Pyrénées

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

From Foix to Durban-Corbières

From

1095€/person

Presentation of your trip

The castles proudly stand on rocky peaks. You follow the path, carved out eight centuries ago, to reach the summit. Initially serving as military posts guarding the Spanish border, these majestic buildings served as refuges for the Cathars. These are true fortresses where one would live, train, defend and worship. From the summit, you’ll take in a wide panorama, all the better to spot the enemy arriving…Following in the footsteps of hundreds of faithful men and women, you walk along paths soaked in heritage.

Visit the most remarkable Cathar chateaux, nestled in magnificent landscapes: from the limestone foothills of Plantaurel, the mountainous Ariégoises forests and the Plateau de Sault to the garrigue, vineyards of the Corbières and the smells of the Mediterranean.

DestinationPyrénées
TypeFree
Length of trip13 days and 12 nights
ActivitiesHiking
Physical level

Collection

The Cathar Trail

Possible periods for this trip

Jan.
Feb.
March
Apr.
May
June
Jul.
August
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.

Download the technical sheet

Description of the trip Program Travel conditions Dates and price

Trip details

Highlights

A complete trail on foot.
Diverse landscapes: from the Ariege forests to the Mediterranean garrigue.
A string of châteaux from the Middle Ages, nestled in stunning scenery.
The return transfer is included.

Complementary informations

Circuit in two parts : two sets of 7 days, 6 nights, including 6 days of hiking
Circuit in one go : 13 day, 12 nights, including 12 days of hiking

Program

Day 1
From Montgailhard (Foix) to Roquefixade
- Distance : 18.5 km
- Duration : 5h
- Elevation gain : 720 m
- Negative gradient : 350 m
Transfer from Foix to Montgailhard in your own vehicle, shuttle bus (1€/person) or La Rébenne can organise a taxi if the shuttle bus is not running.
Set off on your hike towards the Pech de Foix before passing through the Pradière forests and finally reaching the magnificent Château de Roquefixade, from where we can take in the view over the peaks of the Massif de Tabe, including Saint Barthélémy.
Night in Roquefixade.
Day 2
From Roquefixade to Pog de Montségur
- Distance : 16.5 km
- Duration : 4h30
- Elevation gain : 750 m
- Negative gradient : 400 m
Starting at the Château de Roquefixade, we walk through the forests towards the Château de Montségur, one of the most significant Cathar sites. Visit the castle (optional) and take in the Massif de Tabe with the towering backdrop of the Pic St Barthélémy. Night in the village of Montségur at the foot of the castle.
Day 3
From Montségur to Comus
- Distance : 14.5 km
- Duration : 4h
- Elevation gain : 700 m
- Negative gradient : 500 m
A quiet transition stage during which you will travel from Ariege to the Sault country and the beginning of Mediterranean landscapes. After the forest, we cross the superb Gorges de la Frau to arrive in Comus on the Plateau de Sault.
Night in Comus.
Day 4
From Comus to Belcaire
- Distance : 23 km
- Duration : 5h30
- Elevation gain : 570 m
- Negative gradient : 750 m
Stroll through the beautiful royal forests of the Languerail Plateau, enjoying a splendid panorama over the Gorges de la Frau. We then reach the small village of Espezel before arriving in Belcaire.
Night in Belcaire.
Day 5
From Belcaire to Puivert
- Distance : 22 km
- Duration : 6h
- Elevation gain : 240 m
- Negative gradient : 780 m
Leave the Plateau de Sault and cross the Lescal and Picaussel forests towards Puivert, which served as a refuge for poets and troubadours during the Middle Ages. Visit the castle (optional), then, if you wish, take some time to discover the traditional music of the region in the village and museum of Quercorb.
Day 6
From Puivert to Quillan
- Distance : 23 km
- Duration : 6h
- Elevation gain : 700 m
- Negative gradient : 950 m
This stage takes you towards the capital of the Haute Vallée de l’Aude: Quillan. We pass through the beautiful forest of Quirbajou and the village of Nébias, nestled in the heart of the Audoises Pyrenees.
Return transfer to Foix and night spent in Foix.
Day 7
From Quillan to Quirbajou (or Labau) (D7 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 16 km
- Duration : 4h30
- Elevation gain : 820 m
- Negative gradient : 320 m
Following the River Aude, we arrive in Quirbajou via the chalets of Carach.
Day 8
From Quirbajou to Aigues Bonnes (D8 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 26.5 km
- Duration : 6h30
- Elevation gain : 400 m
- Negative gradient : 550 m
Starting from the Gorges du Rébenty, we leave behind the green meadows and mountains in search of the Mediterranean climate. We stop at a real jewel of medieval architecture, the Château de Puilaurens (optional), perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vallée de la Boulzane. Night stay on a farm.
Day 9
From Aigues Bonnes to Labastide (D9 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 22 km
- Duration : 5h30
- Elevation gain : 780 m
- Negative gradient : 875 m
We continue our hike towards Caudiès de Fenouillèdes and cross the magnificent Gorges St. Jaume. The smells of the garrigue follow us as we continue on to the little village of Labastide. Night stay on a farm.
Day 10
From Labastide to Peyrepertuse (D10 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 22 km
- Duration : 7h
- Elevation gain : 690 m
- Negative gradient : 860 m
We walk on to reach the start of the Gorges de Galamus. Then, passing between holm oak trees and juniper bushes, we arrive on the Corbières ridge, where we come across the imposing Château de Peyrepertuse (optional visit). Night in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse.
Day 10
From Peyrepertuse to Tuchan (D11 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 23.5 km
- Duration : 6h30
- Elevation gain : 650 m
- Negative gradient : 750 m
This stage starts with a descent through the garrigue towards the village of Cucugnan, famous for its legendary parish priest. We then arrive at the Château de Quéribus, guardian of the form Spanish border. Finally another pleasant descent to the château and village of Padern. Night in Tuchan.
Day 11
From Tuchan to Durban (D12 for those who follow the 2 circuits)
- Distance : 28 km
- Duration : 7h
- Elevation gain : 450 m
- Negative gradient : 800 m
In the morning, we pass by the Château d’Aguilar and walk on through the land of a thousand Mediterranean smells. The vines gradually take over the scrubland.
Return transfer and night in a hotel in Quillan (or in Foix for those who follow the 2 circuits).
Day 12
Foix
End of trip after breakfast in Foix.
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
RDV at Montgailhard - Foix (09)
How to get there:
By car: RN 20 from Toulouse then exit at Foix.
By train: Foix SNCF station.
By plane: Toulouse airport then shuttle bus to Foix SNCF station.
Accommodation
As our accommodation is small, please book as early as possible.
Half-board (dinner, overnight stay and breakfast included)
Accommodation options to choose from :
Gîte d'étape: selected for the quality of their welcome, these gîtes offer a friendly atmosphere. In most cases, you'll share 4/6-person dormitories. Sheets and towels are not provided.
Double room option (subject to availability): you sleep in comfortable 2-person rooms in hotels, B&Bs and sometimes gîtes. Sheets and towels are provided.
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.
Attendees
From 2 people.
Difficulty level
From 4h to 7h walking per day. No technical difficulties. 900m maximum ascent. You must be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike for several days.
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 in a gite or hotel for the night before departure.
Picnics for Day 2 to Day 12
Single bedroom.

