saint Nazaire: La cité, During the summer months, that is July, August and the first half of September, there are organ recitals each Sunday.
Markets
For a detailed list of all the markets in the Languedoc - please see the link for the markets above on the right.
Most towns have regular market days. Languedoc markets sell local meat, fruit, vegitables, cheese, sea-food, clothes, jewellery, fabrics, shoes, kitchen utensils, tools and flowers. Look out for the charcuterie and the many varieties of olives.Look out also for brocants, puces and vide-greniers.
Brocantes: markets for second hand household items, bric-a-brac rather than antiques but often with interesting items.
Puces: flea markets (as well as fleas and thumbs) - often at regular times and places.
Vide-greniers: vide-grenier means "empty attic". The idea is that everyone in a village will rake out accumulated rubbish from their house to sell to their neighbours and anyone else interested.
The Canal du Midi
Brief Description: This 360-km network of navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.) is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Built between 1667 and 1694, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. The care that its creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet, took in the design and the way it blends with its surroundings turned a technical achievement into a work of art.
The Canal du Midi is the oldest working canal in the world, and is mostly now used for leisure. You can travel along the 240 km of its length by barge on the canal, or walking or cycling along side it, and eating and drinking at various beautiful spots along it.
There are many companies who operate barge tours and cycling tours along the Canal some are mentioned below.
Boat and cycle hire - For a gastronomic barge tour of the canal, try La Tortue Tours. They have a luxury barge and the owners are culinary superstars. Eat well and travel along the most beautiful waterway in Europe! www.latortue.com
Go Barging www.gobarging.com
The Barge Company www.thebargecompany.com
Cycling the Canal du Midi www.veloloco.com
http://www.languedoc-nature.com/eng/fiches/CP-Cruise-Canal-Midi.htm
Fishing
Rivier fishing (angling) in Languedoc Roussillon, South France is excellent - thanks to the variety of fish species. Hundreds of rivers, streams, lakes and etangs (salt-water lakes) are full with a wide variety of fish - from Trout to Eels. You have to have a fishing pass to fish in Languedoc (Carte de Pêche Vacances). It's valid between June 1st and September 30th for fifteen consecutive days. You can also buy daily or weekly licences at tabacs (newsagents) for various spots. A "carte jeune" (youth pass) allows youngsters under 16 to fish during the entire fishing season.
Some of Languedoc's rivers and lakes are protected - and certain species can be only be fished between different times. These as you will notice tend to be all of the inland rivers and lakes which are restricted, as the majority of them are man-made lakes, as opposed to the naturally formed ones nearer to coastline.
Fishing in the Gard:Best spots: The Rhone river, La Dourbie, l'Hérault, l'Arre, la Vis, le haut Vidourle, les Gardons cévenols, la basse Cèze, le moyen and bas Gardon.
Fédération du Gard pour la Pêche, Te: 0033 (0)4 66 02 91 61
Fishing in the Hérault:Best spots: Lake Salagou, le barrage des Olivettes, Lake Avène, La Raviège, l'Hérault river, Orb river (at Cessenon), L'Agoût, Le Vidourle.
Federation de l'Herault pour pa peche. Tel: 0033 (0)4 67 96 98 55
Fishing in the Aude:Best spots: Le lac de la Cavayère, Laprade, Le Lampy, Cennes-Monestiers, Arques, Jouarres, Saint-Ferréol, Montbel, Régembert, La Ganguise.
Fédération de l'Aude pour la Pêche, Tel: 0033 (0)4 68 25 16 03
Fishing in the Pyrénées-Orientales:Best spots: Le lac du barrage de l'Agly, le lac de barrage du Lanoux.
Fédération des Pyrénées Orientales pour la Pêche, Tel: 0033 (0)4 68 66 88 38
Sailing
The Languedoc-Roussillon coast has 25 harbours (with 22,000 marina berths) along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea from the Camargue to the Côte Vermeille.
All the marinas welcome visiting yachtsmen, and many offer superb facilities. The largest marina in Europe is at Port Camargue.
The harbours are busy all year round, with everything from family regattas to stages of the Sailing Tour de France and Clairfontaine Trophy. You can watch training sessions for the America's Cup in the bay of Aigues Mortes.
For an excellent site (with maps) for yachts sailing in the Mediterranean, visit
www.1yachtua.com/Medit-marinas/France/frmarlist.htm
Boat hire: Rental of monohulls and catamarans
Navisud,Zone technique,Port ArgelesTél: 0033 (0)4 68 81 45 56,Fax: 0033 (0)4 68 81 40 02.
Sailing school. Maneuvering training courses for adults and adolescents (5 x half a day). Weekend cruises (Saturday and Sunday). Open from April until November. First sailing trip: half a day.
Migjorn,Quai Jacques Cartier,Port Argeles,Tel: 0033 (0)4 68 81 27 03 and 0033(0)4 68 81 66 24,Fax: 0033 (0)4 68 81 64 29
Sudwindsports is based in St. Pierre-la-Mer, a small seaside village in the Languedoc-Roussillon, famous for its big market and its endless beaches. They offer lessons and rentals of the following boats:
Catamarans. For the beginner, New Cat have created the "F2", offering a user friendly, easy to learn on cruising machine. For experienced sailors the "F1" catamaran will get you planning and enjoying the strong breezes often found in the area.
Optimists. A small boat for children to learn the skills and even start competing in the safe shallow etang.
Goëlette Mercator. A three sailed 8m schooner taking from 2 to 10 people to crew, making a great group activity cruising on the Med, taking fishing trips or learning how to navigate and control a bigger boat on the open sea.
http://www.sudwindsports.com/sailing/index.php
Caves
Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine. 'Les Balcons du Diable' Outstanding cave of national renown in the Montagne Noire.
