Cathare Country and its major sites : from Carcassonne to Foix

Meeting at 18:45 at the hotel (300m far from the train station). Check-in at your accomodation (2-star hotel). Welcome drink and breefing on the tour.

In the morning, you will discover the famous medieval town of Carcassonne. Later in the morning, transfer to the Quéribus Castle, « The Vertiginous Citadel ». Like an eyrie built on a rocky outcrop, this was the last stronghold of the Cathar resistance during the crusade against the Albigenses in 1255. Perched at 788m of altitude on the donjon's High Terrace, astonishing landscapes will meet your eyes, from the Canigou summit to the Roussillon and Corbières plains. By a short hike through the Corbières vineyards, the fragrant scrubland and the very beautiful village of Cucugnan, you will then reach Duilhac sous Peyrepertuse. Distance : 8km, ascent : +200m, descent : -450m.

Short transfer to the Galamus gorges. Today's hike starts at the entrance of the gorges, an impressive canyon and outstanding natural setting. The Agly river, « eagles' river », dig the rock from waterfall to waterfall, and a road built in 1884 now hangs on the cliff. The itinerary then leads you to the Peyrepertuse fortress : the Castle is standing at 800m of altitude on a limestone ridge. This is one of the most beautiful examples of Cathar fortresses, which is also part of the old line of defence of the « five Carcassonne sons ». Distance : 17km, ascent : +620m, descent : -680m

Transfer from Duilhac to Puilaurens and visit of the Puilaurens castle, perched on a rocky spur at 697m of altitude, in the heart of a coniferous forest. You will reach this magnificient site by a botanical trail. After visiting the castle, you will head to the Puivert castle : a castle in the plain, situated on a gentle hill at 600m of altitude. Finally, you will head to Comus and the Sault plateau for a short hike towards Roc de Quercourt where a fantastic view over the Pyrénées Ariègeoises high summits awaits you. Night in Comus. Distance : 2,5km ; ascent : +170m ; descent : -170m (Puilaurens castle). Distance : 5km, ascent : +200m, descent : -200m (Roc de Quercourt)

This section is a transition from Aude to Ariège, and from the Sault Country to the Olmes Country. Firstly, the Frau gorges will reveal their vertiginous walls notched in the limestone over almost 1km. The path then reaches the Montségur castle, visible as soon as you reach the end of the gorges' west side. Montségur symbolizes the resistance of the Cathar Church against the Church of Rome, but also against the King of France and the overlords of the North searching for the rich lands of the South : they took possession of the place after the surrender and stake in 1244. Short transfer after the hike to your accomodation in Foix. Distance : 14,5 km, ascent : +500m, descent : -700m.

Short transfer in the morning to Montségur. The Cathar Path crosses the heart of the Olmes Country, a region famous for its wool that used to be specialised in  the production of horn combs. During the hike, you will not only enjoy the green medium mountain landscapes but also discover one of the Ariège's medieval castles, Roquefixade, that overlooks the village and used to be called the Montfort Bastide.  Maybe you will get to enjoy a warm welcome by the locals in charming villages such as Montferrier or the Coulzonne hamlet. Short transfer after your hike to your accomodation in Foix. Distance : 17km, ascent  : +400m, descent : -750m.

Visit of the old town centre and its narrow streets filled with History, then visit of the castle perched on its rock. Transfer to Carcassonne in the afternoon.

This program 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.