Cathar Castles - Stage 1 Languedoc-Roussillon

Cathar Castles - Stage 1

Trek of the Cathar Castles from Tuchan-Quéribus to Quillan

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Cathar Castles - Stage 1

Trek through the foothills of the Pyrenees past ancient Cathar Castles, through beautiful and changing landscapes from craggy rocks to lush green meadows. You’ll stay half-board in friendly chambre d’hôtes and small hotels where you’ll discover local cuisine and Languedoc wines.

You can choose to combine this first stage with the second stage for a 12 night holday - day 6 of the 1st stage is followed by day 2 of the 2nd stage, totalling 12 nights.

Holiday Highlights

Walk in the foothills of the beautiful Pyrenees
Famous fortified city of Carcassonne
Medieval castles and ancient ruins
Friendly chambres d’hotes and small hotels

What's Included

5 days walking
6 nights half board
Luggage transfers between hotels
Comprehensive route notes
Arrival station transfer

Starting Days

You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week.

Itinerary & Hotels

1
Arrival Tuchan day 1
Summary
Arrival in Tuchan at the chambre d’hôte, La Remise, via Perpignan.
2
Padern to Duilhac day 2
Summary
After a short transfer, your walk takes you through the early medieval village of Mollet and the wine centre at Cucugnan. You can see the 13th century castles at Padern and at Quéribus. Stay at the Auberge du Vieux Moulin.
Hotel
Auberge du Vieux Moulin
Duilhac
This friendly hotel is just 4km from (and below) the iconic Chateau de Peyrepertuse. In the heart of the village of Duilhac, the hotel is a restored stone farm building with blue shutters and oozes character. It has 14 very comfortable rooms and beautiful views across towards the Pyrenees, and, of course, to the famous and hugely evocative castle. It is a 2 star Logis de France.
Facilities
Lovely restored stone building
Wonderful views of the Pyrenees and Peyrepertuse, one of the greatest Cathar strongholds
Central village location
Comfortable, modern rooms
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
Meals are taken at the nearby Auberge de la Batteuse. This outstanding restaurant has an attractive terrace. Enjoy some fine cuisine on the terrace looking up towards the stunning Chateau de Peyrepetuse. The restaurant appears quite simple, but don't be deceived - the food here is quite outstanding, ensuring that this restaurant has become a firm favourite!
10 mi
(16 km)
3
Duilhac to Cubières sur Cinoble day 3
Summary
You pass the Galamus Gorges and see the hermitage of St Antoine de Galamus and the fortress of Peyrepertuse. Upon arrival at the Gîte Accueil in Cubières you will be allocated to a friendly chambre d’hôte.
Hotel
Gîte d’Accueil
Cubières-sur-Cinoble
Françoise and Marco guarantee a warm & friendly welcome in their comfortable guest house, located right at the heart of Cathar country. The property can be found between the Pech of Bugarach (1231m high) and the astonishing Gorges de Galamus. Walkers are particularly welcome, and convivial meals are arranged every evening. There are just 5 bedrooms here (for 1 to 3 persons), all fully en suite.
Facilities
Delightful, modern B&B in a stunning location
Delicious meals prepared by the owners
Comfortbable, modern decor
Picnics can be provided
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
Convivial meals are provided every evening by Francoise and Marco. These are delicious and provide a great opportunity to share walking anecdotes with other guests. Breakfasts are excellent - an ideal start to a wonderful day of walking (picnics can be provided).
10 mi
(16 km)
4
Cubières to Sougraigne day 4
Summary
Today, trek through the chestnut forest and Bugarach. In Sougraigne you stay at the Auberge l’Ecluse au Soleil, a 2-star Logis de France.
Hotel
Auberge l’Ecluse au Soleil
Sougraigne
Typical rustic and comfortable accommodation at a hotel dating back to the 15th century. The hotel is very focused on the many activities available in the local area. Rooms are individually decorated and of a good size, all with en suite shower and wc. The restaurant is proud of its recognition for the traditional local Cathar cuisine with which it excels. There is a good swimming pool, a tennis court and a comfortable lounge.
Facilities
Superb rural location
Large communal salon
Swimming pool
Tennis court
Boules pitch
Delightful shaded terrace
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
The restaurant is classified as an 'Auberge Gourmande du Pays Cathare' and offers a wonderful variety of regional specialities. Dinner is served from the fixed menu du jour and is of an excellent standard and includes an aperitif and local wine. Excellent buffet breakfast.
10 mi
(16 km)
5
Sougraigne to Granès day 5
Summary
Follow way-marked trails through Rennes le Château to Granès where you stay at chambre d’hôte Sue Bell.
Hotel
Maison Bell
Granès
Maison Bell is a wonderful old farmhouse which has been completely refurbished to a very high standard. A great spot to share some tasty food and good wine or maybe just relax by the inviting pool. There is free WiFi and rooms are large and airy with comfortable modern furnishings. Granès is a pretty village surrounded by vineyards.
Facilities
Delightful old farmhouse conversion
Friendly English owners
Delicious home cooked meals
Very comfortable spacious bedrooms
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
There is a delightful communal room where meals are served. These make good use of local produce and local wines (including the world renowned Blanquette de Limoux). Meals are a wonderful occasion to relax at the end of the day and share stories with your fellow travellers.
12 mi
(19 km)
6
Granès to Quillan day 6
Summary
Today you pass through traditional Pyrenean villages and over the Col des Trois Quilles. Your final night is at the 3-star Hôtel La Chaumière.
Hotel
Hotel la Chaumière
Quillan
La Chaumière is located in Quillan, a market town which has long been a crossroads between the Pyrenees, the Ariège and the Mediterranean coast, nestling between verdant mountains and rolling hills. This is a medium sized hotel with very comfortable en suite rooms and a fine gourmet restaurant. When the weather is fine, you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace with its wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Bedrooms are spacious with good en suite bathrooms. Each room has a flat screen TV, direct dial telephone and air-conditioning. Furnishings are modern and comfortable.
Facilities
Gourmet restaurant
18 rooms
Air-conditionning
Off road parking
WiFi
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
The hotel has an excellent, inventive restaurant. The menu is freqently updated and options currently include 'Truite arc-de-ciel de Gesse', 'Magret de canard, sauce fermier' or 'cassoulet Maison chaumiere avec saucisses de Quillan'.
12 mi
(19 km)