Arques brings together a striking medieval structure, Cathar history and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Château d’Arques stands on an isolated hill a few hundred metres west of the village. With the Maison Déodat Roché, the hiking trail, the cycling route and Lac d’Arques, there is something for everyone, from history and architecture to forest, views and water. You can choose the focus of your stay: architectural history, Cathar culture or outdoor activities.
Château d’Arques: architectural history and design
Construction of the Château d’Arques as a castle residence began in 1280 under Gilles de Voisins. The Château has been classified as a Monument historique since 16 August 1887. Its construction and subsequent classification therefore belong to different historical periods.
The architecture includes a quadrangular perimeter wall with a Gothic gate and an almost intact keep. The keep is 24 metres high and has four turrets. The wall, gate and keep offer distinct architectural points of interest. If you are particularly interested in historic buildings, the Château offers a clear focus; the exhibition at the Maison Déodat Roché adds a biographical perspective.
Cathar history at the Château and the Maison
The Maison Déodat Roché is the birthplace of Déodat Roché, a historian of Catharism. It houses a permanent exhibition on Catharism, as well as personal items from Déodat Roché’s life in the village. A visit to the Maison can be combined with a visit to the Château d’Arques. These two cultural attractions bring together architectural history and a biographical perspective on Catharism.
The guided tour “Arques, Terre de Mystères” covers Catharism, the Inquisition, heresy and witchcraft. It also explores the everyday lives of villagers during the persecutions. The Château also hosts the “Le Trésor des Cathares” escape game. Its theme is a legendary Cathar treasure said to be hidden in a crypt in the medieval castle.
Exploring on foot and by bike
The Sentier des Berques starts in Arques and passes a former nursery belonging to the Office national des forêts, which has been converted into an arboretum. The trail then runs through a fir forest to a viewpoint overlooking Arques. The route links the arboretum and the fir forest with views of the village.
Another option is the cycling route “Le Tour des Châteaux”: it leads first to the Donjon d’Arques and then to the fortresses of Quéribus and Peyrepertuse. The two routes have different stated destinations: the Sentier des Berques leads to a viewpoint overlooking Arques, while the cycling route takes you to several fortresses. This comparison can help you choose between a hike with views of the village and a cycling route taking in a series of named fortifications.
Lac d’Arques and horse rides
Lac d’Arques is an eight-hectare recreational lake suitable for swimming. You can fish for trout at the lake, where there are also picnic tables. These waterside activities complement the cultural attractions.
Le Cheval N’Arquois offers horse rides through the red landscapes of Arques, the Rialsesse Forest and around Lac d’Arques. Pony rides for children are also available. If you are travelling with children, you can consider this as a separate activity. For horse rides and pony rides, as well as the guided tour and escape game, it is advisable to check booking details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Gaja-Et-Villedieu, Boutenac, Villedubert, Ladern-sur-Lauquet, La Pomarède, Mas-Des-Cours, Saint-André-De-Roquelongue, Névian.
For the regional travel overview: Aude.
