The Best of the Cathar castles : from Carcassonne to Foix

- For those arriving by train: Meet at 6:45 PM at the hotel in Carcassonne (located 300m from the train station).
- For those arriving by car: Meet at 5:15 PM in front of Foix train station (09). (Free, unattended parking available on site). Transfer to Carcassonne.
Settle into your accommodation. A welcome drink and trip briefing will take place in the heart of the medieval city, where you will also have dinner. What a wonderful medieval setting for your first evening !

In the morning, visit and discover the famous medieval city of Carcassonne. Late morning, transfer to Quéribus Castle, the "citadel of vertigo." Built on its rocky peak, this true eagle's nest was the last stronghold of Cathar resistance during the Albigensian Crusade in 1255. Perched at 788m, the summit terrace of the keep offers breathtaking views, from the peak of Canigou to the plains of Roussillon and Corbières. Then, head to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse for a short hike through the Corbières vineyards, fragrant scrubland, and overlooking the refreshing Verdouble gorges with their turquoise pools. Overnight in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse.
Distance : 8km, ascent : +200m, descent : -200m, transfer : 1h40

Castle Short transfer to the Galamus Gorges. The day's hike begins at the entrance to the gorges, an impressive canyon carved into limestone, an extraordinary natural site. The Agly River, known as the "eagle's river," has carved its way through the rock with cascading waterfalls, while a road built in 1884 clings midway up the cliff. The route continues towards the fortress of Peyrepertuse: the castle stands at 800m altitude on a limestone ridge. It is one of the finest examples of Cathar fortresses, part of the former defense line known as the "five sons of Carcassonne." Overnight in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse.
Distance : 11km, ascent : +620m, descent : -500m, transfer : 25 min

Transfer from Duilhac to Puilaurens (45 min) and visit the eponymous castle. Perched on a rocky spur at 697m, in the heart of a coniferous forest, this majestic site is accessed via a botanical trail. Then continue towards Comus and the Sault Plateau for a hike to Roc de Quercourt, offering magnificent views of the high peaks of the Ariège Pyrenees. Overnight in Comus. .
Distance : 2,5km ; ascent : +170m ; descent : -170m (Puilaurens castle)
Distance : 5km, ascent : +200m, descent : -200m (Roc de Quercourt)

In the morning, we visit Montségur Castle, perched on its "pog." It symbolizes the resistance of the declining Cathar Church against the Roman Church, the King of France, and Northern lords seeking the fertile lands of the South. They seized the site after the surrender and the infamous burning of 1244. After this visit, we head to the beautiful bastide village of Roquefixade for a hike along the Cathar Trail to Foix. This panoramic hike also reveals the perched ruins of Roquefixade Castle. Overnight in Foix.
Distance: 16 km, duration: about 6 hours, ascent: +500 m, descent: -800 m, transfer: 40 min

For this final day, we suggest gaining some elevation : your guide has carte blanche! Foix is the final stage of the Cathar Trail but also an ideal starting point for exploring the high valleys and viewpoints of the Ariège Pyrenees. This is your chance to discover them. Water is omnipresent here, so we'll opt for a hike to one of our magnificent mountain lakes! And the cherry on top: since Friday is market day in Foix, the picnic will feature fresh, ultra-local products!
Max distance: 12 km, duration: about 6 hours, max elevation gain: +650 m, max elevation loss: -600 m, transfer: 30 min

Train Station The trip ends in the morning or during the day, depending on your train schedule. We recommend setting aside time to visit the historic old town of Foix with its charming alleys, followed by a visit to the Count's Castle (optional, entrance fee not included. More info at https://www.sites-touristiques-ariege.fr/chateau-de-foix/).