Le Terms of castle overlooks from its promontory the stone houses of this small village of Hautes Corbières located in a wild valley, crossed by the river of Sou and by Termenet gorges.
A little history.
The family of Terms was one of the most powerful in Languedoc and protector of Catharisme. The castrum was also among the sites attacked by the Crusaders from the early days of the Albigensian Crusade. In 1210, Raimond de Termes resisted Simon de Montfort for three months. The lack of water would have overcome the resistance alone, when a providential storm replenishes the cisterns. Unfortunately, water proves to be the carrier of disease. It was one of the longest and most epic events of the Crusade. Terms was subsequently one of the "5 sons of Carcassonne"these strategic fortresses protecting the kingdom of France, today the subject of an application to UNESCO. The castle was destroyed in 1654. Today, it benefits from operations of excavations and restoration.
Convenient !
Leave your vehicle at free parking at the entrance to the village and win on foot the reception of the castle admiring the picturesque setting.
The reception of the Château is closed during the winter.
The visit of the castle.
A the reception of the castle, start your discovery with an exhibition and watching a short film. A chemin then takes you to the website of the castle, which you will visit with a illustrated support, which can also be viewed on your smartphone. Up there you will have a splendid panorama on gorges and surrounding landscape.
You can also download the application "Pays Cathare, Le Guide" and follow the augmented ride.
The youngest can discover the site while having fun thanks to the application "Castrum, the game".
practical information :
- free parking in the village.
- Dogs are accepted on the site (kept on a leash).
- Bottle of water, hat / cap and shoes suitable for walking recommended.
- toilets at the reception of the castle.
On the way to Unesco!
Terms is part of 7 castles who, alongside the Cité de Carcassonne took the path of the classification UNESCO World Heritage under "serial property". These citadels must prove their outstanding universal value and meet at least one of the ten selection criteria set by Unesco. To find out more, go to on the dedicated website !
Visiting the village.
After visiting the castle, you can stroll through the flowery alleys of the village. Push the door of church, open at the same times as the reception of the Château. It still has many elements of the Romanesque style.
After the walk, you can sit on the terrace to eat while enjoying the surroundings.
Canyoning in the gorges
Just under the castle of Termes, forming its natural defense, the Termenet gorges offer a spectacular natural site and one of the canyoning the most popular in Aude. Be careful, this sport requires physical commitment and involves risks. The Town Hall of Termes tolerates the organization of descents accompanied by professionals.
The Termenet gorges on the practical side:
- There is a charge for the Termenet gorges car park.
- Toilets (accessible to people with reduced mobility).
Hiking and mountain biking in Termes
Several options allow you to discover Termes and its surroundings on foot or by mountain bike. The marked route "Nitable Roc" leads for example to the gorges of Caune Pont. The one titled "1210, Terms the Impregnable" overlooks the Termenet gorges before crossing the Sou river a stone's throw from the Moulin de la Buade. The GR36 also goes through Terms. For mountain bikers, the route 14 "In the footsteps of Monks and Bonshommes" (black circuit, committed), allows you to discover the wild landscapes of these regions.
To extend the stay
To immerse yourself longer in this enchanting place, several possibilities ofaccommodation available to you. From the yurt by the river to Buade mill, on the farm surrounded by animals at the Sheepfold of the Prat de Mu, there is something for everyone to recharge their batteries in this unspoiled valley.
