The Cathar Castles, from Quillan to Foix

These fortresses remain the living memory of a tragic history that marked the South-West of France, during the Albigensian Crusade. Starting from Quillan, this route will take you to Foix, in the heart of a tormented territory full of history. In the department of Aude first of all, you will have the opportunity to visit Puivert and its castle, on the land of the Troubadours. From Comus and the Pays de Sault, you will reach Ariège and the castle of Montségur, the highest of the Cathar castles, standing on its "pog" at an altitude of 1207m. Then, before reaching the city of Foix and its castle, you will visit the close neighbor of Montségur, Roquefixade perched at the top of an impressive cliff.

Additional Information :
Day 1: Start of stay in Quillan

Start of stay in Quillan, check-in at your accommodation and possibility of visiting the city. Depending on your arrival time, possibility of also going on a hike.
Loop from Quillan
The route offers a remarkable alternation of Mediterranean and mountain vegetation. You'll set off to discover architecture that's both unusual and charming: the Carach chalet, then the village of Cavirac, famous for its 11th-century church. The return journey follows the meanders of the Aude River.
Distance: 12,5km, duration: approximately 4 hours, elevation gain: +375m, elevation loss: -375m

Day 2: From Quillan to Puivert

Departing from Quillan, the route will allow you to quickly discover the transition from Mediterranean influence to Pyrenean influence. From valleys to hills, you will see the imposing fortress of Puivert, a 12th-century feudal castle and former meeting place for the most famous troubadours. The village of Puivert is also of particular interest for its vestiges of the past and its Quercorb Museum, a superb achievement, meticulously recounting the evocation of life in the Quercorb at the end of the last century.
Distance: 20km, duration: approximately 6h30, elevation gain: +750m, elevation loss: -550m

Day 3: From Montplaisir to Comus

Transfer from your accommodation in Puivert to the hamlet of Montplaisir, the starting point of your hike. This stage will be mainly forested. Hike across the Pays de Sault, a limestone plateau between 950 and 1300m, a harbinger of future Pyrenean peaks. From the beautiful Languerail plateau, you can see Montségur, Roquefixade, and Plantaurel right in front of you. A little further on, the Frau gorges and mountain will reveal their full splendor... which you will have the opportunity to admire during the next stage. Arrival in Comus.
Distance: 17,5km, duration: approximately 5h45, elevation gain: +650m, elevation loss: -350m

Day 4: From Comus to Montségur

This stage ensures the transition from Aude to Ariège, and from the Pays de Sault to the Pays d'Olmes. First, the Frau gorges reveal their vertiginous walls cut into the limestone for nearly 1 km. Then the path reaches the castle of Montségur, visible as soon as you reach the end of the western slope of the gorges. The pog of Montségur symbolizes the resistance of the dying Cathar Church against the Church of Rome, but also against the King of France and the lords of the North, in search of the fertile lands of the South: they took possession of the site after the surrender and the stake of 1244. The stage, being quite short, you can take the opportunity to visit the museum in the village.
Distance: 13,5 km, duration: approximately 5h15, elevation gain: +650m, elevation loss: -900m

Day 5: From Montségur to Roquefixade

At the start of the day, a short round trip to the Montsegur pog is a must. After visiting the castle, the Cathar Trail follows paths through the heart of the Pays d'Olmes, a land of wool, once specialized in the manufacture of horn combs. During your journey, alongside the lush green landscapes of the mid-mountains, you'll discover one of Ariège's medieval castles, Roquefixade, overlooking the village of the same name, formerly known as the Bastide de Montfort. Charming villages such as Montferrier or the hamlet of Coulzonne can be the subject of impromptu, warm encounters with locals.
Distance: 17km, duration: approximately 6h45, elevation gain: +800m, elevation loss: -950m

Day 6: From Roquefixade to Foix

The last stage of the Cathar Trail, this hike takes you to Foix through the Pradières national forest. This route is also marked by beautiful views of the Ariège mountains. In the morning, at the start of the hike, a short round trip towards the rocky kidney supporting the ruins of the Roquefiaxde castle is possible.
Distance: 17km, duration: approximately 6 hours, elevation gain: +550m, elevation loss: -900m

Day 7: Visit the town of Foix and its castle

Your stay ends in Foix. You can visit the old town center with its narrow streets steeped in history, as well as the count's castle perched on its rock. It's undergoing a facelift after two years of renovations worthy of the greatest medieval projects!

The programs have been established according to the latest elements known at the time of writing: imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may modify the course of events.

Supplements: - Single room supplement: €185/person - Supplement for 5 packed lunches: €65/person - Return transfer from Foix to Quillan on weekdays: €155/transfer - Return transfer from Foix to Quillan on Sundays and public holidays: €215/transfer - Additional night in Quillan half-board double room: €75/person - Additional night in Quillan half-board single room: €95/person - Additional night in Foix bed and breakfast double room: €60/person - Additional night in Foix bed and breakfast single room: €85/person

The price does not include

- Insurance - Dinner on day 6 - Visits, access to castles and museums - Drinks and picnics. - €15 administration fee

The price includes

- Half-board accommodation except for day 6 for bed and breakfast - Luggage transport depending on the option chosen - Transfer on day 3 - Travel file with maps and topoguide - GPS tracks on request + access to the detailed itinerary on the GPS Mhikes mobile application

Accommodation

• Bed & Breakfasts
• Hotel
• Stopover gîte / stay