Carcassonne & Cathar Trails
- Cathar country of the Languedoc-Roussillon & the French Pyrenees
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne and its fortified city
- Landscapes shaped by the history of the ever-rebellious Cathars
- Bastide of Mirepoix with its colourful half-timbered houses and squares
- Regional French cuisine and wines of character, such as Roussillon red
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in CarcassonneArrive in the intriguing city of Carcassonne, famous as the place where the Crusader army laid siege in 1209 and came to fight the heresy of the Cathars. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-worthy of a day or two of exploration, from the Bastide to the medieval fortifications and the Canal du Midi.

You will be welcomed warmly to this hotel by Catherine and Jean Michel. Ideally located just a short walk away from the Medieval city this hotel is situated in a beautiful 18th century building and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is also a lovely private garden in the back in which to relax and all the amenities are modern.

Carcassonne Guest House offers one of the best views of La Cite (Carcassonne Medieval Fortress). The house is a recently renovated Maison de Maitre. It is set in a very quiet prestigious residential neighborhood on Quai Bellevue (beautiful view) overlooking the river Aude and the truly magnificent castle. Just a short walk away is the lively town centre with its array of shops, cafes and colourful markets. The guest house boasts 5 ensuite climate controlled bedrooms, all decorated to the highest standard. Guests can relax in the courtyard and eat breakfast (prepared by your host) on the gorgeous terrace whilst admiring the breathtaking views.

The style of the hotel Montmorency is medieval yet contemporary, rural yet metropolitan, sophisticated yet comfortable. There is a heated pool from Easter until November, an outdoor jacuzzi which is heated all year round and a stylish, panoramic bar.
Today’s introductory walk begins at the Porte Narbonnaise and takes you through the Medieval city before heading out of town along the GR 36 through the plains of the Aude. Pech Mary Hill offers great and unusual views over Carcassonne, the Carcassés Plain and the Montagne Noir beyond the city to the south. Walk through shady pine forest and past local vineyards until you return back to the medieval city. As it is a short walk there will be time to explore further here and the fortifications that were built in 12th century by the Trencavel family.
Ascent/Descent: 120m/120m

You will be welcomed warmly to this hotel by Catherine and Jean Michel. Ideally located just a short walk away from the Medieval city this hotel is situated in a beautiful 18th century building and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is also a lovely private garden in the back in which to relax and all the amenities are modern.

Carcassonne Guest House offers one of the best views of La Cite (Carcassonne Medieval Fortress). The house is a recently renovated Maison de Maitre. It is set in a very quiet prestigious residential neighborhood on Quai Bellevue (beautiful view) overlooking the river Aude and the truly magnificent castle. Just a short walk away is the lively town centre with its array of shops, cafes and colourful markets. The guest house boasts 5 ensuite climate controlled bedrooms, all decorated to the highest standard. Guests can relax in the courtyard and eat breakfast (prepared by your host) on the gorgeous terrace whilst admiring the breathtaking views.

The style of the hotel Montmorency is medieval yet contemporary, rural yet metropolitan, sophisticated yet comfortable. There is a heated pool from Easter until November, an outdoor jacuzzi which is heated all year round and a stylish, panoramic bar.
Today’s transfer (1 hour) brings you to the delightful little village of Vals and its Troglodyte Church of Haute d’Isle which is carved out of a rock. If you venture inside you will see the fabulous Romanesque frescoes and there are also great views over the surrounding countryside from the terrace. From here walk along the GR 76 route all the way to the delightful town of Mirepoix. This town has a large central square surrounded by half-timbered houses. During the crusade against the Cathars in 1209 the castle became dispossessed.
Ascent/Descent: 315m/265m

This lovely hotel overlooks the main Medieval square in Mirepoix and has been miraculously preserved from its 13th century shell. With authentic decor the rooms are nicely furnished and breakfast is served in the little courtyard.
Today a transfer of 30 minutes brings you to the gorgeous and stunningly blue lake of Montbel with its pretty wooded shores. If you wish you can spend some time at the lake, perhaps even taking a dip in its pleasant waters if it is warm enough. Then embark on today’s walk which takes you through the pretty village of Camon, one of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”.
Continue on through the peaceful countryside into Mirepoix.
Ascent/Descent: 185m/270m

This lovely hotel overlooks the main Medieval square in Mirepoix and has been miraculously preserved from its 13th century shell. With authentic decor the rooms are nicely furnished and breakfast is served in the little courtyard.
A transfer of 20 minutes brings you to the delightful village of La Bastide sur L’Hers located at the foot of the Plantaurel Hills and on the banks for the River L’Hers. Make your way south on trails through forests, small villages and gradually into the mountains of the Ariège region.
Arrive into the historic village of Montségur. As you approach you will see the famous sight of Montségur Castle, perhaps one of the most famous and powerful of the Cathar Castles and situated on a spectacular “pog” or mountain. This was the place of one of the last Cathar strongholds.
Ascent/Descent: 700m/200m

This lovely hotel overlooks the main Medieval square in Mirepoix and has been miraculously preserved from its 13th century shell. With authentic decor the rooms are nicely furnished and breakfast is served in the little courtyard.
Spend a day relaxing in the pretty village of Mirepoix. Wander through the medieval streets, stopping for a café au lait in the Place des Couverts and enjoy a spot of people watching.

