National Geographic Traveler magazine have announced its annual Best of the World list, featuring 20 destinations plus a bonus readers’ choice destination to visit in 2014.
The list reflects what’s authentic, culturally rich, sustainable and superlative in the world of travel today according to NGT magazine. The destinations were featured in the December 2013/January 2014 issue of Traveler magazine, which was on the newsstands Dec. 3, and online.
Cathar Country, France
Rebellion and Refinement
"Cathars: the ascetic, heretical Christian sect that stirred up southwest France in the 12th and 13th centuries. Once entrenched in today’s Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions, the Cathars were suppressed by the medieval Catholic Church in a series of fierce battles that led to their virtual elimination. Yet their rebellious spirit lives on amid lofty moldering castles, secret trails, and rolling hills fragrant with rosemary, juniper, thyme, and orchids.
Visitors beguiled by Cathar lore should visit the fortress of Montségur or Château de Peyrepertuse, the pink-stoned Albi on the River Tarn (a UNESCO World Heritage site and former Cathar stronghold, where street signs point the way in both French and the old Occitan language)."
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| Montségur |
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| Gardens in the Bishop's Palace, Albi |
There are also many other ‘Cathar’ villages and towns close enough to Sainte-Hélène to be easily accessible and a great day out.
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| Minerve |
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