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  • Pyrenees 

The entire Cathar Trail on foot - From mountains to sea - 2nd part

From Quillan to Durban-Corbières

ref RP14

From
860€/person
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Le_Sentier_Cathare_3_28a75737b9
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Presentation of your trip

The castles proudly stand on rocky peaks. You follow the path, carved out eight centuries ago, to reach the summit. Initially serving as military posts guarding the Spanish border, these majestic buildings served as refuges for the Cathars. These are true fortresses where one would live, train, defend and worship. From the summit, you’ll take in a wide panorama, all the better to spot the enemy arriving…Following in the footsteps of hundreds of faithful men and women, you walk along paths soaked in heritage. 
Visit the most remarkable Cathar chateaux, nestled in magnificent landscapes: from the limestone foothills of Plantaurel, the mountainous Ariégoises forests and the Plateau de Sault to the garrigue, vineyards of the Corbières and the smells of the Mediterranean. 
 

  • DestinationPyrenees
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesHiking
  • Physical level
Roquefixade Castle against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pyrenees

Famous route

The Cathar Trail

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 complete trail on foot.
  • Diverse landscapes: from the Ariege forests to the Mediterranean garrigue.
  • A string of châteaux from the Middle Ages, nestled in stunning scenery.
  • The return transfer is included.

Complementary informations

  • 7 days, 6 nights, including 6 days of hiking

Program

  • Day 1

    From Quillan to Quirbajou

    • Distance : 16 km
    • Duration : 4h30
    • Elevation gain : 820 m
    • Negative gradient : 320 m
    • Type of accommodation : Bed & Breakfast

    Following the River Aude, we arrive in Quirbajou via the chalets of Carach.
     

  • Day 2

    From Quirbajou to Aigues Bonnes

    • Distance : 25 km
    • Duration : 6h30
    • Elevation gain : 700 m
    • Negative gradient : 870 m
    • Type of accommodation : Farm

    Starting from the Gorges du Rébenty, we leave behind the green meadows and mountains in search of the Mediterranean climate. We stop at a real jewel of medieval architecture, the Château de Puilaurens  (optional), perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vallée de la Boulzane. Night stay on a farm.
     

  • Day 3

    From Aigues Bonnes to Camps sur Agly

    • Distance : 22 km
    • Duration : 6h30
    • Elevation gain : 690 m
    • Negative gradient : 780 m
    • Type of accommodation : Bed & Breakfast

    We continue our hike towards Caudiès de Fenouillèdes and cross the magnificent Gorges St. Jaume. The smells of the garrigue follow us as we continue on to the little village of Camps/Agly. 

    Night stay on a B&B.

  • Day 4

    From Camps/Agly to Peyrepertuse

    • Distance : 22 km
    • Duration : 7h
    • Elevation gain : 570 m
    • Negative gradient : 735 m
    • Type of accommodation : Hotel

    We walk on to reach the start of the Gorges de Galamus. Then, passing between holm oak trees and juniper bushes, we arrive on the Corbières ridge, where we come across the imposing Château de Peyrepertuse (optional visit). Night in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. 

    Return trip to the castle: +3.5km +170m -170m.
     

  • Day 5

    From Peyrepertuse to Tuchan

    • Distance : 22 km
    • Duration : 6h30
    • Elevation gain : 650 m
    • Negative gradient : 750 m
    • Type of accommodation : Auberge

    This stage starts with a descent through the garrigue towards the village of Cucugnan,  famous for its legendary parish priest. We then arrive at the Château de Quéribus, guardian of the form Spanish border. Finally another pleasant descent to the château and village of Padern. Night in Tuchan. 
     

  • Day 6

    From Tuchan to Durban

    • Distance : 28 km
    • Duration : 7h
    • Elevation gain : 450 m
    • Negative gradient : 800 m
    • Type of accommodation : Bed & Breakfast

    In the morning, we pass by the Château d’Aguilar and walk on through the land of a thousand Mediterranean smells. The vines gradually take over the scrubland. 
    Return transfer and night in a hotel in Quillan (or in Foix for those who follow the 2 circuits).
     

  • Day 7

    Quillan

      End of trip after breakfast.

