The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk
The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk
The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk
7 Days Starting in Perpignan and ending in Foix
Visiting: France
Tour Overview
On the border of the Corbières region, where the Pyrenean mountain chain begins, lies a network of secret trails that lead to the mysterious Cathar castles. From the 12th to 13th centuries, Catharism was entrenched in the region, a sect that shunned conventional Christianity and materialism. The Cathar Crusade against the people of Languedoc in southern France lasted for more than forty years and effectively ended the Cathar reign. Whilst many of the castles have since been destroyed or built over, a few good examples remain including the castle at Puivert, Chateau de Troubadours. This walk follows ancient trails through forests, vineyards and orchards to the medieval castles. The stunning scenery and interesting villages make this a richly rewarding experience for walkers and history buffs alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Perpignan, Transfer To Chateau De Quéribus, Walk To Duilhac (3-4Hrs)
This morning at 10:30am you will be met at the SNCF train station in Perpignan and transferred to Grau de Maury at the foot of the Château de Quéribus, a well preserved border castle with terrific views towards the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. After spending some time exploring the castle you begin hiking to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse through oak forest and the hill top village of Cucugnac with its restored windmill which grinds flour for the local bakery.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascend: +300m/984ft, descend: -500m/1640ft
Day 2 : Climb To Peyrepertuse Castle, Hike To Galamus Gorges, Transfer To Gite-Hotel (5-6Hrs)
The day begins with a steep climb to the magnificent Château Peyrepertuse, where the ruins are extensive, giving you a different angle on Quéribus. It is an amazing building, almost indistinguishable from the surrounding crags at first glance. The route descends from the castle through the soft-leaved scrubland and finally reaches the deep and spectacular Galamus gorges. There is a subterranean hermitage and some riverside pools that would make for a refreshing dip on a hot day. You walk through the gorge, and at its end there is a 6pm transfer to the small and pretty hamlet of Camps-sur-l'Agly, below the Pic de Bugarach.
Distance: 19km/11.8mi, ascend: +550m/1840ft, descend: -550m/1804ft
Day 3 : An Impressive Walk With Excellent Views En Route To Puilaurens Castle (5-6Hrs)
Today you make your way via the Corbieres ridges and a gorgeous day unfolds, walking steeply up through the forests and over a high pass called Col de Pechines (915m) with its panoramic view of the Pyrenees. A very steep winding descent on the GR, which is harder than the average for this trip, brings you off the massif and down to the village of Caudies de Fenouilledes. The second half of the walk is relatively flat until a final steep ascent takes you to the next castle at Puilaurens. You can explore on your own or there is the option for a guided tour to learn about Catharism (book and pay locally). After your castle visit, an evening transfer will take you to the old hat making town of Quillan, where you stay overnight.
Distance: 18.2km/11.3mi, ascend: +700m/2297ft, descend: -800m/2625ft
Day 4 : Pass Interesting Villages En Route To Puivert Castle (Troubadour Castle) (5-7Hrs)
The route today takes you from Quillan through farmland, ascending the Col de Brénac and through the village of Brénac where Petrus Amelius, a key religious figure in the 14th Century was born. After a second pass you arrive at the village of Nébias which sits on the Atlantic-Mediterranean Drainage divide, the so-called ‘Partage des Eaux’ that divides the village. It is symbolized by a fountain. The area is under three different climatic influences: Mediterranean, oceanic and alpine. From here there is the option to extend the walk a couple of hours along a nature trail called the 'Labyrinthe Vert,' a wild area of mossy woods amidst limestone pavements. The trail continues from Nébias and up again onto a woody ridge leading to Puivert Castle, well known as the Troubadour castle. It was here that the 12th century poet-musicians sang the praises of new values and ideas to the villagers. Staying in the pretty village of Puivert you should have time to visit the museum which has contemporary recordings of the songs once sung at the castle. For thirsty walkers there is also a microbrewery.
Accommodation requires that you being a sleep sheet. Pillows and blankets are provided.
Distance: 16-21km/9.9-13mi, ascend: +610m/2001ft, descend -100m/328ft
Day 5 : Transfer To Montsegur To Visit Castle, Continue To Roquefixade (6Hrs)
After breakfast transfer to Montségur, originally thought to have been a planned village built for those constructing the castle. There is a small museum here and a traditional bakery. There's an optional short steep climb where you can visit the castle (fortress) which acted as the last stronghold of the Cathars. The existing castle is a later construction, but around the back are the remains of the Cathar dwellings and you get a good impression of the original site, with impressive views towards the Pyrenees. On the lower slopes is a memorial, normally covered in flowers, to the 225 Cathars who were burnt to death here in 1244. The walk continues into the pretty village of Montferrier before you ascend again through the Mondini forest and traverse to the charming village of Roquefixade via a scenic ridge.
Distance: 19km/11.8mi, ascend: +650m/2133ft, descend: -900m/2953ft
Day 6 : Traverse A High Ridge With Stunning Views To The Small Town Of Foix (6-7Hrs)
Today begins with a beautiful ridge hike to Château de Roquefixade. This was an important Cathar refuge but once again the present-day ruins are much more modern. Continue to the beautiful township of Foix. Its imposing castle is the best preserved Château on the route due to its more or less continuous occupation from Cathar times. It was once owned by the Counts of Foix, but they eventually gave up their Cathar faith and submitted to the French Crown.
Distance: 18.5km/11.5mi, ascend: +500m/1640ft, descend: -800m/2625ft
Day 7 : Trip Concludes After Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. We recommend taking some time to visit the Foix castle before departing Foix.
We can assist with a transfer to return to Perpignan if required - supplement applies, please ask for our rates.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses -
6 breakfasts, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 to 3 courses which include regional specialties
-
6 nights accommodation is included: 5 nights on a twin share basis in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses, some nights with private facilities and some with share facilities, and 1 night in a gite-hostel in a small dormito
-
Digital information pack including GPX tracks
-
Luggage transfer - limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per person. Any excess luggage should be stored at your pre-tour hotel, or we can arrange for its transfer from Perpignan to Foix - supplement applies (note you will not have access to this
-
All internal transfers described in the program
-
Emergency hotline
-
Travel to Perpignan and from Foix
-
Meals not listed as included, drinks
-
Travel insurance - mandatory
-
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
What's Not Included
-
Lunch and drinks
-
Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
-
Entrance fees
-
Optional transfer Foix to Perpignan - supplement applies
-
Travel insurance
-
Excess luggage fees
-
Lunch and drinks, dinner in Foix
-
As prices are based on twin occupancy, a single supplement will apply if you book a single room
Accommodation
5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses
During the trip you will be accommodated in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses. The hotels and some guesthouses have private facilities, at times there are share facilities. At Roquefixade it is a gite-hostel and you will stay in a small dormitory with shared facilities. Sheet and sleeping bag provided. Single rooms are available on two nights only (days 1 and 6), other nights are in small dormitories. The accommodation has been specially chosen for the location, character and fabulous cuisine typical of the region.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of around 5-6 hours (not including rests or visits to the castles enroute). The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked. There are many ups and downs as you would expect in a mountainous region, and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required and the trip is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Map reading skills are essential and you will need to use a compass at times in order to check the path. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Monday - Sunday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Friday - Thursday
Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024Saturday - Friday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Monday - Sunday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Friday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Saturday - Friday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Monday - Sunday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 24, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 25, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024Friday - Thursday
Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024Saturday - Friday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Monday - Sunday
Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 24, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Monday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Monday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.