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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
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TRIP COST
TRIP NAME:THE CRUSADER TRAIL ‑
Joining Perpignan
CATHAR CASTLES WALK
price based on twin
share:$1220 TRIP CODE:MCC
Trip Concludes: Perpignan
B i s c a y
TRIP DURATION:7 DAYS
All prices are per person GRADE:MODERATE ‑ 3
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY:SELF GUIDED WALK
Single Supplement:$160
Toulouse
Foix
Quillan
Spain
Barcelona
ACCOMMODATION:2 NIGHTS IN 2‑3 STAR HOTELS, 4
NIGHTS IN GUESTHOUSES (GÎTE)
Single Traveller
Surcharge:$580
France
DATE DETAILS:
DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 15 OCT
highlights
Walking along ancient trails in the stunning Corbières region
Exploring the ruins of Cathar castles and delving into the historical intrigue of the sect
Experiencing interesting villages and towns enroute
Enjoying excellent local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the guesthouses
the trip
M e d i t e r r a n e
Strait of Gibraltar
On the borders of the Corbières region, where the Pyrenean chain begins, lies a network of secret
trails leading to the mysterious Cathar castles. From the 12th to the 13th centuries, Catharismnwas
entrenched in the region, a sect that shunned conventional Christianity and materialism. The Cathars
believed in reincarnation, vegetarianism and the way to reach ‘heaven’ was by leading a ‘perfect’
life. As a result of this fundamental clash with Catholicism, The Cathar crusade was organised by
the Catholic Church in tandem with the French crown which was looking for territorial expansion
into the Languedoc, at that time not part of France. The Catholic Church would not tolerate dissent
and more prosaically wanted the tithes that the locals refused to pay. The Crusade lasted for more
than forty years, destroyed the Cathars and started to define a border between France and what
was to become Spain. Whilst many of the castles have since been destroyed, rebuilt over the later
medieval period, then hastily abandoned in the 1600s, there are Cathar remains especially outside
Montsegur and at the castle at Puivert (green peak), the so called ‘Chateau de Troubadours’.
This week long walk follows ancient trails through forests, vineyards and orchards to the medieval
castles. Whilst the intrigue of the region is the secrets of the Cathar sect, the stunning scenery
and interesting villages makes this a richly rewarding experience for walkers and history buffs alike.­
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
4hrs)
Join Perpignan, transfer then walk to Duilhac-sous-Peyreperthuse or Rouffiac (3-
Day 2
Climb to Peyrepertuse castle, hike to Galamus Gorges, transfer to hotel (6hrs)
Day 3
An impressive walk with excellent views en route to Puylaurens Castle (5-6hrs)
Day 4
Pass interesting vilages to Château de Puivert (Troubadour Castle) (5-7hrs)
Day 5
Transfer to Montsegur to visit castle then walk to Roquefixade (6hrs)
Day 6
Traverse a high ridge with stunning views to the small town of Foix (6-7hrs)
Day 7
Transfer to Perpignan, trip concludes
detailed itinerary
Note: Hours indicated on the itinerary do not include time spent visiting the castles and breaks during
the walk.
DAY 1Join Perpignan, transfer then walk to Duilhac-sous-Peyreperthuse or Rouffiac (3-4hrs)
This morning you will be met at the SNCF train station in Perpignan and transferred
to Château de Quéribus, a well preserved border castle with terrific views towards the
Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. After spending some time exploring the castle you
begin the hike to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse or nearby Rouffiac through oak forest and
through the hill top village of Cucugnac with its restored windmill which grinds flour for
the local bakery.