This lovely hotel overlooks the main Medieval square in Mirepoix and has been miraculously preserved from its 13th century shell. With authentic decor the rooms are nicely furnished and breakfast is served in the little courtyard.
An included transfer brings you to the Railway Station in Carcassone, from where you can make your onward journey.
This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This walking tour introduces you to the fascinating history of south west France and is a good introduction to walking in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Explore this region of medieval castles, small villages, lakes and enjoy the welcome of the locals, strongly independent descendants of the Cathars.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This tour has a moderate grading. However the first city walk in Carcassonne is easy to moderate, then the difficulty increases as you go further into the mountains. The trails are a combination of city walks or using dirt or wooded trails, gravel tracks and tarmac country roads. This tour is suitable for walkers with good physical fitness. There are significant elevation gains on losses on the final walk in Montségur and on the walk from La Bastide sur L’Hers into Montségur, however, it is a gradual elevation gain as you walk into the mountains. If it has been raining when you are there or just before, there are likely to be some muddy trails too.
On this tour you will stay in charming, characterful and hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels and chambres d’hotes. These lodgings are truly special places and one of the highlights of this tour.
Alternate Accommodation
We will always try and accommodate you at the accommodations listed. However, if those listed are unavailable, alternative accommodation of the same or better standard than those described will be provided. However, since accommodation in Montségur is scarce there is the possibility of staying in another chambre d’hotes, either in the village or just outside. These accommodations are more simple but very clean and comfortable.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. We welcome solo walkers on this trip with a supplement. Although you should of course take extra care in the outdoors when walking solo.
Meals
A continental or buffet breakfast is included each morning. Lunch is not included. On some days you will be walking through small villages with cafes, restaurants and a shop or two, so you will be able to buy lunch en route. However on some of the walking days it will be essential to take a packed lunch as there are no cafes or restaurants en route. Dinner is not included allowing you to try some excellent local cuisine in nearby local restaurants or you can dine at your accommodation if they have a restaurant.
Some of the walks will be way-marked with either a red and white GR sign, when on a GR Trail and some also signed with yellow signposts. However you will also need to be vigilant and be able to closely follow your route notes. We can also provide you with detailed maps and GPS tracks for those who like to take a GPS unit. Please ask your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.
- 6 overnights in hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels and chambres d’hotes
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- People transfers as per the itinerary
- Detailed information pack, route notes and maps
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Carcassonne
- Travel from Mirepoix
- Lunches & Dinners
- Drinks and snacks
- Private transfers to and from Carcassone
- Additional nights before, during and after the walk
We would encourage you to travel anytime during the available dates which is April to October. In the spring there will be plenty of wildflowers, summer is warmer but should never be really hot, especially when you are in the mountains and the autumn is a fantastic time to go when the fruits are ripening and the days are still warm.
There are a number of different options available to get to Carcassonne. It is on a main train line and accessible from either Toulouse or Beziers Airports, which are the closest and most convenient. Toulouse Airport is served by many different airlines, including Easyjet, Air France and KLM. You can take an airport shuttle bus into the centre of Toulouse (every 30 mins and takes approx 25 mins) and then board a train from Toulouse Centre to Carcassonne (takes approx 1 hour and also leaves hourly). From Beziers Airport you can take an airport bus into the centre of Beziers (only 4 times a day and takes approx 30 mins) and then a direct train to Carcassonne from here (every 4 hours taking about 45 mins).
Please check the SNCF website for train details.
Macs Adventure can also arrange private transfers to and from Toulouse or Beziers Airports to Carcassonne. Please contact your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.
An included transfer is provided from your accommodation in Mirepoix to Carcassone Train Station.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this region is quite popular. Also the accommodation in Montsegur is small, so in order to be able to stay in our first choice accommodation here it would be wise to book early. You will find up to date availability on our website.
This tour has a moderate grading. However the first city walk in Carcassonne is easy to moderate, then the difficulty increases as you go further into the mountains. The trails are a combination of city walks or using dirt or wooded trails, gravel tracks and tarmac country roads. This tour is suitable for walkers with very good physical fitness.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop.
Why Macs
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.