Discover the Cathar country, the land of the mysterious heretics.
We can adapt to any of your request for a tailor-suited holiday. Still, here is an example of what we offer on the Cathar theme.
DAY 1
You will discover the City of Carcassonne, its imposing castle and its majestic St-Nazaire and St-Celse basilica. The day could continue with a visit to the Canal du Midi.
day 2
Let’s start with a nice walk up Lastours’ four castles: Surdespine, Quertineux, Tour Régine and Cabaret. We’ll proceed to the Minervois with a visit to the abbey and the village of Caunes-Minervois and the discovery of the medieval village of Minerve. A wine tasting can be organized according to your convenience.
day 3
Why not drive to the beautiful Corbières, and visit the Cathar castles of Quéribus and Peyreperthuse? Both nicknamed “the vertigo citadels”, they are a landline for the ancient border with the Kingdom of Aragon. Just like proper watchers, they stand proudly on their rocky peaks. They also offer protection to the villages of Duilhac and Cucugnan.
day 4
Today we’ll head towards the Mediterranean. We will start the day at the abbey of Fontfroide, which is one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France. We will then proceed to Narbonne to discover the roman and medieval remains. To end the day with charm, the picturesque village of Gruissan will offer us a stunning view over the sea and salted lagoons.
day 5
Let’s visit Albi ! it has been on the World Heritage list since 2010. We will admire St Cecile cathedral and Berbie Episcopal Palace. We will find out all about the Toulouse-Lautrec museum and continue towards Cordes-sur-ciel. This 13th century Bastide is a must-see amongst the cathar sites. Cordes is located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela. It was rated “French people’s favourite village” in 2014 by Stéphane Bern’s famous TV show.
Possible extensions:
- A day in Ariège with a visit of Mirepoix and the beautiful stroll up to Montsegur castle.
- A day in downtown Toulouse with the discovery of the Capitol, St. Sernin Basilica and the Jacobin Convent. Why not spend the afternoon visiting of the “Halle de la Machine”? it is an unusual place that has recently opened.
We can adapt to any of your request for a tailor-suited holiday.
Stay in Cathar country in French, English or Spanish.
Site’s accessibility: Some Cathar castles are located on steep slopes, so please wear sport shoes.
- One full day of guiding
- 5 full days of guiding