Grotte de Limousis. Made up of eight chambers and a succession of five thickly coated stalagmite barriers.
Grotte de l'Aguzou. A visit of doscovery through the richly concretized halls and galleries.
Gorges
Gorge on the river Cesse
Saint Georges gorge
Galamus gorge
Gorge at La Clamoux
Gorge on the Orbieu river
Rebenty gorge
Frau gorge
Gouffre de l'Oeil Doux
Defile de la Pier Lys
Hot Air Ballooning.
Try Rennes-les-Bains. Be prepared to fly when the air is still: just after sunrise or late afternoon.Contact One World Dreaming, a small family group whose passion is flying Hot Air Balloons. They fly a Hand Painted Cameron N-90 Balloon and a Firefly 105 Special Shape Lightbulb over 'Le Haute-Vallée de l'Aude', close to the Pyrenees, some 50 Km N.W of Perpignan in the South of France. As they say, 'La Montgolfière' is the best way to see this region. Flights mornings/evenings (weather permitting) for groups of 3 adults (or 2 adults and 2 children) lasting approximately one hour. Available from 20 April onwards. For more information, telephone Dave Smith on : 04 68 69 83 76 (+33 4 68 69 83 76) or e-mail oneworlddreaming@mageos.com
The Cathars
The word 'Cathar' encompasses several realities and as many imaginative worlds. Historically, it refers to the men and women who believed in, or were connected with, a medieval Christian religion that sprang up in Europe around the middle of the 10th century and disappeared finally 400 years later. Catharism was not some minor event, confined in time and place but rather it was a major occurrence in European religious history, revealing it self as a genuine response to the fundamental issues confronting the men and women of the Middle Ages.
Historians have found manuscripts containing traces of the Cathar religion in Bulgaria and Asia Minor and from Greece to Northern Italy, from Catalonia to the Rhineland, as well as in Burgundy, Flanders, Aquitaine and Bosnia. The content of these documents converge towards a clear image of both overt and clandestine communities comprising a established network of Cathar bishoprics.
In Germanic countries Catharism never went beyond the initial phases, while in Bosnia it was the state religion for three centuries prior to the Turkish invasion.
However; It was in Occitania in Southern France, the heartland of western Christendom, that Catharism took on the mantle of a socially acceptable religion.
Dissident Christianity on the verge of heresy
The Cathars were undisputedly Christian, although they did not worship the Cross, which they held to be the instrument of Christ's crucifixion at the hands of men. In their view Christ was pure spirit sent by God to earth, bringing to mankind baptism by the Holy Spirit. Carried out by the laying-on of hands and transmitted from Christian to Christian since the days of the Apostles, baptism was seen by believers as the means to their salvation.
For the Cathars, human civilization was mere base materialism, a devilish illusion and prison for souls which in themselves remained good forever, waiting to be saved. The Cathars taught their evangelical precepts by example, refusing the holy sacraments of the Church and most often citing the New Testament. Their conception of Christianity involved neither the threat of eternal damnation nor the idea of free will, but lead them to the path of the unique God: the 'Kingdom of God' which is not 'of this world'.
Feudal Society and Catharism
It was the political habits of feudal society in this region of southern France, with its social inertia allied to outbursts of innovation, which created the religious and social harmony that enabled Catharism to establish itself for the long term in Occitania. Catharism experienced its golden age backed by the great feudal families and the commitment of several generations of the faithful. At this period the Cathar church grew enormously and prospered. The Cathars, with their message of a Christianity based upon example and close relationships, appear to have formed the corner stone to a more open society. In some parts of Occitania such as Lauragais, the Cathar church was in direct competition with the church of Rome and succeeded in becoming the natural family church, alone in proposing a new hope for salvation.
The Religious Wars
The Roman Catholic church, driven by its unending concern to systemise the Christian faith and perfect a dogmatic framework with strict religious obligations, grew nervous at the spread of the Cathar church.
Rome was used to the rapid snuffing out of heretical tendencies, aided by the submissive stance of this in power. The Catholic church thus kept up its drive to stamp out the Cathar heresy and call to order the feudal powers who had favoured its expansion.
In 1208, Pope Innocent III called for a crusade against the great Occitanian overlords, protectors to varying degrees of the heretics. As a religious event the crusade turned out to be a failure, as despite horrific group burnings at the stake ordered throughout the crusader's onslaught, the Cathar religion remained in existence. However by 1229 the relative autonomy and political daring of the Occitanian barons had been dashed forever.
The Inquisition
In 1233 Pope Gregory IX established a judicial system of punishment for heretics: The Inquisition. The mendicant orders of most notably the Dominicans and the Franciscans were placed in charge and the whole population throughout Occitania had to appear before the new religious tribunals. Within one century of this methodical undertaking, the tribunals had comprehensively eradicated the Cathar church. For the first time in the history of western Christendom, there took place a complete census of an entire population, the whole of which was suspected of heresy. The barbarity of war was followed by the terror of religious police, suspicion, denunciation and the fear of being condemned for having listened to or having knowledge of a different Christian message.
By destroying social ties, legitimising with new law the confiscation of the possessions of Occitania's feudal powers and thus ensuring their eradication, the Inquisition reunified the religious and political powers of the day.
How to get more information.
Centre d'Etudes Cathares
Maisons Des Memories
53 Rue De Verdun
Carcassonne
Tel. 04 68 47 24 66
email. catharisme@wanadoo.fr