10km, ascend: +300m, descend: - 500m
meals: D
DAY 2Climb to Peyrepertuse castle, hike to Galamus Gorges, transfer to hotel (6hrs)
The day begins with a steep climb to the magnificent Château Peyrepertuse, where the
ruins are extensive, giving you a different angle on Quéribus. It is an amazing building,
almost indistinguishable from the surrounding crags at first glance. The route descends
from the castle through the soft-leaved scrubland and finally reaches the deep and
spectacular Galamus gorge. There is a subterranean hermitage and some riverside
pools that would make for a refreshing dip on a hot day. You walk through the gorge,
and at its end there is a transfer to the small and pretty hamlet of La Bastide de Camps,
under the haunted mountain of Bugurach.
19km, ascend: +750m descend:-550 metres
meals: B,D
DAY 3An impressive walk with excellent views en route to Puylaurens Castle (5-6hrs)
Leaving your hosts you make your way by the Corbieres ridges and a gorgeous day
unfolds, walking steeply up through the forests and over a high pass called Col de
Pechines 915m with its panoramic view of the Pyrenees. A very steep winding descent
on the GR, which is harder than the average for this trip, brings you off the massif and
down to the village of Caudies de Fenouilledes. The second half of the walk is relatively
flat until a final steep ascent up to your next dramatic castle at Puilaurens. From here,
after your castle visit you will be collected by taxi to head off for your night in the old
hat making town of Quillan.
18.2km, ascend: +1028m, descend: -956m
meals: B,D
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
DAY 4Pass interesting vilages to Château de Puivert (Troubadour Castle) (5-7hrs)
The route today takes you from Quillan through farmland, ascending the Col de Brénac
and through the village of Brénac where Petrus Amelius,a key religious figure in the 14th
Century was born. After a second pass you arrive at the village of Nébias which sits
on the Atlantic-Mediterranean Drainage divide, the so called ‘Partage des Eaux’ that
separates the village in two halves. It is symbolized by a fountain. The area is under
three different climatic influences: Mediterranean, oceanic and alpine. From here there is
the option to extend the walk a couple of hours along a nature trail called the ‘Labyrinthe
Vert,’ a wild area of mossy woods amidst limestone pavements. The trail continues from
Nébias and up again onto a woody ridge to arrive for an afternoon visit to the Puivert
Castle, well known as the Troubadour castle. It was here that the 12th century poetmusicians sang the praises of new values and ideas to the villagers. Staying in the pretty
village of Puivert you should have time to visit the museum which has contemporary
recordings of the songs once sung at the Chateau. For thirsty walkers there is also a
microbrewery.
16-21km, ascend: +1012m, descend -825m
meals: B,D
DAY 5Transfer to Montsegur to visit castle then walk to Roquefixade (6hrs)
Morning transfer to the village of Montségur, originally thought to have been a planned
village built for those constructing the castle. There is a small museum here and a
traditional bakery. There follows an optional short steep climb where you can visit the
castle (fortress) which acted as the last stronghold of the Cathars. The existing castle
is a later construction, but around the back are the remains of the Cathar dwellings
and you get a good impression of the original site, with impressive views towards the
Pyrenees. On the lower slopes is a memorial, normally covered in flowers, to the 225
Cathars who were burnt to death here in 1244. The walk continues into the pretty village
of Montferrier, where there is a tea shop, before ascending again through the Mondini
forest and traversing to the charming village of Roquefixade via a scenic ridge.
19km, ascend: +1088m, descend: -1246m
meals: B,D
DAY 6Traverse a high ridge with stunning views to the small town of Foix (6-7hrs)
We start our morning with a beautiful ridge hike to Château de Roquefixade. This
was an important Cathar refuge but once again the present-day ruins are much more
modern. Continue across the limestone escarpment and along royal forest trails to the
beautiful township of Foix with its imposing castle which is the best preserved Château
on the route due to its more or less continuous occupation from Cathar times. It was
once owned by the Counts of Foix, but they eventually gave up their Cathar faith and
submitted to the French Crown.
