Aude-Corbières : Cycling Carcassonne and the Cathar Castles

Arrival in Carcassonne, well-known place thanks to its sumptuous medieval city. Check-in at your accommodation. You can either choose to explore the city by feet or bicycle, to cycle to the lake of Cavayère, or to ride your bike along the Canal du midi (depending on the time you arrive). 
Carcassonne : From the fortified town to the city
Settling in at the hotel, depending on the time you arrive, you can choose to visit the famous site of Carcassonne, taking as stroll through its streets and squares, following an urban route which links two monuments registered as UNESCO world heritage sites: the Canal du Midi and the medieval city of Carcassonne.
The canal du Midi
Starting from the Carcassonne harbor, this return itinerary will offer you the possibility to explore by bicycle a short section of the famous Canal, in a peaceful and bucolic environment.  
Lake of la Cavayère
This itinerary starts from the « Porte Narbonnaise » of the medieval city and will lead you to the Lake de la Cavayère, real haven of peace and freshness, where you can even take a bath.  A cycling path goes all around the lake so you can enjoy at the most these 18 hectares of water surrounded by woods and garrigue. 

A cultural and sports section, which links Carcassonne to the medieval village of Lagrasse, following the towpaths along the canal du Midi to reach Trèbes, and then, heading to Lagrasse, one of the most beautiful French villages, well protected by its ramparts. The village faces one of the eldest European abbeys, which has its roots in the 13th century.
Distance : 42 km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -280m

From Lagrasse, you will reach the village of Tuchan, capital of Fitou, appellation d’origine contrôlée vineyard. You will be cycling on scenic and rural backroads, and passing by Cathar castles called Durfort, Termes, Villerouge, Termenès, and Aguilar, depending on the option you choose.
Distance : 42km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain: +500m, descent : -450m (normal version)
OR Distance : 63km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -570m (sporty version)

During this stage, you will discover the Cathar castles of Padern, Quéribus and Peyrepertuse, not only famous for their majestic military buildings but also for the spectacular places where they were erected. In the valley, the villages of Cucugnan and Duilhac, are real haven of peace and exude a very special charm. A sportier itinerary gives you the opportunity to pass by the famous village of Tautavel, where our ancestors have left their marks in the Caune de l’Arago. You can visit the very interesting Museum of Prehistory.
Distance : 25km, duration : around 2h30, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -450m (normal version)
OR Distance : 48km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +850m, descent : - 650m (sporty version)

To reach the thermal village of Rennes les Bains, small winding roads will lead you from valleys to small passes to the villages of Rouffiac, Cubières and Bugarach. Going by bicycle allows you to enjoy all the scents and colours of the fragrant vegetation. A variant of equal length but more sportive and more forestry is also proposed.
Distance : 33km, duration : around 3h30, altitude gain : +550m, descent : -600m (normal version)
OR Distance : 41km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -850m (sporty version)

From Rennes les Bains to Limoux, you will follow other backroads, some of them tortuous because of the relief you will cross. Get ready to make emotional discoveries, with, for instance, the architectural beauty of the village of Roquetaillade. A sportier itinerary can allow you to discover the Arques castle and the lovely but challenging pass of Valmiguère. Limoux is also famous for its «Blanquette », a sparkling wine that « Occitan » people strongly prefer to Champagne, of course!
Distance : 31km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +450m, descent : -600m (normal version)
OR Distance : 39km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -650m (sporty version)

The highlight of this section to rejoin Carcassonne will be the stopover in the village of Saint-Hilaire, considered a major site of the Aude Cathar country thanks to its cloister, built during the 14th century and its Roman abbey. You will make your way through the Limouxin vineyard, dominated by the Mauzac cépage, and the Malepère hillsides. A sportier version passing through a pass rewards you with wonderful views, before starting the descent to Carcassonne.
Distance : 30km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +250m, descent : -300m (normal version)
OR Distance : 40km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -550m (sporty version)