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The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk

5.0Based on
7 days
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7 daysDuration
Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining
15 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

Highlights

Walking along ancient trails in the stunning Corbières region

Exploring the ruins of Cathar castles

Experiencing interesting villages and towns en route

Enjoying excellent local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the guesthouses

Itinerary

Step into a world of medieval intrigue and dramatic landscapes on The Crusader Trail – Cathar Castles Walk. This seven-day, moderate self-guided walking tour starts and ends in Toulouse, offering experienced travelers and seniors a fascinating journey through the heart of Cathar country in southern France.

Follow secret trails winding through forests, vineyards, and orchards to reach the legendary Cathar castles perched atop rugged hills. Learn about the 12th- and 13th-century Cathar sect and the epic crusades that shaped the region’s history, with highlights including the castle at Puivert—Chateau de Troubadours—and evocative villages like Roquefixade and Quillan.

What makes this tour package exceptional is its combination of stunning natural scenery and rich historical storytelling, making it a rewarding experience for walkers and history enthusiasts alike. With accommodations, meals, and logistics arranged, you’re free to immerse yourself in the legends and beauty of the Corbières region.

For those who seek adventure and enlightenment along ancient paths, the Cathar Castles Walk is a journey unlike any other.

day 1Join Perpignan, transfer to Chateau de Quéribus, walk to Duilhac (2.5-3hrs)

This morning at 10:30am you will be met at the SNCF train station in Perpignan and transferred to Grau de Maury at the foot of the 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 hiking to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse through oak forest and the hill top village of Cucugnac with its restored windmill which grinds flour for the local bakery.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascend: +300m/984ft, descend: -500m/1640ft

Meals
Dinner

day 2Climb to Peyrepertuse castle, hike to Galamus Gorges, transfer to gite-hotel (5-6hrs)

day 3An impressive walk with excellent views en route to Puilaurens Castle (5-6hrs)

day 4Pass interesting villages en route to Puivert Castle (Troubadour Castle) (5-7hrs)

day 5Transfer to Montsegur to visit castle, continue to Roquefixade (6hrs)

day 6Traverse a high ridge with stunning views to the small town of Foix (6-7hrs)

day 7Trip concludes after breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation
6 nights accommodation is included: 5 nights on a twin share basis in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses, some nights with private facilities and some with share facilities, and 1 night in a gite-hostel in a small dormitory with shared facilities. Single rooms are available on three nights only (days 1, 4 & 6), other nights are in small multishare dormitories (a supplement applies for single travellers)
Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 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
Others
Digital information pack including GPX tracksLuggage transfer - limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per personAll internal transfers described in the programEmergency hotline

Customer Reviews

4.5

based on 4 reviews
2
2
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Excellent trip. They provided good advice and had very good partners on the ground in France and, despite the complexity, everything was remarkably smooth. Would use them again.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good

Stunning walk through amazing scenery and history. A few logistical updates would make it five stars.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good

Excellent walk through stunning scenery and history. A few logistical tweaks would make it 5 stars. Don't end the walk on a Sunday as there are no buses and it's a 6km road walk to the hotel to finish the trip.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Challenging but the views are so worth it! Very well organized.

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

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