Le Fort de Prades
PRADES , Ariège – Cultural heritage
About
In the middle of the meadows that give it its name, lies the village of Prades.
Like neighboring Montaillou, its past was strongly influenced by Catharism. A magnificently restored medieval well, the fortified enclosure of the “Fort” and the church of St-Pierre with its 17th-century gilded Virgin and Child are well worth a visit. The enumeration of the lands of the Comte de Foix first mentions the Fort de Prades in 1272.
The best-known lordess of Prades was Marguerite d’Angoulême, sister of François 1er, Queen of Navarre and Countess of Foix. In the early 16th century, she had the Fort de Prades rebuilt, and since then it has been known as the Château de la reine Marguerite.
This was a simple fortified enclosure, the most remarkable remains of which are the fortified gate on the eastern side of the rampart and the old bread ovens, the only traces of the dwellings that once stood alongside it.
The interior of the fort, still occupied by houses, forms a residential area of today’s village.
Spoken languages : French
