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  • Pyrénées 

The path of the “Good Men” 1st part : French Path, from Foix to Mérens les Vals

French Path, from Foix to Mérens les Vals

From
560€/person
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Presentation of your trip

During the Middle Ages, the Pyrenees, at the far edges of the French and Spanish kingdoms were a commercial and cultural exchange region. Goods, people and ideas crossed the mountains and made the lords of Ariège and Catalonia powerful.
In this time of spiritual freedom, the Cathar faith expanded in southern France. But the Catholic church soon intervened. Several years after the fall of Montségur, the last Cathar apostles, the "Bonshommes", fled from Ariège and the Inquisition to seek the protection of the Catalan lords.
The Path of the "Good Men" retraces this perilous exile to encounter Pyrenean culture, villages, chateaux and the unspoiled mountain landscapes.
We invite you to walk in the steps of the "Bonshommes" along this itinerary dotted with magnificent, unforgettable landscapes.
 

  • DestinationPyrénées
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesHiking
  • Physical level

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

  • Discovery of a fascinating history
  • Path from north to south of the Pyrenees
  • The unmissable Catharism place : Montsegur

Complementary informations

  • 7 days - 6 nights - including 6 walking days

Program

  • Day 1

    FOIX (Montgailhard) -ROQUEFIXADE.

    • Distance : 18 km
    • Duration : 5h30
    • Elevation gain : 994 m
    • Negative gradient : 623 m

    Transfer from Foix to Montgailhard by the urban shuttle (or included if the shuttle is not available). Departure of the hike from the Pradières forest, to finish with a magnificent arrival to Roquefixade castle from where we'll admire the peaks of the Tabe massif, which the most impressive summit is the Saint Barthélémy. Overnight in Roquefixade.
     

  • Day 2

    ROQUEFIXADE-MONTSEGUR

    • Distance : 17 km
    • Duration : 5h
    • Elevation gain : 950 m
    • Negative gradient : 600 m

    After a tour to Roquefixade castle and admiring the superb panorama over the mounts of the pays d'Olmes, we'll walk through forests to reach the castle of Montségur, one of the most important Cathar sites.... Overnight in Montségur.

  • Day 3

    MONTSEGUR-COMUS.

    • Distance : 15 km
    • Duration : 4h
    • Elevation gain : 750 m
    • Negative gradient : 500 m

    In the morning we visit the castle then enjoy a gentle transition stage from Ariège to the pays de Sault where the mediterranean influences begin. After the forest, we pass through the superb gorges de la Frau to arrive to Comus on the plateau de Sault.
    Overnight in Comus.
     

  • Day 4

    COMUS-REFUGE DU CHIOULA

    • Distance : 14 km
    • Duration : 4h
    • Elevation gain : 720 m
    • Negative gradient : 290 m

    The Montaillou village and its castle was the last Cathar bastion in High Ariège. The refuge of the Plateau de Sault became dangerous because of the Inquisition and Montaillou was the point of departure to exile. The long journey began...
    Overnight in a mountain refuge (double room not available on this stage).

     

  • Day 5

    REFUGE DU CHIOULA-ORLU trough Ax les Thermes.

    • Distance : 16 km
    • Duration : 4h
    • Elevation gain : 219 m
    • Negative gradient : 919 m

    Superb descent into the Ascou valley and its lake to arrive in Orlu valley (possibility of visiting a wolf park and a mountain observatory, in option). Overnight in Orlu.

  • Day 6

    ORLU-MERENS.

    • Distance : 19 km
    • Duration : 5h30
    • Elevation gain : 1062 m
    • Negative gradient : 775 m

    From the Orlu valley we pass through the mountains along shepherds' paths and forest trails to Mérens where we discover its magnificent romanesque church and enjoy a bath in the natural warm springs. Overnight in Mérens.

  • Day 7

    MERENS TO FOIX

      Return to Foix by train (inluded in price), or relax at the thermal spa in Ax-les-Thermes (optional) then return to Foix by train.
       

    • 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.

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Formalities

      • Valid identity card.
      • Repatriation insurance recommended.

    • 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. 
       

    • 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.

    • 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

      6 nights on full board basis - 1 night in a mountain refuge

      2 formulas to choose from :

      Double room formula: you will sleep in comfortable 2 person rooms in hotels, guest houses, 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.
       

    • Difficulty level

      Physical level 2/5
      Easy hike on good footpaths. Stages of about 5 hours on average with 400 to 1000 m maximum altitude change. For self-guided walks you must know how to use a map and an information guide.
       

    • Options

      - Accommodation the day before departure, in Foix
      - Single supplement (see prices on our website)
       

    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 people710€
    Registration at 3 people620€
    Registration at 4 people590€
    Registration at 6 people560€
    Package with qualified guide and luggage transfer - double room
    Registration at 2 people760€
    Registration at 3 people715€
    Registration at 4 people640€
    Registration at 6 people620€

    Options

    Single room supplement: €120

    The price includes

    • Reservation of night-stays from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 picnic. 
    • Daily transport of luggage, 
    • Train return transfer
    • Maps and detailed digital roadbook
       

    The price does not include

    • Drinks, 
    • personal purchases, 
    • picnic on Day 1, 
    • accommodation the day before departure, 
    • personal material,
    •  visits of monuments and insurance.

    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

    • Chateau_de_Foix_cd4efa63db
      • Pyrénées

      The Cathar trail - Selection version

      • 7 days and 6 nights
      Discover

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