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 people	1310€
Registration at 3 people	1185€
Registration at 4 people	1120€
Registration at 6 people	1095€

Freedom package with luggage transfer by cab - double room
Registration at 2 people	1385€
Registration at 3 people	1360€
Registration at 4 people	1260€
Registration at 6 people	1210€

Options

Single room option + 365€ /pers

The price includes

Half-board accommodation,
Luggage transport,
Transfer back to starting point,
Digital topographical guide,
Or the paper file with IGN maps with the route highlighted, map holder and detailed topo-guide,

The price does not include

All drinks,
Insurance,
Personal expenses,
Picnics,
Accommodation the day before departure,
Visits to castles.

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

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

From Foix to Durban-Corbières

Presentation of your trip

The Cathar Trail

Possible periods for this trip

Trip details

Highlights

Complementary informations

Program

From Montgailhard (Foix) to Roquefixade

From Roquefixade to Pog de Montségur

From Montségur to Comus

From Comus to Belcaire

From Belcaire to Puivert

From Puivert to Quillan

From Quillan to Quirbajou (or Labau) (D7 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

From Quirbajou to Aigues Bonnes (D8 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

From Aigues Bonnes to Labastide (D9 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

From Labastide to Peyrepertuse (D10 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

From Peyrepertuse to Tuchan (D11 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

From Tuchan to Durban (D12 for those who follow the 2 circuits)

Foix

Travel conditions

Luggage

Formalities

DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

Accommodation

Key information and support

Attendees

Difficulty level

Options

Dates and price

Information

Free departure from

Options

The price includes

The price does not include

The destination

Pyrénées

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