Col de Montségur, Road mountain pass in Montségur, France.
Col de Montségur is a mountain pass in the French Pyrenees that leads toward a medieval fortress perched on the summit. The route offers different pathways for walkers and cyclists with varying levels of difficulty.
The pass lies below the castle of Montségur, the seat of the Cathar fortress whose defenders were defeated in 1244, ending the Cathar cause in the region. The site is now part of the Grands Sites de France network and draws visitors to the village and its ruined stronghold above the col.
The pass takes its name from the village and castle of Montségur above it, the seat of the Cathar fortress whose defenders surrendered in 1244 after a long siege. The castle and village are listed among the Grands Sites de France, and the GR 107 long-distance path, also called the chemin des Bonhommes, crosses the pass on its 224 km route from Foix to Berga in Catalonia.
The climb to the pass is possible on foot or by bicycle and passes through different landscape types depending on the route chosen. It is wise to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
The GR 107 long-distance path, also called the chemin des Bonhommes, crosses the pass; it links Foix in Ariège with Berga in Catalonia over 224 km, crossing the Pyrenees at the Portella Blanca d'Andorra (2,517 m). From the pass, the Tour du massif de Tabe path climbs the Lasset valley past the étang des Truites and the étang du Diable toward the col du Trou de l'Ours.
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