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  • Pyrénées 

The Cathar trail - Selection version

Free roaming tour

From
695€/person
Chateau_Cathare_Peypertuse_39508c839d
Chateau_Cathare_Montsegur_35efaad62a
Chateau_Cathare_Roquefixade_5d2064f544
Sentier_Catahre_Randonneurs_2d923c1c82
Chateau_de_Foix_cd4efa63db

Presentation of your trip

From castle to castle, proudly standing on their rocky outcrops, you follow the Cathar Way, that of the "Perfect Ones", men who were the bearers of a religion that shook the Catholic Church to its foundations in the 13th century. Initially used as military posts to guard the Spanish border, the majestic buildings served as a refuge for the Cathars. They were veritable fortresses where people could live, train, defend themselves and pray.  The panoramic view is the best way to see the enemy coming... You're treading on a place steeped in heritage, where hundreds of Good Men and Good Ladies have followed their faith.

Based in Foix, in the heart of Cathar country, the LaRébenne team has selected the most beautiful sites and châteaux for you to visit. 
Choose from a range of self-catering or double room options, and every evening you'll be welcomed into a friendly atmosphere in quality accommodation.

  • DestinationPyrénées
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesHiking
  • Physical level
LaRébenne - Château de Montségur

Collection

The Cathar Trail

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.
Description of the tripProgramTravel conditionsDates and price

Trip details

Highlights

  • Historic route: a full variety of beautiful castles
  • Diversity of landscapes: from the forests of the Ariège to the Mediterranean garrigue
  • The quality and friendliness of the accommodation you choose: gîte or double room

Complementary informations

  • Self guided tour
  • 7 days-6 nights, 6 walking days

Program

  • Day 1

    From Roquefixade to Montségur

    • Distance : 16.5 km
    • Duration : 5h
    • Elevation gain : 741 m
    • Negative gradient : 610 m

    After visiting the castle of Roquefixade and admiring the superb panorama of the mountains of the Pays d’Olmes area, we follow the trail through forests towards the château of Montségur, one of the most important Cathar sites. 

  • Day 2

    From Montségur to Comus

    • Distance : 14.5 km
    • Duration : 4h
    • Elevation gain : 783 m
    • Negative gradient : 502 m

    In the morning, take your time to visit the castle and then an easy stage awaits you, passing from Ariège into the pays de Sault where the Mediterranean influences begins. After the forest, we cross the superb gorges de la Frau to arrive in Comus on the plateau de Sault.

  • Day 3

    From Comus to Puivert and Puylaurens (shorter stage available)

    • Distance : 20 km
    • Duration : 5h
    • Elevation gain : 500 m
    • Negative gradient : 790 m

    We continue towards beautiful forests on the Sault plateau, until La Bénague. 
    Transfer to the château de Puivert, a refuge for poets and troubadours of the Middle Age and then to the castle of Puilaurens. A short walk of 5km leads you to Aigues-Bonnes to your accommodation.

  • Day 4

    From Puilaurens to Labastide

    • Distance : 20 km
    • Duration : 5h30
    • Elevation gain : 780 m
    • Negative gradient : 875 m

    The stage starts by the gorges of St Jaumes towards Caudiès de Fenouillèdes. The climbing allows going at the feet of the famous Bugarach Mount, before to reach Labastide, hamlet of the end of the world. 
     

  • Day 5

    From Labastide to Peyrepertuse

    • Distance : 16 km
    • Duration : 4h30
    • Elevation gain : 670 m
    • Negative gradient : 640 m

    We walk to the superb gorges of Galamus. Then passing between oaks and juniper bushes you climb the crest of Corbières to discover the imposing castle of Peyrepertuse. 

  • Day 6

    From Peyrepertuse to Queribus

    • Distance : 10 km
    • Duration : 3h
    • Elevation gain : 450 m
    • Negative gradient : 200 m

     From Peyrepertuse, we descend via the scrubland to the village of Cucugnan, famous for the legend of its priest. Arrival at the castle of Quéribus, where the ancient Spanish stands. Appointment in the castle for the transfer back to the point of departure. Night in Roquefixade.

  • Day 7

    Roquefixade

      Breakfast and end of the trip.

       

    • Option : Day 1

      From Montgailhard (Foix) to Roquefixade

      • Distance : 18 km
      • Elevation gain : 994 m
      • Negative gradient : 623 m

      Transfer from Foix to Montgailhard by city shuttle or by taxi provided by LaRébenne if the city shuttle is not available. 
      Start the walk towards the Pech de Foix, then through the forests of Pradière, finishing on a magnificent arrival at the Château de Roquefixade, from where we can admire the peaks of the Tabe massif, including Saint Barthélémy.
      Night in Roquefixade
       

       

    • End of trip

    Travel conditions

    • Luggage

      Carrying is limited to business of the day and picnic. Luggage is carried by vehicle. Please allow 1 bag per person, maximum 15kg/bag.

