Hiking the Cathar Castles of the Pyrénées

From the Mediterranean Aude to the Pyrenees Ariegeoises in the heart of the sun blessed Corbières region Quillan or Carcassonne you can find the secret trails and castles of the chateaux Cathar. Imposing stone castles built high up in rocky crags or pogs. These fortresses are the symbol of a tragic, political intrigue and drama that shook the South of France. This walking holiday combines a historical interest that stirs the imagination as well as some memorable walking through lush unspoilt mountains and valleys.
We offer this Cathar trail as a 6 to 8 days walk along the trail from East (the Med) to the center of the Cathar trail.
For walks along the whole of the trail from the Med to Montségur and Foix click here .

For a ** standard version 6, 7 or 8 days plus click here : H78-2 .

You can start this walk in Quillan if you want and walk in a circle back to Quillan via Peyrepertuse and Puilaurens.

Mystic Cathar Castles of the Pyrénées H78-plus

6 to 8 days Extra day/night possible in Carcassonne. In this "plus" package lodging in ** and **/*** hotels and guesthouses. Selfguidedmap cathars trekking French Cathar trail in the Pyrénées

Supplement taxi transfer from Foix or Montségur to Carcassone on last day : € 140 per pax up to 4 persons.
Supplement taxi transfer from Foix to Toulouse airport on last day : € 155 per pax up to 4 persons.
Supplement taxi transfer from Foix to Quillan on last day : € 105 per pax up to 4 persons.

The price includes: the moving on of baggage between hotels, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.

The price does not include: Drinks, entrance fees, additional transfers and holiday insurance.

PROGRAM walking days W78-plus

Narbonne or Carcassonne.

Port-la-Nouvelle
Not very special. Only if you want to start the Cathar walk at the med. 2 long walks to get in Durban.

Durban-Corbières.
Very old town In the centre of Corbières vineyards. Night in Guesthouse.

Tuchan
Tuchan lies in a plain and bordered to the west by Mont Tauch which at 900 meters dominates the town. It has always been productive but whereas you might at one time have seen flocks of sheep or goats wandering around and cereals being cultivated you can now only see varieties of vines like syrah, carignan, grenache, muscat all growing in orderly rows. The town lives off the grape and its current relative prosperity is due to the success of Fitou wine and the successful marketing by the Mont Tauch Co-operative.

Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse
The village at the foot of one of the most beautiful Cathar-castles: Chateau de Peyrepertuse : in the mounts and hills of the Hautes Corbières, Peyrepertuse stands out and above at 800 m high above the the garrigues (brushwoods). From the castle you look at the other phenomenal Cathar castle of Quéribus, only 5 km ahead.

Camps-sur-l'Agly
On a place with a fantastic view on the Canigou mountain and the Gorges de Galamus, you could stay easily for another day.

Bugarach
You'll walk to the top of it Pech de Bugarach.

The program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere. If due to situations beyond our control the itinerary may be modified.

IMPORTANT PRECISIONS

LEVEL
The walks are on good footpaths and trails. You need to be used to walking and taking regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. There is between 4h30 and 6h00 effective walking each day. The ascents and descents are constant. There will be between 350m and 750m ascension per day.

LODGING in ***/** hotels and chambres d'Hôtes in double or twin rooms

STARTING POINT
Carcassonne or Narbonne or the Med at Port la Nouvelle.

END
At the hotel in Quillan or Carcassonne.
Transfers to airport or Carcassonne are not included, but we can arrange for that.

SELF-GUIDED
We propose a independent walking formula without a guide. You choose your departure date and we will take care of all the rest. We transport your bags between the hotels, provide the maps and good walking notes.

DATES
Departs day 1: every day all year round.

HOW TO GET THERE

- From Toulouse it is 105 km by motorway to Carcassonne.

- By Train : There are regular trains from Toulouse or Montpellier to Carcassonne, Narbonne or Port-la-Nouvelle.

- by Air: Toulouse, Montpellier or Carcassonne.