Sarah De Winne Perched on the Montagne Noire in southern France, the Lastours Castles offer a captivating glimpse into medieval history. This medieval fortress complex, features the four distinctive castles of Cabaret, Surdespine, Quertinheux, and Tour Régine. The castles are a spectacular sight, whether admired up close or from a distance at Belvédère Lastours.
Certainly, Belvédère Lastours offers the best panoramic views of Lastours Castles. This unique viewpoint is situated in the hills directly opposite and above the Lastours Castles. From this remarkable lookout point, you can enjoy unforgettable views from two different viewing platforms.
As locals living in Occitanie, we love to share our personal insights and tips about the best places to visit in the region. In our opinion, Belvédère Lastours is a must-visit hidden gem. As a result, we recommend that you come here before heading to the main site of Lastours Castles. Read on to find out why!
Unexpected Panoramas: Discovering the Views from Belvédère Lastours
Our first glimpse of the Lastours Castles was from the panoramic viewing points at Belvédère. When we left the small visitor hut on a path through unremarkable parkland, we had no idea about the extraordinary sight that would await us!
All of a sudden, we came face-to-face with a phenomenal view that resembled scenes from a fantasy film. Unbelievably, we were standing on a vantage point across the valley, overlooking the impressive remains of the four Châteaux de Lastours.
Standing high above the castle ruins was a truly breath-taking and beautiful sight. Our photographs speak for themselves!
Twin Viewpoints: A Dual Feast for the Eyes
It is worth knowing that there are in fact two fabulous viewpoints at Belvédère Lastours!
The first location is easy to find. This is a wide viewing platform with a barrier and rows of benches overlooking the castles. An employee in the Visitor Centre also told us about a second viewing point from Le Banc des Anglais.
Admittedly, it was a little harder to find the path for the second viewpoint. When you know where to look, there is a signpost for Le Banc des Anglais amongst some trees to the right of the first clearing!
The viewpoint from Le Banc des Anglais has a natural, rocky barrier. There are also some small paths leading further along the hill that enabled us to capture different perspectives of the castles. Take care if you follow the paths as there are some steep drops!
Why Visit Belvédère Before the Lastours Castles?
By driving to Belvédère Lastours first, we gained a fabulous bird’s-eye view of the four castles.
It was magical to see the Lastours Castles from the heights of the Belvédère viewpoint. In addition to the magnificent panoramic views, we were also able to appreciate the strategic position of the castles and the size of this historical site.
Importantly, the viewing platform at Belvédère is also fairly accessible. Given that there are steps and rough terrain at the main Lastours Castles site, some visitors may be prevented from seeing the castles up close. However, visitors with mobility issues or with young children in pushchairs can still enjoy views of the castles from Belvédère Lastours.
Finally, the cost of visiting Belvédère is included in the main entrance price to the four Châteaux de Lastours (€8). What’s not to like about two visits for the price of one?
However, if you just visit Belvédère Lastours, there is a price reduction. You can appreciate the view for less without the climb at the main archaeological site!
How to Get to Belvédère Lastours
Belvédère Lastours is situated 2km (5 minutes by car) from the village of Lastours. Follow the D101 (Route des 4 Châteaux) into the village of Lastours. After the bridge, turn sharp left onto the D701 (Route du Belvédère). After 1.3km, turn right and follow the signs for the camp site.
On the right-hand side, there is a parking area with an unassuming building at the back. This is the Visitor Centre for the Belvédère Lastours lookout point.
If you enjoyed Lastours Castles, you won’t want to miss the nearby Carcassonne Castle. Both offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s medieval history, but each has its own unique charm. Discover more about Carcassonne Castle in our detailed guide.
