Château de Durfort

Around 1000 in France, fortified houses evolved from simple towers encircled by wooden palisades (castral mounds), into the more resistant masonry structures (castles).

Durfort is built on a rocky site overlooking the gorges of the Orbieu, offering a good view of the valley.

The first medieval forts were initially places for surveillance and residences for small garrisons of the local lords, ensuring the control of agricultural valleys and trade routes which they dominated.

Durfort is located on a peak, surrounded on three sides by a loop of the Orbieu river, providing a good defensive position.

In the middle of the 12th century (1167) there were five Cathar Churches: Albi, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Agen (Aragnensis) and Épernon in France.

The Château de Durfort was written into this defensive system, aimed at protecting the new frontiers of the Kingdom of France.

In 1241, Olivier de Termes submitted to Louis IX, and thus recovered a portion of his lands and castles, including Durfort.

In 1243, Hugues de Durfort swore allegiance to the king, and, the following year, took part with the Crusaders in the siege of Montségur.

In 1659, Louis XIV signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees with the Kingdom of Spain, sealed by his marriage to the Infanta Maria Theresa.