The complete Cathar Castles, from Quéribus to Foix

Your holiday starts in Quillan at 3 PM in front of the railway station, transfer by taxi to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. Check into your accommodation and investigate the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse situated at the foot of Peyrepertuse castle.

From the Château of Padern, the trail leads through the fragrant garrigue vegetation and past rolling vineyards to arrive at the prestigious castle of Quéribus. This high citadel is a real eagle's nest, perched precariously on the rocky crags at 788m. This chateau was the last stronghold to remain secure during the crusade of the Albigensians in 1255. The surrounding scenery is grand, the views stretch to the Fenouillèdes, the plains of Roussillon and the Corbières. You take a trail that will lead you back to the village of Duilhac. Distance : 16km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -500m.

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 : 5h00, altitude gain : +350m, descent : -340m.

You leave the Domaine du Bouchard to walk to the ravishing village of Sougraigne, set in the prettiest of country spots. You traverse the Col du Linas in the direction of the Pech de Bugarach (1230m), a dominating high mountain that occupies an important strategic position in the area and represents the gateway into the Corbières. The village of Bugarach, a few hundred metres off your trail, is certainly worth a short detour. Its castle ruins date from the XVI and XVII century, little narrow roads link houses that are one hundred years old. Once back on track you will cross over the Col de la Pourteille (694m), before dropping down to the village of Sougraigne. There is a whole mix of different trees that have been planted to combat soil erosion, such as the lariccio pine, austrian black pines, cedar, larch, spruce and many beach and chestnut trees. Low stone walls, fragrant scrubby bushes, the outline of buildings and a church tower, indicate you’re drawing near to the village. Distance : 15km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +600m, descent : -605m.

This morning you leave Sougraigne, traversing the salty river of the Sals. The source of this river is high up in one of the valleys. In the XVII century the smuggling of salt was rife in this area and the village was particularly coveted. After the passage over the Col de la Salso at app 462m you will head in the direction of the river La Blanque towards the strange landscapes of the Haut-Razès. The trail leads along footpaths that are often in the welcome shade of enormous oak and chestnut trees. There are various natural curiosities en route, such as the Roche tremblante and the natural springs rich in sulphur and iron. Arriving at Rennes le Château there is time to visit this site and learn about the mysteries of the priest and the huge sum of money that he found. The trail continues to the village of Pailhères. Distance : 19km, duration : 5h30, altitude gain : +445m, descent : -450m.

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 Cathare footpath crosses from valley to valley before passing through a wooded area to the foot of the Col des Trois Quilles. Having traversed the col you drop down to 555m to Quillan the capital of the Audoise. As you arrive in the town you will pass the ruins of the castle that date from the XIII century and offer an interesting panoramic view. The walking finishes today in Quillan, situated on the banks of the river Aude. This traditionally industrial town has become an animated authentic centre and popular for tourism in recent years. Distance : 18km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +350m, descent : -440m

From Quillan, the trail leads through olive groves and vineyards, then a pleasant scrubby vegetation of box trees, shady oaks and juniper that give a subtle fragrance to the air. Crossing undulating valleys and hillsides, a castle will eventually come into view, the castle of Puivert. In its time, the castle was far more festive than military, it was the castle of the troubadours. The imposing site gets ever nearer, a splendid ridge walk will lead you towards the castle doors. It is possible to explore the castle’s towers, dungeons and the famous hall of musicians. This feodal castle was a hive of activity in the XII century, a meeting and performance place for the most famous troubadours of the era. Distance : 21km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -495m.

Transfer from Puivert to Espezel, beginning point of your walk. Through forests, discovering the Plateau de Sault, located between 950 and 1300 meters high. From the Plateau de languerail, you will discover Montsegur, Roquefixade, and the Gorges de la Frau, that will be crossed the day after. Arrival in Comus, small and typical village. Distance : 16km, duration : 6h, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -100m.

This walk is a transition between Aude and Ariège. First the "Gorges de la Frau" show their magnificent cliffs diving into limestone during more than 1km. Then the path joins the village of Montségur, symbolizing resistance of the Cathar Church facing the Rome Church and the kingdom of France. The castle was taken in 1244, and all people died in a huge pyre. Distance : 14,5 km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -700m.

The site of Montségur, the very bastion of the Cathare resistance, certainly requires an additional day for exploring. The layout of the village is surprising, the houses and buildings are in long curved lines one after another, they flank the mountainside in a well defined pattern and are linked by small streets and pedestrian walkways. There is a Cathare museum and some art and craft shops. From the museum a pathway leads to the foot of the pog, a high rocky buttress, it takes about 30 mins to walk up to the summit where you arrive at a sumptuous belvedere. The panoramic view extends for miles around across the Massif de Tabe, with the Pic de Soularac and further East the Frau mountain. Having visited the castle, a circular walk in the direction of the ridge of Taulat will allow you to discover high altitude mountain plains, still used to graze the local cattle. Distance : 12km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +775m, descent : -775m.

The last section of the sentier Cathare has the benefit of a medieval castle at the beginning and at the end of the day. The route follows, for the most part, a ridge walk between the small village of Roquefixade and the county town of Foix. The town of Foix was a count’s town and it’s castle, linked to Gaston Febu, is characterised by its three towers and high, unusual rocky base. Foix is Ariège’s principal town and during the Summer months it is a vibrant centre of music and animation, a season of festivities, merriment and colourful markets. Market day is on a Friday morning. Transfer at the end of your hike to your accommodation to Foix. Distance : 17km, duration : 4h30, altitude gain : +400m, descent : -760m.

The holiday comes to an end in Foix. You can choose to visit the old town centre, to wander through the streets and to visit the castle.

Walking loop around Foix

The itinerary offers splendid views on the valley and the surrounding mountains, leading to the Roc de Caralp. Distance : 11km, duration : 4h00, altitude gain : +460m, descent : -460m.

This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.