Chateau Puivert

Before we left Montjardin we visited the Castle of Puivert, which is in the village of the same name. Due to having no internet for many days and our move and subsequent house hunting, I omitted a blog which really should be here.

So, here it is. Let’s start with some history and technical facts. Chateau Puivert is found on a rock at 600m altitude. The date it was built I haven’t found, but it’s medieval in character. All sources refer to a three-day siege in 1210 when the castle was taken over by lieutenant Simon de Montfort. There are six towers incorporated into the castle walls, and has a keep of 35 meters high.

A narrow slit to fire your arrow at approaching attackers:

Apparently the signal platform was set up to communicate with Montsegur, another of the Cathar castles which is very imposing and an interesting visit.

There are decorative sculptures in the Hall of the Musicians, which are quite amazing and prove the importance of music, poetry and entertainment of those ages. In this hall you will also find some replica instruments on display. One of the musician sculptures:

The castle has been used in numerous films for many scenes and the current owner lives in the castle and is trying to keep it up and make further restorations. Films include: The Ninth Door, Roman Polanski, Lady Godiva, Vicky Jewson, The Passion of Beatrice, Bertrand Tavernier.

Where the ladies would have sat while stitching their embroidery:

The chapel vaulting:

There is a legend of The White Lady of Puivert. It says that towards the end of the 13th century, a princess was the host of Jean de Bruyeres. The lady loved to walk beside the lake and sit where there was a rock in the shape of a chair. She asked the Lord to lower the level of the lake. But sadly the dikes gave way carrying the Lady (who it seems was never found again) and destroying the village and flooding nearby Mirepoix.
More pictures and information on this page (in French).