Ariège has a ton of interesting chateaus, castles and ruins that date back to the 13th century. Although these sites have long archeological histories, many of them were defined by a short period of time of religious persecution, the effects of which may still be seen on today's landscape.
Catharism was a sect of Christianity that contradicted certain fundamental Catholic doctrine during the middle ages. As a result, Pope Innocent III declared Catharism a heresy and authorized a crusade in order to eliminate the opposition to the Catholic Church. The Cathars, a great many of whom lived in the southeast of France, were hunted down and brutally murdered (usually by being burnt alive). In order to fend off the crusaders, many Cathar fled to seemingly impenetrable fortified chateaus atop rocky buttresses.
Living in this Ariège, it is impossible not to notice these buildings towering over the landscape below. Many of them have fallen into disrepair of the centuries, some were destroyed by the crusaders, and fewer still remain relatively intact (or were reconstructed), but all of them have a fascinating story which has been awesome to explore.
Elise and Hanan exploring and imagining what the Chateau of Roquefixade, a Cathar stronghold near Foix, might have looked like 700 years ago.
Elise and Hanan trying to imagine what it would be like to get a clear photo of the elusive Colorado mountain troll.
I have an elusive Colorado Mountain Troll too.
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