Pays Cathare

TOURCODE: 10700 GRADES: D+

MAY – OCTOBER 2016

19 May - 26 May 08 Sep - 15 Sep 29 Sep - 06 Oct

One week duration

PAYS CATHARE

Discovering the Cathar castles of the foothills of the French Pyrenees

TOUR DESCRIPTION

This information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed.

On this holiday we enjoy some beautiful walks in the foothills of the Pyrenees and benefit from the added dimension of the mystical Cathar castles and the lore surrounding them. The names may be familiar: Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, and Roquefixade to mention a few. The Cathars were a heretical sect that flourished in the Pyrenean foothills in the 12th and 13th centuries. The sect had powerful adherents who built some of the most romantically sited castles anywhere in the world. The ruins of many of these still exist on rocky desolate mountain tops and on our walks we may have a chance to explore them.

The 200km Seniter Cathare trail runs from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees. We will enjoy the highlights. Our stay starts in Duilhac (three nights), from here we will travel to Tuchan; this is where we start our weeks walk, finishing in Foix. Our walking programme will take us out into the surrounding countryside to enjoy beautiful walking, with days rambling in a variety of magnificent landscapes, from hillside vineyards, gorges and mountains to Pyrenean forests and hilltop castles.

We start our journey of discovery in Tuchan where we enjoy a linear walk along the Sentier Cathare with a visit to the castle of Quéribus. A circular walk from Duilhac takes us high up to the great fortress of Peyrepertuse, allowing magnificent views across the Pyrenees. On another walk we descend to the astonishing Galamus Canyon, finishing off in the town of Quillan located at the foothills of the Pyrenees. From Quillan we continue along the Pays Cathare walking trail to one of the most spectacular castles, Puilaurens, standing proud on the top of a ridge above the Boulzane Valley, and then descending to Axat, a remote village near the Aude River.

Travelling ever west we head in the direction of Foix where we spend our final two nights. From here we will explore the Nébias highland and walk to the charming village of Puivert with views of the Puivert castle standing high, famous as a meeting place for both Cathars and troubadours. From Foix we will enjoy an adventurous walk to the castle of Montségur, one of the best testimonies to and heart of the resistance for the Cathars against Catholic oppression. From here we have a pleasant walk in the hilly area of Ariège until we reach Roquefixade castle. Our final point on this wonderful discovery of the Cathars is Foix castle, once the property of the famous Gaston Fébus.

The area is perfect for walking and the added historical interest provides what should be a memorable holiday.

Overnight Day: Daily itinerary: Meals: accommodation: We fly to Toulouse and transfer by road to Duilhac for three 1 nights (2hrs30min). D

Tuchan to Duilhac -Transfer to Tuchan from where we will enjoy a linear walk entirely along the Sentier Cathare, offering superb views of the Pyrénées, passing by the castles of Padern and Queribus (the last cathar castle that resisted to 2 B, L, D the Crusaders), and by the typical village of Cucugnan. Ascent 650m / descent 450m (add 120m to each for visit to Duilhac Queribus Castle); 23km (14 miles); 5 ½ - 6hrs

Duilhac – Peyrepertuse Castle - Duilhac - A beautiful circular walk in the aromatic scrublands and woods of the Corbières. The hiking route goes through the beautiful village of Rouffiac, and then ascends to the dramatic castle of 3 Peyrepertuse, the biggest of the region, with a very important B, L, D history. Walk back to Duilhac. Ascent 500m / descent 500m; 15km (9 miles); 5hrs

Duilhac to Quillan - After breakfast we will embark on a linear walk to the spectacular canyon of Galamus. The route goes through fields and oak forests and then reaches the huge vertical Gorges of Galamus, with the hermitage of Saint Antoine in the middle of the cliff. We will then descend to the B, L, D 4 village of Saint Paul de Fenouillet. Transfer to Puilaurens and Quillan visit the castle. Transfer to Quillan Ascent 400m / descent 400m; 16km (10 miles); 4 ½ hrs

Quillan – Axat - Quillan – Today we have a private transfer to Axat for a panoramic walk across the forests of the Rabenty valley and the highlands of Aude, going through 5 B, L, D interesting villages such as Marsa and Quirbajou. Ascent 750m / descent 550 m; 13.5km (8 miles); 6 ½ hrs

© Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2015 13/03/15 ARK v1 Quillan to Puivert Castle – from our hotel we will take a linear walk through the Nébias Highlands walking across woods and scrublands to reach the beautiful and interesting village of Bénac. We then ascend to the vast Nébias plateau. Afterwards we will follow the nature path, a surprising 6 B, L, D wilderness, to reach the very well preserved castle of Puivert, former meeting point for troubadours. Transfer to Foix where we spend two nights. Ascent 700m / descent 200m; 18km (11 miles); 6hrs

Foix Montsegur to Roquefixade - Our day starts with a challenging ascent to the seemingly inaccessible castle of Montségur. The castle is the most potent symbol of Cathare resistance to Catholic oppression. This is followed by an enjoyable walk in the hilly Ariège area where the flora has 7 more in common with the Mediterranan. We end the day at B, L, D Roquefixade Castle before transferring back to Foix. Ascent 500m/ descent 710m (add 300m on both for Montsegu and Roquefixade castle visits; 17.5km (10.5 miles), 5hrs

In the morning (if time allows) we will have the opportunity to 8: visit Foix castle before our transfer by road to Toulouse for B the return flight to London.

