Discover the ancient stone castles of the Chaux Cathar, as you follow in the footsteps of the Cathars as they fled from France to Spain. This itinerary walks the second part of this historic trail from Quillan to Foix in the Ariège valley.
- Explore Puivert Castle & its well preserved dungeons
- Excellent hiking in Gorges de la Frau
- Discover pretty villages & welcoming locals
- Visit Montségur, bastion of the Cathare resistance
Walking through Pyrenean landscapes of immense beauty, with rolling hills and lush valleys, the Cathar Trail takes you over varied terrains, passing vineyards, fragrant pastures and historic castles such as Montségur and Peyrepertuse. This area of the Pyrenees has a strong Mediterranean influence, and you will undoubtedly enjoy good sunshine, as well as exceptional food, on your journey.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Quillan
Fly to Carcassonne and travel by train to Quillan, where you will overnight.
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Day 2: Walk to Puivert
Setting out from Quillan, the trail leads through olive groves and vineyards, shady oaks and juniper bushes that give a subtle fragrance to the air. Across undulating valleys and hillsides a castle will come into view: the castle of Puivert in its time was far more festive than military, and was the castle of the troubadours.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 720 m | Descent: 530 m
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Day 3: Walk to Comus
Today's walk takes you through forests, discovering Plateau de Sault, the gateway towards the high mountain summits. Does, stags and roe deer are at home in the thick fir tree forests and if you don't have the chance to observe them, you will surely see their tracks and hear them nearby.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 350 m
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Day 4: Walk to Montségur
Today's walk offers a wonderful transition of scenery. The trail will lead you into the county of Ariege and the Pays d'Olmes by a footpath that was used at the beginning of the century by the locals for simple means of communication and travelling, or commercial exchanges. It was also the main route between the Pays de Sault and the Pays d'Olmes regions.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 900 m
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Day 5: Walk 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Explore Foix, return to the UK
Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to further explore Foix before taking the train to Carcassonne for your return flight to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £1,029 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,229 per person
- Single room supplement: From £180
- 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 7
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 1 Apr to 31 Oct | £1,029 | 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.
