ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFOThe Secret Trails and Castles of the Pyrenees 2010
Between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, in the heart of the sun baked Corbieres region of south-west France, this walk progresses from wild, lush countryside to mountains and sun-blessed vineyards, with a cultural heritage which derives from some of the most mysterious and dramatic pages of the history of France. Scenery in abundance, from pine, oak and beech forests, to rivers and deep gorges and distant mountain peaks. Yet the walking is not especially difficult and the flowers and wildlife are substantial additional pleasures.
There are two walking trails. Both follow different sections of the famous 'Sentier Cathare' and can be combined to make a two-week holiday. Along these ancient paths you will discover Cathar castles, perched precariously on the cliff edges, and small rural Pyrenean villages. This region full of charm also has its own culinary secrets, the Corbiere wines and typical dishes, like 'cassoulet', will leave a memorable reminder and a taste of a warm welcome.
PRICE
Tuchan/Queribus to Quillan - 6 nights - 5 days walking - £485 per person based on two people sharing
Quillan to Foix - 7 nights - 6 days walking - £475.00 per person based on two people sharing
Tuchan/Queribus to Quillan to Foix - 12 nights - 11 days walking - £890.00 per person per person based on two people sharing
Supplement £18.00 per night for single room. Supplement for one person walking alone £80.00 (Tuchan/Quillan), £95.00 (Quillan to Foix), £165 for both sections.
Extra nights can also be booked at extra cost INCLUDED
Tuchan/Queribus to Quillan: 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners, luggage transportation, maps and route instructions, transfers as necessary for the programme.
Quillan to Foix: 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners, luggage transportation, map and route instructions, transfers as necessary for the programme.
Tuchan/Queribus-Quillan-Foix: 12 nights accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 10 dinners, luggage transportation, map and route instructions, transfers as necessary for the programme.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights, train tickets, drinks with meals, lunches
Departure dates 2010: April to October
To book email:
walking@star.co.ukT: (44)
(0)1242 254353
Tuchan/Queribus to Quillan
Day 1: Arrive Tuchan for overnight at Hostellerie du Mont Tauch.
Day 2: Short transfer to Padern. Today we walk from the Chateau of Padern through contrasting landscapes to the fortress of Queribus and from there we continue to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse for overnight at Auberge du Vieux Moulin.
16 kms/10 miles. 5 hrs. Altitude gain/descent: +436m -260m
Day 3: Duilhac to Bouchard
We walk through the unforgettable Galamus Gorges up to the Chateau of Peyrepertuse and continue to the private domaine of Bouchard. Overnight chambre d'hote Domaine du Bouchard.
16 kms/10 miles. 5 hrs. +250m -340m
Day 4: Domaine du Bouchard to Sougraigne
Our walk today is in the very heart of the Cathar country as we walk between the Fenouilledes and the Corbieres. We traverse the Bugarach massif and the Salso Col before arriving in the beautiful small village of Sougraigne for overnight.
15kms/9.5 miles. 5hrs. +250m -605m
Day 5: Sougraigne to Granes
We pass the village of Rennes les Bains and on to Rennes le Chateau with its small castle dominating the surrounding hills. We spend the night at a charming chambre d'hote in Granes.
19kms/11.9 miles. 5hrs30. +445m -450m
Day 6: Granes to Quillan
The route from Granes to Quillan follows the GR along a well known path that used to be an important link and means of communication between the small Pyreneen hamlets. We traverse the high saddle of the Col des Trois Quilles before arriving in Quillan. Overnight - Hotel Quillan.
18 kms/11.25 miles. 5hrs. +350m -440m
Day 7: After breakfast our trip ends
NB - walking times are approximate only
ITINERARY
Quillan to Foix
Day 1: Arrive and overnight in Quillan
Day 2: From Quillan walk to the village of Nebias. From here the walk starts along the Cathar footpath to the 13th century Chateau of the Troubadours in Puivert. Overnight Puivert.
21 kms/13 miles. 5hrs 45. +700m -495m
Day 3: Puivert to Belcaire
The route goes through a thick fir forest and along through the heart of the Escale and Picaussel forests and onto the vast airy plateau of Sault using ancient paths to access the high valley of Aude and the Corbieres region. Overnight Belcaire.
21 kms/13 miles. 6hrs. +583m -25m
Day 4: Belcaire to Montsegur
We notice the difference between the Pays de Sault plateau and the county of Ariege as we walk along a pathway situated between high rock mountains that slip down through the impressive Gorge of the Frau before arriving in the village of Montsegur. Overnight Montsegur.
18 kms/11.25 miles. 5hrs30. +660m -772m
Day 5: Montsegur to Montsegur
We walk from Montsegur, along a steep rocky trail, as the route leads onto the foothills of the mountain knowns as the Massif of Tabe. Overnight Montsegur.
