Splendid Silence

Rainy day view of Montsegur

If I could show only one "tourist attraction" to guests who come to visit, without question, it would be Montsegur.  It's a combination of the work of human hands and the work of the Divine;  the place engulfs me with awe and I feel a sense of reverence. 

Signs to the village of Montsegur

Looking northwest

Most of all I love the silence.  Others must feel the same power, because when visitors get out of their cars and gaze up at the remote and lonely ruins, all idle chatter stops.  When people do converse, they do so in whispers.  I can hear the wind soughing through the trees and if I am lucky enough to be there at the noon hour, the sounds of the church bells ringing fills the valley like an incoming tide. 

Signs for the St Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage walk (red and white markings)

Today, the main sound at Montsegur was gentle rain and occasional thunder.  Sadly, the conditions weren't really safe to climb to the top.  People do get struck by lightning, and the top of the pog may is certainly the highest point in the area!  But I was okay with that.  I simply love being in the presence of the hill, of the ruins, of the spirit there.