Highlights of the Cathar Country Ref 18CG011 3 days / 2 nights A 3-day tour suitable for a first discovery of this beautiful part of Southern France. If you are interested in learning a mysterious but also attractive history, follow us in the Cathar Country! Walk in the steps of men and women whose tragic fate is still recorded and told. By visiting those famous Cathar places, get back to medieval times and be prepared to discover sublimes views over Carcassonne region and more. Day 1 Carcassonne – Cabardes Upon arrival, enjoy a genuine cassoulet, typical lunch in a restaurant within the walled city. Then, meet your guide for a walking guided tour of the Medieval city: walls and curtain walls, St Nazaire Basilica. Then, move for some miles around Carcassonne to discover the four castles of Lastours in Cabardes and its panoramic viewpoint. Back to Carcassonne for dinner and night. Accommodation near the Medieval Cité in a 3- star hotel. Day 2 The Cathar Castles Start driving along through the Aude’s valley, Limoux, Quillan and the gorges of la Pierre-Lys and then reach the High Corbières mountains to discover the Cathar Castles, the so-called “Vertigo Fortresses”. Visit the castle of Quéribus, built on a stony peak that overlooks the Roussillon plain and the Corbieres region. During the Albigensian Crusade, it was the last place of refuge for the Cathars. In the village of Cucugnan, enjoy a regional lunch, before driving toward the castle of Peyrepertuse, the most important and best-preserved example of military architecture in Languedoc. Comments of the guide at the bottom of the castle. A stop to the Vignerons du Maury winery will let you discover their sweet and soft wines. Back to Carcassonne for dinner and night. Day 3 Canal du Midi Leave Carcassonne for a commented cruise aboard a barge over the Canal du Midi: pass over locks, the aqueduct bridge. Driving through the Minervois region reach the Cathar town of Minerve. Taste a regional lunch. Built on a rocky peak at the confluence of the Cesse and the Brian rivers. Minerve is part of the association of the most beautiful villages of France and was a key place of resistance during the Crusade against the Cathars. Visit Minerve and then stop at the wine cellar where a vine-grower will make you discover Minervois wines for a tasting moment. Indicative price by person in a On basis 25 participants: On a basis of 35 participants: On a basis of 45 participants: double or twin room: 350€ 340€ 330€ Prices include Prices does not include: - Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, half-board (breakfast, dinner) - transport (contact us) - lunches from day 1 to 3 - personal expenses - entrance fees - cancellation insurances (contact us) - Full-day guide services on day 2, guided tour Carcassonne and - What is not mentioned in the program. Minerve - Single room: 70€/person - driver’s cost included Prices are subject to modification according to the number of people and date of arrival Agence GuideSud Occréa 3 Place du jeu de Boules F - 34440 Colombiers http://www.guidesud.com [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/GuidesudOccrea Tel : 00 33 (0) 434 53 57 66 - Mobile : 00 33 (0) 689 57 41 31 Guidesud Garantie APST RC Hiscox Immatriculation 034120010 .