    • End of trip

    You can also :

    • Complete the first part: from Foix to Quillan
    • Or complete the entire Cather Trail, from the mountains to the sea!

    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

      • Valid identity card.
      • Repatriation insurance recommended.

    • Departure and meeting point

      Meet on Day 1 at Quillan (SNCF train station)

      How to get there:

      • By car: Motorway to Carcassonne then D118 to Quillan. 
      • By train : Carcassonne SNCF train station, then TER bus to Quillan.
      • By plane : Carcassonne Airport then shuttle bus to Quillan bus station.

       

    • Accommodation

      As our accommodation is small, please book as early as possible.

      Half-board (dinner, overnight stay and breakfast included)

      Accommodation options to choose from :
      Gîte d'étape: selected for the quality of their welcome, these gîtes offer a friendly atmosphere. In most cases, you'll share 4/6-person dormitories. Sheets and towels are not provided.
      Double room option (subject to availability): you sleep in comfortable 2-person rooms in hotels, B&Bs and sometimes gîtes. Sheets and towels are provided.

    • Accommodation

      As our accommodation is small, please book as early as possible.

      Half-board (dinner, overnight stay and breakfast included)

      Double room option (subject to availability): you sleep in comfortable 2-person rooms in hotels, B&Bs and sometimes gîtes. Sheets and towels are provided.

    • Key information and support

      On your own :

       

      You go on your own, as a couple, with family or friends. We take care of your accommodation, meals, luggage transfer and group.

      You have good hiking experience and can find your way with a map and compass. From one stage to the next, you'll follow our My LaRébenne app on your phone, where you'll find your complete file with maps, tracks, accommodation and transporters, as well as all the information you need for your stay.


      Freedom means hiking lightly, at your own pace, and enjoying the pleasures of nature to the full, without worrying about the logistics of your stay. It also means being free to interpret and imagine what the Pyrenees have to say.

    • Food

      This is not the time to go on a diet! Instead, it is an opportunity to taste local cuisine and specialities. The quality of your food is paramount and we take great care to ensure a good dietary balance, sufficient calorie intake and that each meal includes local specialities.You will eat in the hotel.

      Picnics (for lunch) are not included.

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Difficulty level

      From 4h to 7h walking per day. No technical difficulties. 900m maximum ascent. You must be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike for several days.

    • Options

      We've developed our digital navigation application for you to download onto your phone, where you'll find your complete file with maps, tracks, accommodation and transporters, as well as all the information you need for your stay. If you don't want the digital folder, but prefer the paper version with classic navigation tools such as maps, map holders, topo-guides and printed information, please let us know.

      Accommodation the day before departure in a gîte or hotel,
      Picnic supplement from D2 to D6,
      Single room supplement.

    Dates and price

    Information

    Free departure dates: you choose your own departure dates according to your availability.
    For groups, we adapt the level, duration, price and program on request.

    Freedom Package Rates

    Price TTC per person

    Self-guided package - double room
    Registration at 2 people960€
    Registration at 3 people940€
    Registration at 4 people880€
    Registration at 6 people860€

    Options

    Single room option: € 195

    The price includes

    • Half-board accommodation,
    • Luggage transport,
    • Transfer back to starting point,
    • Digital topographical guide,
    • Or the paper file with IGN maps with the route highlighted, map holder and detailed topo-guide,

    The price does not include

    • All drinks,
    • Insurance,
    • Personal expenses,
    • Picnics,
    • Accommodation the day before departure,
    • Visits to castles.

    Request for quote or information

    The destination

    • Pyrenees

      The Pyrenees! A vast, multicultural mountain range that is a paradise for hikers, road cyclists and mountain bikers looking for unforgettable adventures… But where to begin? From the lush green mountains of the Basque Country to the wild landscapes of Ariège and the Catalan ranges, where the scent of the Mediterranean lingers in the air, it would be impossible to capture the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenees in just a few lines. Crossing the Pyrenees is a legendary adventure for hikers, road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. Our itineraries invite you to experience this iconic journey at your own pace!

      See more trips
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    See also

    • Sentier_Cathare_1_7661620af6
      • Pyrenees

      The entire Cathar Trail on foot - From the mountains to the sea - 1st part

      ref RP13

      • 7 days and 6 nights
      Discover