Hiking in Languedoc-Roussillon: Cathar Castles part 1

Arrival in Carcassonne and check-in at your hotel. Here you will receive hiking descriptions and maps for the week's adventure. Opportunity to explore the World Heritage city of Carcassonne today with its fantastically well-preserved medieval city.

Accommodation in Carcassonne

You have the morning to continue your leisurely stroll in Carcassonne located along another World Heritage site - Canal du Midi. In the afternoon (around 3:00 PM) you have a taxi transfer (included) from Carcassonne to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, the village at the foot of Peyrepertuse castle.

Accommodation in Duilhac

This circular tour from Duilhac takes you through a fragrant and green Mediterranean landscape called garrigue. The landscape is surrounded by vineyards and leads you to the prestigious castle of Quéribus. The castle is built on a 788-meter rocky peak and gives you a fantastic view over the beautiful landscape towards Canigou to Roussillon and over the Corbières plains. Explore the castle before hiking back to Duilhac.

Accommodation in Duilhac.

A picturesque hike with the opportunity to visit Peyrepertuse castle and Galamus Gorges, carved by the river Agly. A narrow road built in 1884 passes through the gorge and takes you past Galamus hermitage - a simple dwelling in the cave - now a sacred place. Today's destination is Domain du Bouchard, a private farm where a homemade dinner made from fresh ingredients awaits as a reward after today's hike.

Accommodation in Cubieres.

You leave Cubieres and hike towards Rennes les Bains. You cross Col du Linas towards Pech de Bugarach (1230 m), a mountain with a strategically important position and the gateway to Les Corbières. You can visit the village of Bugarach before you are back on the trail that crosses Col de la Pourteille down to Sougraigne and on to Rennes les Bains. Several unusual tree species meet you along the way.

Accommodation in Rennes les Bains.

Leave Rennes les Bains and hike towards the river La Blanque and the remarkable landscape of Haut-Razès. The trail follows paths with welcoming shade from giant oak and chestnut trees. You will also discover enormous stones and natural springs along the way. When you reach Rennes le Château you have time to visit the site and hear the story of the mysterious priest and how he found a large sum of money. The trail continues to Pailhères.

Accommodation in Pailhères.

The trail goes through varied terrain, often through forest and small villages. Time seems to have stood still in the sleepy small villages such as Saint Ferriol and Saint Julia de Bec. The Cathar trail goes from valley to valley through a wooded area to the foot of Col des Trois Quilles. The trail then descends to Quillan. When you reach the town you pass the castle from the 8th century and here you have a fine panoramic view over the area.

Accommodation in Quillan.

The trip ends after breakfast. You can do an optional circular hike around Quillan.