B - (Breakfast) L – (Lunch) D - (Dinner)

TRAVEL INFORMATION

We fly from London Heathrow to Toulouse and return with British Airways.

Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately ten days before departure.

Transfers between airport and centres are by road and take approximately 2hrs30mins to Duilhac and 1hr30mins from Foix.

If you are joining and leaving the group in France, it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet the party at the hotel in Duilhac and leave the party at the hotel in Foix. If this is not your plan please let us know, in writing, at least five weeks before departure.

Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet.

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK.

Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date and check that your card is still valid for the duration of your holiday.

Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

LOCAL CURRENCY

Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details.

The currency in France is the euro. There are banks in Quillan and Foix, with ATM machines. The hotels accept credit cards but do not change cash or travellers’ cheques.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Accommodation is in twin bedded, double bedded and single rooms with private shower or/and bath and WC, in simple and comfortable country hotels.

Here is a list of the accommodation that we intend to stay at during our trip, however these can be subject to change. If there are any changes a further accommodation list will be provided with your tickets about 10 days prior to departure.

Duilhac Quillian Hotel du Vieux Moulin Hotel de la Chaumiere 24 Rue de la Fontaine 25 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle 11350 Duilhac 11500 Quillian Tel: +33 4 68 45 03 00 Tel: +33 4 68 20 02 00 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.auberge-vigneron.com Web: www.pyren.fr

Continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners are included in the holiday charge. Breakfast will be taken at the hotel and dinner will be taken in local restaurants.

Please note that due to the remoteness of some of the centres hotels will be basic and the towns may have few if any facilities.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Your luggage will be transferred by road between centres. IMPORTANT: The baggage allowance is one piece of luggage, weighing no more than 15kg to be transferred per person. So please ensure that you do not exceed this allowance. If this is exceeded you may have to pay an extra supplement locally.

WALKS & EXCURSIONS

Each evening the leader will brief you on the programme for the following day. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know.

Our D+ walking programme is in hilly country and you should expect climbs on steep stony paths. Although the terrain is rocky most paths are generally good. Loose stones and steep inclines are common at the base of the castles although the allure of the castle ruins is a great incentive to reach the top.

This tour is influenced by the Cathares a religious sect who appeared in the Languedoc region in the eleventh century. This tour will explore the many castles they resided in during this time. Here is an idea of some of the castles we will have the pleasure of visiting during this tour.

Roquefixade Castle stands on a limestone crag allowing a fantastic view of the Pyrenees. This castle was built in the eleventh century; however it wasn’t until the 13th century that it became a Cathar stronghold. This castle was sadly demolished by order of the King of France in 1632; the remains that stand today are nevertheless an impressive sight. This walk will involve a distance of around 6 miles with a 350m ascent and descent.

Quéribus Castle, dramatically placed on top of a rocky pinnacle. This castle was the last known refuge of the Cathars when they fled from Montségur in 1244, eleven years on they were forced out once again. The castle then became one of the five defensive castles that defended the regions border with Spain.

© Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2015 13/03/15 ARK v1 Peyrepertuse Castle lies on a 730m high rock, when the skies are clear you can easily see the Mediterranean Sea from the top. Although previously occupied by the Romans, this castle was very much associated with the Cathars and unlike most other castles in the region; this castle was never besieged by Simon du Montfort. This walk will involve a distance of between 7-10 miles with a 400m ascent and descent.

Entrance fees to sites and castles are not included. You may wish to allow £25-30pp which should cover entrance fees to all of the castles.

Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday is based on currency exchange rates valid in February 2015. Fluctuations in exchange rates since the publication of our brochure and this Holiday Information sheet may impact on this estimation of local costs; please check with your bank or currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

We should enjoy warm weather but you should always be prepared for cool days and rain. We recommend you take a lightweight jacket and waterproofs, fleece and hat, as well as lighter summer clothes. We also suggest you take a small rucksack, lightweight bottle for drinking water, picnic knife, some polythene bags, insect repellent, small first aid kit and a lunchbox.

Lightweight walking boots with good ankle support and moulded soles are highly recommended for this holiday.

TRAVELLING LIGHT

As we travel between four hotels, and you will have to handle your own baggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. At the hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance short of the hotel entrance. Also, within some of the hotels themselves, there may be some long walks between the rooms and entrance area which includes some steps.

INSURANCE

On this holiday some of the walking will be below 2000m. Please make sure that your holiday insurance covers you for guided walking at this height.

Maps and books of the region may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs WR8 0HJ England Tel: 01684 593 146 Fax: 01684 594 559 Website: www.themapshop.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]

We recommend the book ‘The Cathar Way: A Walker’s Guide to the Sentier Cathare’ by Alan Mattingly.

Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet.

Maps of both centres are available locally in France.

Most local libraries stock a selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information regarding the French Pyrenees.

You may find a visit to the French Government Tourist Office website at: www.franceguide.com

Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.

In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.

You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel.

PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.

WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.