Cathar Country Castles on a Guided Hike
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Ariège
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions99.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a guided hike in the heart of the Cathar Country castles , between the arid landscapes of the Corbières and the unspoiled forests of Ariège . In these wild lands, the vineyards create a patchwork of luminous greens and vibrant hues throughout the seasons, contrasting with the deep blue of the mountains.
Your route winds through spectacular gorges , mineral ridges, and balcony paths before reaching peaceful, secluded forests , perfect for contemplation. Here, the sun and wind shape ever-changing landscapes, between vast skies and rocky hills, providing a striking backdrop to the majestic Cathar fortresses .
These citadels, clinging to their rocky spurs, bear witness to a unique and spiritual history. Each stop is an immersion in an authentic and contrasting territory, where heritage, nature, and memory resonate harmoniously.
Beyond the breathtaking panoramas, this adventure is also an encounter with a country of character, proud of its traditions and its generous cuisine . A journey rich in meaning, combining hiking, culture and the art of living , in the heart of a preserved and profoundly inspiring South.
The highlights
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Castle visits included in the program
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Guide specializing in Cathar history
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Small group of 12 people maximum
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 584 m
- Average daily descent: 609 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide and specialist in the Cathar Country, its history and its castles
Program
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Corbières vineyards and Aguilar castle
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 130km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet in Foix. Transfer to Tuchan. First encounter with the wild and luminous Corbières. Visit to the easternmost promontory, at the foot of Mont Tauch: the little-known Château d'Aguilar. Overnight in Tuchan.
Day 1 -
Quéribus Castle and the village of Cucugnan
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike between the vineyards of Fitou and limestone gorges covered in fragrant garrigue. Visit to the Château de Quéribus, a veritable keep of the Pyrenees. Descent to the village of Cucugnan, where a sermon from its clergyman awaits. Overnight stay in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse.
Day 2 -
Peyrepertuse and Galamus gorges
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit the Château de Peyrepertuse, a spectacular ship stranded in the sky. Follow ancient paths once used by shepherds and peddlers for a superb hike to the deep Galamus Gorge. Overnight stay in Labastide-de-Camps, in a 15th - century hamlet.
Day 3 -
From the Pech de Bugarach to the Château de Puilaurens
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meadows bordered by fir trees alternate with deep beech forests, under the watchful eye of the local majestic peak: the Pech de Bugarach (1230 m). A beautiful crossing of verdant pastures precedes a descent into the maquis shrubland, followed by the magnificent fir forests of the Aude region. We then discover, amidst the vultures, the elegant fortress of Puilaurens Castle perched atop its impregnable rocky outcrop. Transfer to the village of Puivert, in the heart of the Quercorb region, a former "land of privilege." Overnight in Puivert.
Day 4 -
From Puivert to the Sault plateau
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h45
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit to the Quercorb Museum and/or Puivert Castle, depending on the season. Short transfer to the Sault plateau. Hike along the Langarail ridges and through the immense fir forests of Comus, a sign of the nearby mountain climate. Overnight stay at 1200m altitude in the small mountain village of Comus, in the Aillou region.
Day 5 -
Frau Gorges and Montségur Castle
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll descend through the Frau gorges, then reach Montségur via the Liam pass. We'll climb the pog and visit the castle, an impregnable citadel and the last refuge of the Cathar church. Overnight in Montségur.
Day 6 -
End of stay in Foix
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 33km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Foix after breakfast.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a state-certified mountain guide specializing in the Cathar Country.
- Accommodation in a gîte d'étape (a type of rural guesthouse).
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport
- Visiting the castles of Aguilar, Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens and Montségur
- The transfers planned in the program
- Registration and organization fees
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Any visits not included in the program
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
