Carcassonne & Cathar Trails

7 Days & 6 Nights

Carcassonne & Cathar Trails

Cathar country of the Languedoc-Roussillon & the French Pyrenees
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne and its fortified city
Landscapes shaped by the history of the ever-rebellious Cathars
Bastide of Mirepoix with its colourful half-timbered houses and squares
Regional French cuisine and wines of character, such as Roussillon red

Make your way on foot from the fortified city of Carcassonne into the foothills of the Ariège Pyrenees, stronghold of the Cathars. Here, the Middle Ages have left an indelible footprint. Mystical Medieval castles, Romanesque abbeys and a multitude of history all serve to provide a walking tour which stirs the imagination. These landscapes are full of intrigue with lush valleys, dramatic gorges, rolling hills, snow-peaked mountains and pretty villages in the shadow of dramatic castles. Experience appealing and delicious regional cuisine, robust wines, and characterful hand-picked accommodations.

From £920.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Carcassonne

Arrive in the intriguing city of Carcassonne, famous as the place where the Crusader army laid siege in 1209 and came to fight the heresy of the Cathars. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-worthy of a day or two of exploration, from the Bastide to the medieval fortifications and the Canal du Midi.

Overnight Carcassonne

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

chambre-double-standard-rouge-hotel-carcassonne-pont-vieux

Hotel du Pont Vieux | Hotel

You will be welcomed warmly to this hotel by Catherine and Jean Michel. Ideally located just a short walk away from the Medieval city this hotel is situated in a beautiful 18th century building and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is also a lovely private garden in the back in which to relax and all the amenities are modern.

Carcassonne Guest House | Guest House

Carcassonne Guest House offers one of the best views of La Cite (Carcassonne Medieval Fortress). The house is a recently renovated Maison de Maitre. It is set in a very quiet prestigious residential neighborhood on Quai Bellevue (beautiful view) overlooking the river Aude and the truly magnificent castle. Just a short walk away is the lively town centre with its array of shops, cafes and colourful markets. The guest house boasts 5 ensuite climate controlled bedrooms, all decorated to the highest standard. Guests can relax in the courtyard and eat breakfast (prepared by your host) on the gorgeous terrace whilst admiring the breathtaking views.

Hotel Montmorency | 3 Star | Hotel

The style of the hotel Montmorency is medieval yet contemporary, rural yet metropolitan, sophisticated yet comfortable. There is a heated pool from Easter until November, an outdoor jacuzzi which is heated all year round, and a stylish, panoramic bar.

Day 2 Carcassonne City and Landscapes Walk 5.5 miles / 9 km

Today’s introductory walk begins at the Porte Narbonnaise and takes you through the Medieval city before heading out of town along the GR 36 through the plains of the Aude. Pech Mary Hill offers great and unusual views over Carcassonne, the Carcassés Plain and the Montagne Noir beyond the city to the south. Walk through shady pine forest and past local vineyards until you return back to the medieval city. As it is a short walk there will be time to explore further here and the fortifications that were built in 12th century by the Trencavel family.

Ascent/Descent: 120m/120m

Overnight Carcassonne

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel du Pont Vieux | Hotel

Carcassonne Guest House | Guest House

Hotel Montmorency | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 3 Transfer to Vals. Walk to Mirepoix 9 miles / 14 km

Today’s transfer (1 hour) brings you to the delightful little village of Vals and its Troglodyte Church of Haute d’Isle which is carved out of a rock. If you venture inside you will see the fabulous Romanesque frescoes and there are also great views over the surrounding countryside from the terrace. From here walk along the GR 76 route all the way to the delightful town of Mirepoix. This town has a large central square surrounded by half-timbered houses. During the crusade against the Cathars in 1209 the castle became dispossessed.

Ascent/Descent: 315m/265m

Overnight Mirepoix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

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Maison des Consuls | 4 Star | Hotel

This lovely hotel overlooks the main Medieval square in Mirepoix and has been miraculously preserved from its 13th century shell. With authentic decor the rooms are nicely furnished and breakfast is served in the little courtyard.

Day 4 Walk Lac de Montbel to Mirepoix 12.5 miles / 20 km

Today a transfer of 30 minutes brings you to the gorgeous and stunningly blue lake of Montbel with its pretty wooded shores. If you wish you can spend some time at the lake, perhaps even taking a dip in its pleasant waters if it is warm enough. Then embark on today’s walk which takes you through the pretty village of Camon, one of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”.

Continue on through the peaceful countryside into Mirepoix.

Ascent/Descent: 185m/270m

Overnight Mirepoix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Maison des Consuls | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 5 Transfer to La Bastide sur l’Hers. Walk to Montségur. Transfer to Mirepoix. 12.5 miles / 20 km

A transfer of 20 minutes brings you to the delightful village of La Bastide sur L’Hers located at the foot of the Plantaurel Hills and on the banks for the River L’Hers. Make your way south on trails through forests, small villages and gradually into the mountains of the Ariège region.

Arrive into the historic village of Montségur. As you approach you will see the famous sight of Montségur Castle, perhaps one of the most famous and powerful of the Cathar Castles and situated on a spectacular “pog” or mountain. This was the place of one of the last Cathar strongholds.

Ascent/Descent: 700m/200m

Overnight Mirepoix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Maison des Consuls | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 6 Free day to explore Mirepoix

Spend a day relaxing in the pretty village of Mirepoix. Wander through the medieval streets, stopping for a café au lait in the Place des Couverts and enjoy a spot of people watching.

Overnight Mirepoix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Maison des Consuls | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 7 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This walking tour introduces you to the fascinating history of south west France and is a good introduction to walking in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Explore this region of medieval castles, small villages, lakes and enjoy the welcome of the locals, strongly independent descendants of the Cathars.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Grade & Terrain

This tour has a moderate grading. However the first city walk in Carcassonne is easy to moderate, then the difficulty increases as you go further into the mountains. The trails are a combination of city walks or using dirt or wooded trails, gravel tracks and tarmac country roads. This tour is suitable for walkers with good physical fitness. There are significant elevation gains on losses on the final walk in Montségur and on the walk from La Bastide sur L’Hers into Montségur, however, it is a gradual elevation gain as you walk into the mountains. If it has been raining when you are there or just before, there are likely to be some muddy trails too.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

6 overnights in hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels and chambres d’hotes
6 breakfasts
Luggage transfers
People transfers as per the itinerary
Detailed information pack, route notes and maps
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Carcassonne
Travel from Foix
Lunches & Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Personal equipment

Extras

Private transfers to and from Carcassone
Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? How do the baggage transfers work? What equipment do I need? What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

WHY MACS?

Reasons to believe in Macs Adventure:

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