ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

The Secret Trails and Castles of the Pyrenees 2008

 

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 each day's walking we discover the area's great riches - its excellent food and wine, its cultural heritage which derives from some of the most mysterious and dramatic pages of the history of France.
Scenery there is in abundance and plenty of variety with it, 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- £405 per person based on two people sharing
Quillan to Foix - 7 nights - 6 days walking - £425.00 per person based on two people sharing
Tuchan/Queribus to Quillan to Foix - 12 nights - 11 days walking - £785.00 per person per person based on two people sharing
Supplement £14.00 per night for single room.  Supplement for one person walking alone £60.00 Tuchan/Quillan, £80.00 Quillan to Foix, £130 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 2008: April to October

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

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 Cathare 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 Cathare 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 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.
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

M oderately 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

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HIGHLIGHTS

Unique history, wonderful food and wine, gorgeous scenery of meadows, vineyards, and distant snow-capped peaks, and charming villages.

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 may be 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 whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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