Cathar Castles in the Pyrenees, from Quéribus to Quillan

Your holiday starts in Quillan, then transfer to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. Check into your accommodation and possibility to visit the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse situated in the middle of a green circus and overlooked by Peyrepertuse castle. It is also possible to hike to discover the Moulin de Ribaute and the Gorges du Verdouble (swimming possible in the natural basins of the Verdouble). Distance : 7km, duration : around 2h, altitude gain : +200m, descent : -200m.

From Duilhac, this walk in loop allow to joign through the fragrant garrigue vegetation on a vineyard background, the prestigious castle of Quéribus, built on a rocky peak. Castle of Queribus, real eagle's nest, will be last place of Cathar strength during the crusade of the Albigensians in 1255. Perched at 788m, from the top terrace of the keep, magnificent landscapes unfold before our eyes, from Canigou to the Roussillon and Corbières plains. Distance : 17,5km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -650m.

A particularly picturesque walk with the opportunity to visit Peyrepertuse castle and the Galamus Gorge that has been carved out by the river Agly. Galamus gorge has become a favourite for those practising the sport of canyoning and you can sometimes hear the echoes below as they journey down, swimming and cascading over waterfalls, tumbling through the pools and chutes of the canyon. A narrow road passes through the gorge at mid level, half way up the cliffs, it was built in 1884. Your path leads directly past the Galamus hermitage, a humble home in a cave, now a small sanctuary, the entrance is found between small oaks and a shrubby box tree vegetation. Distance : 16km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -700m. OR Distance : 19km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -750m (with round trip to Peyrepertuse castle)

You leave Cubières to reach the charming postcard village of Sougraigne, nestled in a green setting, the village of the last known Cathar, Guillaume Bélibaste. At the Col du Linas, the view towards the Pech de Bugarach is breath-taking. The village of Bugarach, a few hundred metres away from the route, is worth a visit, for the ruins of its castle dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and its century-old houses. Via the Col de la Pourteille (694m), you will reach Sougraigne and then Rennes les Bains, a famous spa in the region. Distance : 22km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -950m.

From Rennes les Bains, you will head towards the river Blanque and the bizarre landscapes of the Haut-Razès, on paths often shaded by huge beech or chestnut trees. In the heart of these forests, historical relics or natural curiosities will enhance your journey. Halfway along the route, the site of Rennes-le-Château will surprise you, with its exceptional location and its mysteries due to the tumultuous life of Abbé Saunière in his days. You will then reach the peaceful hamlet of Pailhères. Distance : 13km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -400m.

The trail leads through varied terrain, often in forests and through a succession of small villages. The local communities are welcoming and time seems to have stood still in the squares of sleepy villages, such as Saint Ferriol or Saint Julia de Bec. The Sentier Cathare goes from valley to valley, before entering a wooded terrain at the foot of the Col des Trois Quilles. Once crossed, the 555m high col overlooks Quillan, the capital of the upper Aude valley.  Distance : 20km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +550m, descent : -650m

The holiday comes to an end in Quillan after breakfast at your hotel. You can choose to do a circular route from Quillan.
Circular walk from Quillan
The itinerary offers a remarkable diversity of Mediterranean and mountain vegetation. You will see the unusual chalet of Carach and the village itself that is famous for its XI century church. The return route meanders back along the river Aude. Distance : 12,5km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +350m, descent : -350m.