The Ariege and the Aude both have links with the Cathars who were the object of the only Holy Crusade within Europe and were eventually crushed after their defeat at Montsegur.
They have however left legends which have fascinated romantics, scholars and writers over the centuries.
“The Blood and the Grail” was one of the earlier books to link this area to mystical beliefs and hidden treasures. Both of the current best sellers “The de Vinci Code” by Dan Brown and “Labyrinth” by Kate Moss are partially set in this area and it is possible to visit many of the sites mentioned in these and other books.
