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  • France 
  • Pyrenees 

Cycling around Carcassonne

The Cathar Country

ref RN16

From
895€/person

Presentation of your trip

Explore Cathar Country by bicycle on a circular route starting in Carcassonne, which is famous for its medieval city. Cycle through this region to discover its turbulent medieval history, which was shaped by the Albigensian Crusade. Cathar Country is full of medieval secrets and beautiful natural scenery, which you will have the opportunity to admire during this cycling holiday.
 


 

  • DestinationFrance, Pyrenees
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesCycling/All Terrain Biking
  • Physical level

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

DescriptionProgramPratical informationDates and priceContact

Trip details

Highlights

  • A journey rimmed with several medieval vestiges
  • A preserved nature
  • Get into the heart of the local culture: historical, natural and gastronomic

Complementary informations

  • 7 days/6 nights (5 days of cycling)
  • At your leisure, with your luggage transported by vehicle

Program

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Carcassonne

      When you arrive in Carcassonne, you can check into your hotel before setting off on a self-guided tour of the city.… The citadel is listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.


       

    • Day 2

      From Carcassonne to Rennes-les-Bains, via Limoux

      • Distance : 68 km
      • Duration : 5h
      • Elevation gain : 950 m

      Starting from Carcassonne, France's second most popular tourist destination after Mont Saint-Michel, head to Limoux to sample its renowned Blanquette de Limoux, a traditional sparkling wine with a history dating back to the 16th century. Continue on to the Couiza region. Cross this area to reach Arques and its 14th-century castle.

      It is possible to shorten this stage.


       

    • Day 3

      From Rennes to Lagrasse (visit to the gorges and abbey)

      • Distance : 58 km
      • Duration : 4h30
      • Elevation gain : 920 m

      After exploring Arques and its heritage, head to Lagrasse and the western Corbières, an area of wild natural beauty that is emblematic of the region. Upon your arrival, you can take a tour of the abbey. According to legend, the abbey was founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne.


       

    • Day 4

      From Lagrasse to Cucugnan: The castles of Durfort and Termes

      • Distance : 53 km
      • Duration : 4h
      • Elevation gain : 910 m

      Continue your exploration of Cathar history by heading to the ruins of Durfort Castle and the mighty fortress of Termes Castle. After a few kilometres, you will arrive in the medieval village of Cucugnan, which offers superb views of the Corbières.


       

    • Day 5

      From Cucugnan to Rennes-les-Bains, via Quéribus, Peyrepertuse and the Galamus Gorges

      • Distance : 53 km
      • Duration : 4h30
      • Elevation gain : 1150 m

      After admiring the impressive Quéribus Castle, which is perched on a rocky outcrop, head to the former royal fortress of Peyrepertuse Castle. Then continue on to the Gorges de la Galamus to admire another of nature's masterpieces. Finally, head to Rennes-les-Bains to spend the night.

      It is possible to shorten this stage.


       

    • Day 6

      From Rennes-les-Bains to Carcassonne

      • Distance : 69 km
      • Duration : 5h
      • Elevation gain : 920 m

      In the morning, head to the famous village of Rennes-le-Château and discover its mysterious history. Then, as you finish your stay, travel along the pleasant roads that pass through small villages. Green landscapes will accompany you all the way to Carcassonne and its medieval city.

      It is possible to shorten this stage.


       

    • Day 7

      Carcassonne

        End of trip after breakfast.

      • End of trip

      For constituted groups, we adapt the level, duration, price and program on request. Contact us!

      Pratical information

      • Luggage

        Carrying is limited to business of the day and picnic. Luggage is carried by vehicle. Please allow 1 bag per person, maximum 15kg/bag.

      • Formalities

        • A valid official ID
        • We recommend travel insurance with repatriation included
      • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

        Departure from Carcassonne (11).

        How to get there:
        By car: Highway of the south of France.
        By train: Carcassonne train station.
        By plane: Carcassonne airport then shuttle to the city center.

      • Accommodation

        6 nights in hotels and bed and breakfast in half board (except in Carcassonne, B&B).

        Double room formula: you sleep in comfortable rooms for 2 people in hotels, guest rooms. Sheets and towels are provided. A bathroom is reserved for you. (Single room option - See rates on our website).

      • Food

        No question of dieting during your stay but it is rather an opportunity to taste the local cuisine. We attach great importance to the quality of food: dietary balance, energy intake and specialty of the country are the ingredients of each meal.
        Picnics are not planned, as well as diners on days 1 and 6 in Carcassonne. Diners on other days are included.

      • Attendees

        From 2 people.

      • Difficulty level

        Physical level: 2/3
        You have a good physical condition and regularly practice cycling part of the year. Stages of 50 to 70km per day with positive gradients of 900 m per day on average.

      • Options

        • +1 day or -1 day,
        • Formula 3 days: tailor-made program from the 3 stages you choose yourself,
        • Additional accommodation before or after the stay,
        • Single room supplement,
        • Bike rental (rental price subject to return of bikes by the customer in Quillan).
      • Options

        • +1 day or -1 day,
        • Formula 3 days: tailor-made program from the 3 stages you choose yourself,
        • Additional accommodation before or after the stay,
        • Single room supplement,
        • Bike rental (subject to return of bikes by the customer in Carcassonne).
      • Accompanying

        Free Ride:
        Equipped with the orientation material we give you: maps with highlighted route and detailed topoguide, you go alone to discover circuits designed by our team. You are guided by carefully prepared directions, for maximum precision.

      Dates and price

      Information

      Departures on demand: choose your departure dates according to your availability.

      Freedom Package Rates

      Price TTC per person

      Freedom package - double room
      Registration at 2 people1075
      Registration at 3 people1030
      Registration at 4 people975
      Registration at 6 people895

      Options

      • Accommodation in a single room: €225 per person.
      • Picnics (6): €90 per person
      • An additional night in Carcassonne in a double room with breakfast costs €70 per person.
      • An additional night in Carcassonne in a single room with breakfast costs €110 per person.
      • Bicycle hire: please contact us.

      The price includes

      • Accommodation in a double room, breakfast included
      • Dinners from day 2 to day 5
      • Luggage transport between each stage
      • Access to our smartphone navigation app
      • A personalised road book (PDF format) and access to our guide app
      • Track your booking via your personal MyLaRébenne account
      • Complete logistical organisation of your trip
      • 24-hour telephone assistance

      The price does not include

      • Transport to the starting point
      • Picnics (optional)
      • Dinners on day 1 and day 6 in Carcassonne
      • Drinks and personal expenses
      • Visits not included in the programme
      • Personal cycling equipment (helmets, gloves)
      • Bicycles
      • Insurance (assistance, repatriation, cancellation)
      • Any item not mentioned in the ‘Price includes’ section

      Request for quote or information

      The destination

      • Pyrenees

        The Pyrenees! To summarize their beauty and diversity in a few lines would be vain ... From the green mountains of the Basque Country, to the wild lands of Ariège to the Catalan mountains with the scent of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees are an invitation to travel.

        See more trips
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