Since the 10th Century, the region was the frontier against the Saracens and Moors from Spain. Perpignan and Montpellier on the coast were also important trading routes to the Middle East. For a number of centuries, peoples of all faith, creed and racial background lived together harmoniously. Cathar castlesThe region had its own language (Occitan) and very much its own culture. Catharism, a form of Christianity, spread until in the 13th century, when the Pope managed to convince the king of France to call a crusade against the region (the Albigensian Crusade 1209-1229). This was a crusade against people of largely Christian faith, the first in the history of the Catholic Church and, some say, the beginning of the decline of the Church's moral integrity. The inquisition followed and within less than 100 years, Catharism was extinguished, together with many people who were burnt at the stake. The fortified castle of Montsegur was the last public stronghold of the Cathars, where they were finally defeated in 1244. Hunted by the inquisition, execution of individual cathars continued until about 1331. The region became part of France, but descendants of Cathars were still required to live outside some southern French towns until the French Revolution (1789-1799). To this day, Languedoc retains its own character and the people definitely do not feel themselves to be French. Witness to its rebellious and violent history, the region is littered with magnificent castles and fortified churches and abbeys. Lots ot explore! Yobaba Lounge is a perfect location from which to explore this rich history. 
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