    • Formalities

      • Valid identity card.
      • Repatriation insurance recommended.

    • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

      Departure from Roquefixade.

      How to get there:
      By car: RN 20 from Toulouse and exit to Foix. Follow the direction of Roquefixade.
      By train: SNCF train station of Foix.
      By plane: Toulouse airport and shuttle to reach the centre town. 
       

    • Accommodation

      5 in full board, 1 night in half-board

      2 formulas to choose from :

      Double room formula: you will sleep in comfortable 2 person rooms in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and sometimes hostels. Sheets and towels are provided. A bathroom will also be reserved for you at certain locations.

      Gîte formula : we choose our group cottages according to their Hospitality and Welcome. You will find a friendly atmosphere there. In most cases, you will share a small 4-6 beds dormitory with other people. Sheets and towels are not provided in most of cases.
       

    • Key information and support

      On your own :

       

      You go on your own, as a couple, with family or friends. We take care of your accommodation, meals, luggage transfer and group.

      You have good hiking experience and can find your way with a map and compass. From one stage to the next, you'll follow our My LaRébenne app on your phone, where you'll find your complete file with maps, tracks, accommodation and transporters, as well as all the information you need for your stay. If you don't want the digital folder, but prefer the paper version with the classic navigation tools such as maps, map holder, topo-guide and printed information, please let us know.

       

      If you wish to receive both the digital and paper versions of your file, please allow for a supplement.


      Freedom means hiking lightly, at your own pace, and enjoying the pleasures of nature to the full, without worrying about the logistics of your stay. It also means being free to interpret and imagine what the Pyrenees have to say.

    • Food

      Your trip might not be the best time to diet, as it's an occasion to taste the local cuisine. We assign great importance to the quality of the food we provide: well-balanced and nutritious and providing ample energy, the specialties of the region are incorporated into each meal.

      The picnics are included in the price, made by cookers of you hotel. To avoid the production of unnecessary waste, we ask you to bring a plastic box that we could fill everyday of delights. 
       

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Difficulty level

      Physical level 2/5

      This walk is suitable for adults in good physical condition who can walk between 4 and 6 hours a day (for younger people, please contact us). The route presents no technical difficulties.
      Be able to find your way with a map and roadbook. Good mountain experience.
       

    • Options

      We've developed our digital navigation application for you to download onto your phone, where you'll find your complete file with maps, tracks, accommodation and transporters, as well as all the information you need for your stay. If you don't want the digital folder, but prefer the paper version with classic navigation tools such as maps, map holders, topo-guides and printed information, please let us know.

      If you would like both the digital and paper versions of your file, please allow for a supplement of 40€.

      Accommodation the day before departure in Foix or Roquefixade, in a gîte d'étape or hotel.

      Single room supplement (see website for rates).

      1 extra day of walking, 8 days 7 nights including 7 days of walking.

    Dates and price

    Information

    Free departure dates: you choose your own departure dates according to your availability.
    For groups, we adapt the level, duration, price and program on request.

    Free departure from

    Price TTC per person

    Freedom package with luggage carried by cabs - stopover gîte
    Registration at 2 people895€
    Registration at 3 people795€
    Registration at 4 people725€
    Registration at 6 people695€
    Freedom package with luggage transfer by cab - double room
    Registration at 2 people975€
    Registration at 3 people855€
    Registration at 4 people795€
    Registration at 6 people745€

    Options

    Single room option (double room formula): + €195 /person

    The price includes

    - Full-board accommodation: from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7,
    - Luggage transport,
    - Transfers,
    - The digital roadbook
     

    The price does not include

    - Drinks,
    - Insurance,
    - Personal expenses,
    - Picnic lunch on day 1,
    - Picnic lunch on day 7,
    - Accommodation the day before departure,
    - Visits to monuments.

    The destination

    • Pyrénées

      The Pyrenees! To summarize their beauty and diversity in a few lines would be vain ... From the green mountains of the Basque Country, to the wild lands of Ariège to the Catalan mountains with the scent of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees are an invitation to travel.

      See more trips
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    See also

    • Senthier_Cathare_Puivert_04e649ab61
      • Pyrénées

      The entire Cathar Trail on foot - From the mountains to the sea

      • 13 days and 12 nights
      Discover

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