• The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
  • The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
  • The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
  • The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
  • The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
  • The Cathar Country and its castles in the open
Pyrenees / Aude

The Cathar Country and its castles in the open

Réf : JJDHBV

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Pyrenees / Aude
  • Age
    From 14 - 75 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    81.5 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
A minimum of 2 people (including at least 1 adult) are required to book this stay.
See our solo trips

In a few words

From the heart of the Corbières wine region to the hidden forests of Ariège , this route takes you on a journey through a fascinating history, between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees . You'll travel along paths perfect for contemplation, where each step reveals the imprint of the Cathar past.

The paths, both wild and inspiring, connect the iconic “citadels of vertigo” : Aguilar, Padern, Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Puivert and Montségur . Perched on their rocky spurs, these fortresses offer spectacular panoramas and a unique immersion into an era marked by resistance and spirituality.

This trek is distinguished by its rich landscapes and diverse atmospheres, alternating between soaring ridges, peaceful valleys, and deep forests. An ideal adventure for lovers of long-distance hiking , seeking meaning and escape.

For added peace of mind, an organized transfer to Quillan at the end of your stay allows you to fully enjoy this experience, with a free mind and no logistical constraints.

The highlights

  • A legendary journey through the Cathar citadels between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees
  • Varied landscapes ranging from mountain ridges and deep forests to peaceful valleys
  • A historical immersion in the footsteps of the Cathar past and its legends.
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Confirmed

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

On average, each day involves 600m of elevation gain and 5 hours of hiking.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 5h
  • Average distance/day: 16 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 572 m
  • Average daily descent: 455 m

Management

The paper roadbook contains all the information directly in your bag.
Paper Roadbook

Travel pack: guidebook, detailed maps and GPS tracks

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
  • map

    Vingrau - Tuchan

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 4h15
    • Distance 13 km
    • Positive elevation gain 250 m
    • Negative elevation 250 m
    • Accommodation Rural hotel
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Transfer to the village of Vingrau. First contact with the Corbières region: "light & authenticity". From the picturesque village of Vingrau, ascent to the Château d'Aguilar, then descent to the village of Tuchan, renowned for its wines.

    Day 1

Accommodation

Access

Departure
Quillan, France
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
Quillan, France
Day 7 - 10h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toCarcassonne
  1. From Carcassonne to Quillan :
  2. 🚗 Taxi : approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (expect to pay around €80-120 )
  3. 🚌 Regional bus (liO Occitanie) : approximately 1.5 to 2 hours , low cost (a few euros)
  4. 🚙 Car rental : recommended for greater flexibility
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Price details

The price includes

  1. Half-board accommodation
  2. A travel kit including maps, guidebook, and GPS tracks
  3. Luggage transport
  4. The transfers planned in the program
  5. Registration and organization fees

The price does not include

  1. Picnics
  2. Transportation to the meeting point
  3. Drinks during and between meals
  4. Castle visits
  5. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

  1. 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.

The Xavier team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Xavier team

4.5/5 (2 reviews) • 10 stays
An independent and expert agency, our local partner specializes exclusively in hiking trips in the Pyrenees Mountains, on both the French and Spanish sides. They offer a variety of itineraries in all seasons, both guided and self-guided. Thanks to their unique geographical expertise, they provide in-depth knowledge of the terrain for authentic adventures in the heart of the Pyrenees, guaranteeing total immersion in this wild landscape.
Discover their team and their trips
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