Peyrepertuse was a pretty important castle in it's heyday, rivaling Carcassonne is surface area. It was a Cathar stronghold on and off during the crusade, depending on which vassal was running it. In 1240 the crusaders tried to take it, but didn't have much luck because it was pretty defensible. So they held a siege. The defenders gave up in only three days! The people at Montsegur held out for ten months, and these guys only lasted three days. Oh well.
Here is the castle from a distance. People say that it looks like a giant boat.
Here is a closer picture.
Peyrepertuse and Quierbus are very close to each other. Here is a picture of Quierbus taken from the rampart of Peyrepertuse.
An archway in Peyrepertuse.
Like most castles in the region, you can really survey all of your lands.
The ruins of a two story building. You can see the door to the first floor just below the door to the second floor. All that's missing is the floor!
The altar of St. Mary's Chapel in Peyrepertuse.
Peyrepertuse is a bigcastle! This picture was taken near the entrance, and as you can see, it is a long way up to get to the top ramparts.
Dave ascends the slippery, steep and dangerous staircase to the upper part of the castle.
Near the top. Another good chance to survey your lands.
