Alain Gillodes<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is at the Col de Monts\u00e9gur (FR-09-1059), in Ari\u00e8ge, that the two societies, the Club des Cent Cols and the Ordre des Cols Durs, will welcome you this Sunday, 4 October, from 10 am to 1 pm, to treat you to a sandwich and a drink in the spirit of friendship. 770 years ago, on 16 March 1244, the siege of Monts\u00e9gur came to an end.<\/p>\n The siege of the castle had begun ten months earlier, in May 1243, under the command of Hughes des Arcis, then seneschal of Carcassonne. At that time, Monts\u00e9gur was an important Cathar centre, serving as a refuge for hundreds of \u2018Parfaits\u2019, the Cathar \u2018Good Men\u2019 and \u2018Good Women\u2019.<\/p>\n It was from Monts\u00e9gur that the men set out who, on 28 May 1242, killed the inquisitors who were staying in Avignonnet, in the Lauragais. The Church of Rome then decided to bring about the fall of Monts\u00e9gur.<\/p>\n On 1 March, realising that their situation was hopeless, the besieged began negotiations. Raimond de P\u00e9reille requested and obtained the following terms from Hughes des Arcis:<\/p>\n The fortress will surrender in fifteen days\u2019 time. On 16 March 1244, more than 200 Cathars were burned at the stake. The two-week reprieve requested by the Cathars still raises many questions, which constantly point back to the Cathars\u2019 Treasure.<\/p>\n (Extract from blog.myheritage.fr)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n Road cycling: on this day \u2013 which we hope will be a sunny one \u2013 there are no set rules regarding the choice of route; the main thing is to get together with friends who share a passion for the mountains.<\/p>\n Departure from St Paul de Jarrat at 8.30 am (car park behind the church) \u2013 D117 \u2013 Celles \u2013 D209 \u2013 Freychenet \u2013 D209 \u2013 COL DE LA LAUZE (09-0948) \u2013 COL DU FOUR (09-0884) \u2013 Montferrier \u2013 D9 \u2013 COL DE MONTSEGUR (09-1059) \u2013 Montferrier \u2013 D9 \u2013 Villeneuve d\u2019Olmes \u2013 D509 \u2013 La Paillasse \u2013 D117 \u2013 Nalzen \u2013 Celles \u2013 St Paul de Jarrat.<\/p>\n (to be done in either direction, depending on the weather)<\/p>\n (possible option for the return journey: the same route as on the outward journey)<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\nA bit of history:<\/h2>\n
\nA pardon will be granted to all the defendants, including those who took part in the Avignonnet massacre.
\nAll the other inhabitants of the castle will be spared on condition that they renounce their Cathar faith.
\nThose who refuse to renounce their faith will be burnt.<\/p>\nSuggested itinerary:<\/h2>\n