18.5km, ascend: +765m, descend: -1150m
meals: B,D
DAY 7Transfer to Perpignan, trip concludes
After breakfast, there is usually some time in the morning to visit the Foix castle before
transferring back to Perpignan.
meals: B
inclusions
6 breakfasts, 6 dinners ‑ Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams,
cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 to 3 courses
which include regional specialties
2 nights accommodation in double or twin room in 2‑3 star hotels with private facilities, 4 nights
in guesthouses (gîte) with shared facilities
Transfer of luggage from guesthouse/hotel to guesthouse/hotel ‑ luggage should be limited to
one bag weighing a maximum of 10kg. Excess luggage should be stored at your pre tour hotel.
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
All internal transfers including the transfer on Day 7 from Foix to Perpignan
Information pack including route notes and maps (1 set for up to 4 people travelling together ‑
additional pack is available for purchase).
emergency hotline
items not included
Travel to and from Perpignan
Lunch and drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
Entrance fees
Transfers
Travel insurance
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com. Toulouse is located by following the A10 / A71 and A20and following the
direction Toulouse ‘centre ville’.
BY TRAINPerpignan can be accessed by train from points throughout France and Spain.
For timetable information you can contact France Rail on http://www.sncf.com.
We can arrange your train tickets for you. Please speak to your reservations
consultant or travel agent.
BY AIRPerpignan has an airport. To check on fares or flight availability speak to
your reservations consultant or travel agent. Other regional airports include
Toulouse and Montpelier.
trip grading - moderate
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of around 5‑6 hours (not including rests or visits to the
castles enroute). The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked.
There are many ups and downs as you would expect in a mountainous region, and walking poles are
definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required and the trip is considered suitable for experienced
walkers only. Map reading skills are essential and you will need to use a compass at times in order to
check the path. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you
undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months
prior to your departure.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a
keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make
minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be
able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that
you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding,
losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never
been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of
our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding
is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions
and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to
finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with
a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something
that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
On confirmation of your booking you will receive a pre departure kit to assist in your planning. Three
weeks prior to your departure from your home country you will receive your final vouchers including joining
instructions with Day 1 transfer time to start your walk, maps, route book and luggage tags.
accommodation
DURING TOUR
During the trip you will be accommodated in twin or double rooms in a combination of 2‑3 star hotels
(private facilities) and gite’s (or rural guesthouses) where shared bathrooms are usual. The Gite at
Roquefixade has only one ‘private’ room, and walkers might therefore be booked into the small dormitory.
Sheet sleeping bag is provided. The accommodation has been specially chosen for the location, character
and fabulous cuisine typical of the region.
the region
This walk takes place in the southeastern department of Aude, in the foothills of the Hautes Pyrenees,
35km from the Mediterranean and at the foot of massive Pyrenean chain. The harsh Mediterranean climate
has assisted in the sculpting of the landscape which is characterised by limestone ridges, slopes covered
with fragrant scrubland and shady groves that contrast with the more orderly vineyards in the valley. In
the Middle Ages, the massive High Corbières constituted with its fortresses, the “march of Spain,” on the
border with the kingdom of Aragon. The remains of the prestigious chateaux: Aguilar, Quéribus, Padern
and Peyrepertuse are all testaments to the fabulous epic of the Cathar. From prehistory to the present day,
every village contains remnants of this rich history.
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDFrance
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATETemperatures range between 5‑18 in Spring and Autumn, and 15 ‑ 25 degrees
Celsius in Summer (sometimes higher). Electrical storms in July and August
are common. At higher altitudes you may experience colder conditions. Early
and late season departures may experience very cold conditions, with snow
possible on the higher sections.
MIN GROUP SIZE1
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDWet weather gear, day pack, sunscreen, comfortable walking boots / shoes and
sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre‑departure information
provided on booking).
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges apply for credit card payments). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact
us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance &
additional accommodation.
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There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
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the crusader trail ‑ cathar castles walk
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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AUSTRALIA
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[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
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For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
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Canada
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London SW18 1NL
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UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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