Pyrenean travel agency specializing in your hikes and treks in the Pyrenees, the GR10 and more
BASQUE COUNTRY: Maison IPUTXAINIA, 64220 ASCARAT
ARIEGE: 20 chemin de la montagne, 09000 FOIX
+33 (0)5 34 14 51 50 - +33 (0)6 10 97 16 54
Cathare Country and its major sites : from Carcassonne to Foix
Cathar country
Self-guided walking
Self-guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
5 Activity Days
From 675,00 €
Between the Mediterranean sea and Ariège, in the heart of the Pyrenean foothills, stand imposing stone citadels the Cathar castles. These fortresses are the living memory of a tragic history that marked the southwest of France during the Albigensian Crusade.
Starting from Carcassonne and its famous medieval city, you will set out to discover the most renowned sites and castles of Cathar history, surrounded by breathtaking and diverse landscapes that your guide will be delighted to unveil. In the Aude department, you'll have the chance to visit the eagle's nest of Quéribus, the incredible fortress of Peyrepertuse, and Puilaurens, the epitome of a stronghold.
In Ariège, you'll explore Montségur Castle, the highest of the Cathar castles, perched on its “pog” at an altitude of 1,207 meters. Then, before reaching the city of Foix and its castle, you'll visit Montségur's close neighbor, Roquefixade, perched atop an impressive cliff.
Beyond discovering a region and its heavy, ever-present history, Cathar Country is rich in stunning and varied landscapes, shaped by the blending influences of Mediterranean and mountain climates. It is also sculpted by nature's work, which carved gorges into limestone, shaped rocky outcrops, and provided mankind, throughout the ages, with natural resources to explore and cherish.
Dates and Prices
Departure guaranteed with 4 people.
• From Sunday, 20/04/2025 to Saturday, 26/04/2025
• From Sunday, 04/05/2025 to Saturday, 10/05/2025
• From Sunday, 25/05/2025 to Saturday, 31/05/2025
• From Sunday, 15/06/2025 to Saturday, 21/06/2025
• From Sunday, 29/06/2025 to Saturday, 05/07/2025
• From Sunday, 24/08/2025 to Saturday, 30/08/2025
• From Sunday, 07/09/2025 to Saturday, 13/09/2025
• From Sunday, 21/09/2025 to Saturday, 27/09/2025
• From Sunday, 19/10/2025 to Saturday, 25/10/2025
Price per person: 1015€
Supplements/Discounts:
- Single room supplement: 205€/person (Note: During the night in a guesthouse, the room is private, but the bathroom is shared between 2 people).
- Full-board accommodation from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7 (Note: Picnic on Day 7 is not included).
- Transfers during the stay.
- Luggage transport during the stay.
- Supervision by a BE AMM guide living in the Cathar Country.
- Access and visits to castles (EXCEPT FOIX).
- Travel insurance
- Dinners on Day 1 and Day 6
- Visits and entrance tickets to the castles
- Drinks and picnics
- Booking fees : 15€
Day 1: Start of the Trip in CARCASSONNE or 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 !
Day 2: From Carcassonne to Quéribus
Castle 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: 8 km, Ascent +200 m, Descent: -200 m, Transfer: 1h40
Day 3: From the Galamus Gorges to Peyrepertuse
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: 11 km, Ascent: +620 m, Descent: -500 m, Transfer: 25 min
Day 4: From Duilhac to Comus, Between Castle Visits and Panoramic Hiking
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: 2.5 km; Ascent: +170 m; Descent: -170 m (Puilaurens Castle)
• Distance: 5 km, Ascent: +200 m, Descent: -200 m (Roc de Quercourt)
Day 5: From Comus to Montségur, a Major and Iconic Site of Catharism
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
• Distance: 16 km, Duration: about 6 hours, Ascent: +500 m, Descent: -800 m, Transfer: 40 min
Day 6: A Favorite Hike in the Stunning Ariège Pyrenees
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!
• Maximum Distance: 12 km, Duration: about 6 hours, Maximum Elevation gain: +650 m, Maximum Elevation loss: -600 m, Transfer: 30 min
Day 7: Free Exploration of Foix and Its Castle, End of the Trip at Foix
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/). Check the "Practical Information" section of this guide.
The itinerary was prepared based on the latest available information at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances and situations beyond our control may affect the program.
Welcome
• People arriving by train: Day 1 at 6:45 PM at the hotel in Carcassonne (located 300m from the train station).
• People arriving by car: Day 1 at 5:15 PM in front of the Foix train station (09). (Free, unguarded parking available on-site). Transfer to Carcassonne.
IT IS IMPERATIVE to notify Respyrénées one week in advance by SMS at +33 6.10.97.16.54, with your arrival time and location (Foix or directly in Carcassonne).
For those arriving by car, the meeting point is mandatory in Foix.
Dispersion
Day 7 at Foix (time is flexible).
Level
Terrain type:
Fairly easy hikes on good trails, with varied but often rocky terrain.
Level 2/5:
These trips are designed for those seeking an active vacation. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required. The hikes average 5-6 hours per day, with elevation gains of 400m-700m on easy trails and paths.
The walking times mentioned are indicative, based on average timings that account only for actual walking time, excluding breaks. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary.
Accommodation
Full board:
3 nights in a ** hotel
2 nights in a *** hotel
1 night in a guesthouse
Meals:
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
- Dinner often featuring regional specialties, including a starter, main course, and dessert.
- Drinks not included.
Luggage porterage
Only your personal items for the day and your picnic. Luggage is transported by vehicle. Please bring a follow-up bag that is easy to carry (see our advice on equipment).
Group
Number of participants:
Group of 4 to 8 people.
Supervision
Hiking supervised by a qualified guide living in the Cathar Country.
The RESPYRENEES guide team is 100% local. Based in the Pyrenees, the landscapes, culture, and history of these mountains hold no secrets for us!
