The Crusade was prosecuted by the French and resulted in a reduction in the number of practicing Cathars . It also resulted in a realignment of Occitania , bringing it into the sphere of the French crown . The Crusade was prosecuted primarily by the French and promptly took on a political flavor , resulting in not only a significant reduction in the number of practicing Cathars but also a realignment of Occitania , bringing it into the sphere of the French crown and diminishing the distinct regional culture and high level of Aragonese influence .