Cathar Castles in the Pyrenees, from Quillan to Foix

Start of holiday in Quillan, check into your accommodation and possibility to visit the village. Depending on your arrival time, it is also possible to go hiking.
Loop starting Quillan
The itinerary offers a remarkable diversity of Mediterranean and mountain vegetation. You will discover an architecture that is both unusual and charming : chalet of Carach and the village itself that is famous for its XI century church. The return route meanders back along the river Aude. Distance : 12,5km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +375m, descent : -375m.

From Quillan, you will discover on this first walk part of the Pyrenees that has a strong Mediterranean influence. The trail leads through olive groves and vineyards, then a pleasant scrubby vegetation of box trees, shady oaks and juniper that give a subtle fragrance to the air. Crossing undulating valleys and hillsides, a castle will eventually come into view, the castle of Puivert. In its days, the castle was far more festive than military, it was the castle of the troubadours. A splendid ridge walk will lead you towards the castle doors. It is possible to explore the castle’s towers, dungeons and the famous hall of musicians. This feodal castle was a hive of activity in the XII century, a meeting and performance place for the most famous troubadours of the era. Distance : 20km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +750m, descent : -550m.

Transfer from your accommodation in Puivert to the hamlet of Montplaisir, start of your walk. Through forests, discovering the Plateau de Sault, located between 950 and 1300 meters high. From the Plateau de languerail, you will discover Montsegur, Roquefixade, and the Plantaurel just front of you. A little further on, the gorges and the Frau mountain will reveal all their splendour... that you will have the opportunity to admire on the next stage.  Arrival in Comus, small and typical village. Distance : 17,5km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -350m.

This walk makes the transition from Aude to Ariège and from Pays de Sault to Pays d’Olmes. First, the Frau gorges reveal their vertiginous walls cut into limestone over nearly 1 km. Then, the path joins the village of Montségur, visible as soon as you reach the end of the western side of the gorges. The pog of Montségur symbolizing resistance of the Cathar Church facing the Rome Church and the kingdom of France. The castle was taken in 1244, and all people died in a huge pyre. The walk being quite short, it’s opportunity to visit the museum in the village. Distance : 13,5 km, duration : 5h15, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -900m.

To start the day, a short trip to the pog of Montsegur is a must. After the visit to the castle, the Cathar Trail takes you through the heart of the Pays d'Olmes, wool country, which used to specialise in the manufacture of horn combs. During your walk, in addition to the green landscapes of the middle mountains, you will discover one of the medieval castles of Ariège, that of Roquefixade, dominating the village of the same name, formerly called the Bastide de Montfort. Charming villages such as Montferrier, or the hamlet of Coulzonne, will be an occasion for improvised meetings full of warmth with the locals. Distance : 17km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -950m.

Last section of the Cathar path, this walk will take you to Foix trough the Pradières domanial forest. This itinerary is also marked by very beautiful views of the Ariège mountains. In the morning, as the start of the hike, a short round trip to the rocky outcrop supporting the ruins of the Roquefixade castle is possible. Distance : 17km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +550m, descent : -900m.