12 kms/7.5 miles. 6hrs30. +774m -580m
Day 6: Montsegur to Roquefixade
From Montsegur the Cathare trail weaves its way to the village of Montferrier, traversing the Modini forest before reaching the Pyrenean village of Roquefixade, an ancient bastide of the 13th century. Overnight Roquefixade.
17 kms/10.6 miles. 4hrs30. +400m -760m
Day 7: Roquefixade to Foix
The last section of the Cathare path follows a high ridge from Roquefixade castle to the small town of Foix. This walk combines superb terrain with stunning views. Overnight Foix.
18.5 kms/11.6 miles. 5hrs. +350m -720m
Day 8: Departure.
ITINERARY
Queribus / Quillan / Foix
Day 1: Arrive for overnight in the pretty town of Tuchan.
Day 2: Short transfer to Padern. Today we walk from the Chateau of Padern through contrasting landscapes to the fortress of Queribus and from there we continue to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse for overnight.
16 kms. 5 hrs. Altitude gain/descent: +436m -260m
Day 3: Duilhac to Bouchard
We walk through the unforgettable Galamus Gorges up to the Chateau of Peyrepertuse and continue to the private domaine of Bouchard.
16 kms. 5 hrs. +250m -340m
Day 4: Domaine du Bouchard to Sougraigne
Our walk today is in the very heart of the Cathar country as we walk between the Fenouilledes and the Corbieres. We traverse the Bugarach massif and the Salso Col before arriving in the beautiful small village of Sougraigne.
15kms. 5hrs. +250m -605m
Day 5: Sougraigne to Granes
We pass the village of Rennes les Bains and on to Rennes le Chateau with its small castle dominating the surrounding hills. We spend the night at in a chambre d'hote in Granes. 19kms/11.9 miles. 5hrs30. +445m -450m
Day 6: Granes to Quillan
The route from Granes to Quillan follows the GR along a well known path that used to be an important link and means of communication between the small Pyreneen hamlets. We traverse the high saddle of the Col des Trois Quilles before arriving in Quillan. 18 kms/11.25 miles. 5hrs. +350m -440m
Day 7: From Quillan walk to the village of Nebias. From here the walk starts along the Cathar footpath to the 13th century Chateau of the Troubadours in Puivert. 21 kms/13 miles. 5hrs45. +700m -495m
Day 8: Puivert to Belcaire
The route goes through a thick fir forest and along through the heartof the Escale and Picaussel forests and onto the vast airy plateau of Sault using ancient paths to access the high valley of Aude and the Corbieres region.
21 kms/13 miles. 6hrs. +583m -25m
Day 9: Belcaire to Montsegur
We notice the difference between the Pays de Sault plateau and the county of Ariege as we walk along a pathway situated between high rock mountains that slip down through the impressive Gorge of the Frau before arriving in the village of Montsegur. 18 kms/11,25. 5hrs30. +660m -772m
Day 10: Montsegur to Montsegur
We walk from Montsegur, along a steep rocky trail, as the route leads onto the foothills of the mountain knowns as the Massif of Tabe.
12 kms/7.5 miles. 6hrs30. +774m -580m
Day 11: Montsegur to Roquefixade
From Montsegur the Cathare trail weaves its way to the village of Montferrier, traversing the Modini forest before reaching the Pyrenean village of Roquefixade, an ancient bastide of the 13th century.
17 kms/10.6 miles. 4hrs30. +400m -760m
Day 12: Roquefixade to Foix
The last section of the Cathare path follows a high ridge from Roquefixade castle to the small town of Foix. This walk combines superb terrain with stunning views.
18.5 kms/11.6 miles. 5hrs. +350m -720m
Day 13: Departure.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Moderately strenuous
GROUP SIZE
This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people. It can be also operated for single, experienced walkers
BACK TO TOP
Unique history, wonderful food and wine, gorgeous scenery of meadows,vineyards, and distant snow-capped peaks, and charming villages.
BACK TO TOP
ACCOMMODATION
Friendly and comfortable, usually with private bathrooms (most ensuite).
LOCATION
This walk is in the south-west region of France.
GETTING THERE
There are a few trains and buses from Toulouse via Carcassone to Quillan then taxi to Tuchan. Foix has a train station with trains to Toulouse. If you want to go back to Quillan then there are buses during the week or taxis at the weekend.
The nearest airports are Toulouse, Carcassonne or Perpignan.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, water bottle, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.
WHEN TO GO
Any day from Easter to late October subject to accommodation availability. Departures early or late in the season maybe subject to weather conditions.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact worldwalks at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353