Roquefixade Castle

The village and the castle are named after a natural cleft in the cliff face. This “roca fisada” (Catalan for fissured rock) was filled in with an arch and supported by ramparts to form part of the castle wall. First mention of a castle on this site dates back to 1180. The site also provided much needed sanctuary for Cathars during the Albigensian crusades but the ruins visible today were built later, at the end of the 13th century, as part of a line of fortresses built to defend the territories of the Count of Foix.

The keep was remodelled in the 14th century, and further modifications were made in the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle survived until 1632 when the French king Louis XIII rested in the area on his way to Toulouse for the execution of Henri II. Roquefixade no longer held any strategic value, was costly to maintain and so he ordered its destruction.

Although much of the castle has gone the site is still impressive for the views alone. The ruins at Roquefixade enjoy an elevated position offering spectacular panoramic views over the Arize massif, the Trois-Seigneurs and Saint Barthélémy. The last Cathar bastion of Montségur can even be seen in the distance. It is well worth the short walk up from the village of Roquefixade below.

Contact Roquefixade Castle:

If you have found ePyrenees.com useful then please mention us in your enquiry.

Address :	09300 Roquefixade
Telephone :	+33 (0)561 015502