Combining two of our week-long treks, this fabulous walking holiday takes you on a 2-week journey of the historic Cathar Trail, following in the footsteps of the Cathars as they fled from France to Spain.
- Visit the charming medieval walled city of Carcassonne
- Excellent walks in the High Pyrenees
- See lesser known Cathar castles off the beaten track
- Enjoy relaxation & wildlife at Domaine du Bouchard
- Rest day to enjoy Quillan's history & culture
This is a comprehensive itinerary, taking you from the picturesque medieval city of Carcassonne all the way to the historic town of Foix. Passing and visting several castles en route - including Peyrepertuse, Quéribus and Montségur - you will discover the history of the Cathars, whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees with its lush valleys and rolling hills.
For a shorter walking holiday on the Cathar Footpath, why not consider one of our 8-day itineraries from Carcassonne to Quillan, or Quillan to Foix?
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Carcassonne
Fly to Carcassonne and overnight.
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Day 2: Explore Carcassonne & travel to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse
The delightful medieval city of Carcassonne is well worth exploring. You can follow a the city walk which takes you to the Canal du Midi and the Citadel Carcassonne, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cathedral is also worth a visit, as well as the preserved medieval castle of Chateau Comtal.
Walking distance: 6 km | Ascent: 210 m | Descent: 210 m
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Day 3: Circular walk to Queribus castle
From Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse the trail leads through the fragrant vegetation and past rolling vineyards to arrive at the very prestigious castle of Queribus.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 705 m | Descent: 705 m
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Day 4: Walk to Cubières
Enjoy a particularly picturesque walk today, with opportunities to visit Peyrepertuse Castle and Galamus Gorge, carved out by the River Agly.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 780 m | Descent: 700 m
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Day 5: Walk to Rennes les Bains
Departing Bouchard, today you walk to the pretty rural village of Rennes les Bains.
Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 800 m | Descent: 950 m
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Day 6: Walk to Pailhères
From Rennes les Bains, head towards the river Blanque and the bizarre landscapes of the Haut-Razès, on paths often shaded by huge beech or chestnut trees. Halfway along the route is the enchanting Rennes-le-Château, with its exceptional location and its mysteries due to the tumultuous life of Abbé Saunière in his days. Continue to the peaceful hamlet of Pailhères.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 415 m
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Day 7: Walk to Quillan
Today's trail will take you through varied terrain, some forested, and a series of quaint, sleepy villages, such as Saint Ferriol or Saint Julia de Bec. Arriving in Quillan, you will see the ruins of the castle dating back to the 13th Century, and enjoy panoramic views.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 545 m | Descent: 640 m
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Day 8: Circular walk in Quillan area
Today's circular walk will give you an insight into the incredible diversity of mountain and Mediterranean vegetation. If you would prefer a rest day, perhaps just spend some time in Quillan's street cafés.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 375 m | Descent: 375 m
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Day 9: Walk to Puivert
Heading out from Quillan, your trail takes you through vineyards and olive groves, with juniper bushes and shady oaks offering a delicate fragrance to the air. Walking across undulating valleys and hillsides, you'll see Puivert Castle, the castle of the troubadours.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 720 m | Descent: 530 m
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Day 10: Walk to Comus
Today you have an opportunity to discover the Plateau de Sault, gateway towards the high mountain summits. The dense fir tree forests are home to a variety of deer species, whose tracks you'll undoubtedly see on the trail.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 350 m
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Day 11: Walk to Montségur
Offering a splendid change of scenery, the trail leads you to the Pays d'Olmes on a footpath once used by locals at the beginning of the century. This path was also the main route between the Pays d'Olmes and Pays de Sault regions.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 900 m
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Day 12: Walk to to Roquefixade
Today you traverse lush countryside undulating between valleys and mountains. The trail leads you towards the medieval castle of Roquefixade. Crossing through the village of Montferrier (stopping for a drink and cake at one of the patisseries!) and the hamlet of Coulzonne, you may well run into some locals and experience a warm exchange and interesting insights into the life here. A short transfer at the end of the walk takes you to Foix.
Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 860 m
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Day 13: Walk to Foix
Enjoy the last section through the Pradières domanial forest, with views of the Ariège mountains.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 540 m | Descent: 875 m
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Day 14: Enjoy the day in Foix
Take a walk high above the town and countryside, or if you are here on a Friday you can visit the morning market during the summer months.
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Day 15: Explore Foix, return to the UK
Take the train to Carcassonne for your return flight to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 15 days from £1,959 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 days from £2,209 per person
- Single room supplement: From £275
- Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: 1,300m
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel / guesthouse x 14
- 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 12 dinners
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
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| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 1 Apr to 31 Oct | £1,959 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
