The Cathar Castles - Walking in Languedoc
Footloose - 6 Nights/7 Days
The Cathars were a heretical set who existed in the Middle Ages. They were destroyed by a violent crusade authorized by the Pope and the tangible remains of this struggle are the dramatically sited castles built by the Cathars all over the Languedoc region.
The area is steeped in history as well as mystery - that the Cathars held the Holy Grail and smuggled it from Montsegur before the end of the siege there. You walk through landscapes of immense natural beauty, lush valleys and rolling hills, enjoy good local food and wines while discovering an interesting page of France’s history.
Itinerary and Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive Quillan (local bus transport from Carcassone near Toulouse) at 4pm to transfer to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. The chateau of Peyrepertuse is perched above the town on a rocky crags at 788m and a distinct landmark for miles around.
- Day 2 Padern to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. Transfer to Padern and walk from the chateau through fragrant ‘garrigue’ vegetation past rolling vineyards to the castle at Queribus perched on a rocky crag. Walk back to Duilhac.
- Day 3 Duilhac to Cubiere. Walk a narrow road built in 1884, through the spectacular Galamus Gorge, which has a 6C rock cut dwelling, to the Bouchard, a large private estate that has wonderful views across the Corbieres. Overnight at Cubiere sur Cinoble.
- Day 4 Cubiere sur Cinoble to Sougraigne. Traverse the Col du Linas (1230m), the gateway to the Corbieres. Detour to the village of Bugarach to view the 16 and 17C castle ruins.
- Day 5 Sougraigne to Granes. Walk to the spa town of Rennes les Bains and Rennes le Chateau where story has it that a priest found the treasure of the Cathars here and became suddenly very rich. Continue to the village of Granes.
- Day 6 Granes to Quillan. Pass isolated hamlets before you traverse the Col des Trois Quilles. Descend to Quillan and pass the ruins of the 13C castle.
- Day 7 Circuit route on Sentier Cathere. Optional passing the chalet of Carach and the 11C church in the village. Return along the shores of the River l’Aude. Arrangements end. Return to Carcasonne (39 km) by local bus – (own expense).
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Puillaurens Castle