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  • Pyrénées 

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

From Foix to Quillan

From
525€/person
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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. 
 

  • DestinationPyrénées
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesHiking
  • Physical level
LaRébenne - Château de Montségur

Collection

The Cathar Trail

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.
Description of the tripProgramTravel conditionsDates and price

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 Montgailhard (Foix) to Roquefixade

    • Distance : 18.5 km
    • Duration : 5h
    • Elevation gain : 720 m
    • Negative gradient : 350 m

    Transfer from Foix to Montgailhard in your own vehicle, shuttle bus (1€/person) or La Rébenne can organise a taxi if the shuttle bus is not running.

    Set off on your hike towards the Pech de Foix before passing through the Pradière forests and finally reaching the magnificent Château de Roquefixade, from where we can take in the view over the peaks of the Massif de Tabe, including Saint Barthélémy. 

    Night in Roquefixade.
     

  • Day 2

    From Roquefixade to Pog de Montségur

    • Distance : 16.5 km
    • Duration : 4h30
    • Elevation gain : 750 m
    • Negative gradient : 400 m

    Starting at the Château de Roquefixade, we walk through the forests towards the Château de Montségur, one of the most significant Cathar sites. Visit the castle (optional) and take in the Massif de Tabe with the towering backdrop of the Pic St Barthélémy. Night in the village of Montségur at the foot of the castle. 
     

  • Day 3

    From Montségur to Comus

    • Distance : 14.5 km
    • Duration : 4h
    • Elevation gain : 700 m
    • Negative gradient : 500 m

    A quiet transition stage during which you will travel from Ariege to the Sault country and the beginning of Mediterranean landscapes. After the forest, we cross the superb Gorges de la Frau to arrive in Comus on the Plateau de Sault. 

    Night in Comus.
     

  • Day 4

    From Comus to Belcaire

    • Distance : 23 km
    • Duration : 5h30
    • Elevation gain : 570 m
    • Negative gradient : 750 m

    Stroll through the beautiful royal forests of the Languerail Plateau, enjoying a splendid panorama over the Gorges de la Frau. We then reach the small village of Espezel before arriving in Belcaire. 
    Night in Belcaire.

  • Day 5

    From Belcaire to Puivert

    • Distance : 22 km
    • Duration : 6h
    • Elevation gain : 240 m
    • Negative gradient : 780 m

    Leave the Plateau de Sault and cross the Lescal and Picaussel forests towards Puivert, which served as a refuge for poets and troubadours during the Middle Ages. Visit the castle (optional), then, if you wish, take some time to discover the traditional music of the region in the village and museum of Quercorb.
     

  • Day 6

    From Puivert to Quillan

    • Distance : 23 km
    • Duration : 6h
    • Elevation gain : 700 m
    • Negative gradient : 950 m

    This stage takes you towards the capital of the Haute Vallée de l’Aude: Quillan. We pass through the beautiful forest of Quirbajou and the village of Nébias, nestled in the heart of the Audoises Pyrenees. 
    Return transfer to Foix and night spent in Foix.
     

  • Foix

      End of trip after breakfast in Foix.
       

    • End of trip

    Travel conditions

    • 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.

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Formalities

      • Valid identity card.
      • Repatriation insurance recommended.

    • 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. If you don't want the digital folder, but prefer the paper version with the classic navigation tools such as maps, map holder, topo-guide and printed information, please let us know.

       

      If you wish to receive both the digital and paper versions of your file, please allow for a supplement.


      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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

      RDV at Montgailhard - Foix (09)

      How to get there:
      By car: RN 20 from Toulouse then exit at Foix.
      By train: Foix SNCF station.
      By plane: Toulouse airport then shuttle bus to Foix SNCF station.

    • 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.

       

      If you wish to receive both the digital and paper versions of your file, please allow for a supplement of 40€.

      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.

    Free departure from

    Price TTC per person

    Freedom package with luggage carried by cabs - stopover gîte
    Registration at 2 people670€
    Registration at 3 people595€
    Registration at 4 people570€
    Registration at 6 people525€
    Freedom package with luggage transfer by cab - double room
    Registration at 2 people730€
    Registration at 3 people690€
    Registration at 4 people630€
    Registration at 6 people585€

    Options

    Single room option: €105 

    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.

    The destination

    • Pyrénées

      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.

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