One of the impregnable fortresses of the Cathar country, the Château de Puilaurens stands surrounded by imposing walls on top of a rocky outcrop. To reach this monument, now in ruins, one must undertake an ascent of about 30 minutes through the surrounding nature. During the Albigensian Crusade, the Cathar fortress was a refuge for the faidits lords and the heretics. The castles of Puilaurens and Quéribus are today considered the last shelters of Languedoc Cathars. In 1255, the two citadels were taken by Saint Louis, who reinforced their fortifications by adding towers, chicanes, and active defenses.