The Cathar Trail by Mountain bike : from the mountains to the sea
7 days 6 nights with 6 days of mountain biking
From Montségur to Port la Nouvelle and over 6 days on mountain bikes, you roll along the famous Cathar trail. From the mountains of the high Ariège to the Big Blue, you'll terminate your trip on the beaches of the Roussillon.
You'll follow the path of the Cathars, the men with a religion that would shake the Catholic church of the 13th century to its foundations. A path through this incredible historical and spiritual epoque in the heart of magnificent landscape.
Physical difficulty: easy to moderately difficult
Technical difficulty: easy to moderately technical
3 options:
1: self-guided without support vehicle - 450€
2: self-guided with support vehicle - 540€
3: guided by a certified monitor and support vehicle 650€
3-day formula
Bespoke programme of 3 or 4 stages that you choose yourself.
Depart anytime. The trip conditions are the same as for a 6-day trip
|
Practical info | Prices and dates | Our trips in the Pyrenees
Program
Day 1 : From Montségur to Comus. 39 km, altitude change +1310m –950m
In the morning, visit to the chateau then a transitional stage from Ariège into the Aude. After the forest, we cross the suberb gorges de la frau to arriver on the plateau de Sault. In the afternoon, optional climb to the col de Balagués to admire the superb panorama over the high Ariège. Then nice descent to Comus. Overnight in a gîte.
Day 2 : From Comus to Puivert. 34km, Alt. change +260m –996m
We'll cycle along the beautiful royal forests of the plateau de Sault towards the Benagués to arrive at the chateau de Puivert, a refuge for the poets and troubadours in the Middle Ages. Overnight in a gîte.
Day 3 : From Puilaurens to Peyrepertuse. 32km, Alt. change : +720m -1050m
In the morning, transfer to the chateau de Puilaurens, flower of medieval architecture.
We follow the gorges St Jaumes towards Caudies de Feenouillèdes to arrive at the superb gores de Galamus. The, between green oaks and junipers, we reach the crest of the Corbières to discover the imposing chateau de Peyrpertuse. Overnight in a gîte.
Day 4 : From Peyrepertuse to Tuchan. 24km, Alt. change +620m –750m
We descend through scrubland to the village of Cucugnan, famous for the legend of its priest. Arrival at the chateau de Quéribus, gardian of the old Spanish border. Then a pleasant descent to Padern. Overnight in a gîte at Tuchan.
Day 5 : Tuchan to Durban Corbière. 28km, Alt. change +660m –800m
Through vineyards and the foothills, we approach the chateau d'Aguilar in this land of a thousand Mediterranean scents.
Day 6 : From Durban Corbière to Port La Nouvelle. 29km, Alt. change +500 – 600m
Last stage of our trip where we discover the Big Blue by way of superb landscapes.
Arrival on the beach and we plunge into the sea. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 7 :
After a good night's rest, return to Montségur or transfer to Perpignan.
Practical info | Prices and dates | Our trips in the Pyrenees
