Queribus
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Queribus is a ruined castle in the South of France. This is one of the "Five Sons of Carcassonne", along with Aguila, Peyrepertuse , Termes and Puylaurens: five castles strategically placed to defend the new (1659) French border against the Spanish.
It is sometimes regarded as the last Cathar stronghold. After the fall of Montsegùr in 1244 surviving Cathars gathered together in another mountain-top stronghold on the border of Aragon (The present border between the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales).
In 1255 a French army was dispatched to deal with them, but they slipped away without a fight, probably to Aragon or Piedmont, both regions where Cathar beliefs were still common, and where the Occitan language was spoken.
Quéribus is high and isolated. It stands on top of the highest peak for miles around. It is accessible to visitors.
G.P.S. Co-Ordinates 42° 50' 3" North - 2° 37' 21" East. Altitude - 730 metres.
Closest village: Maury: Population 1000.
