Pyreneestrip
Road trip

The Cathar loop

Foix → Carcassonne via the castles · 230 km

Distance
230 km

Two or three days among the Cathar castles, based in Bélesta or Quillan. Montségur and Peyrepertuse require an uphill walk – go in the mornings before the heat.

Open in the interactive map

Stops along the way

  1. FoixA town with a castle, very charming – a favourite
  2. Château de RoquefixadeA clifftop ruin between Foix and Montségur
  3. Château de MontségurThe Cathars' stronghold
  4. Fontaine de FontestorbesThe breathing spring – near Bélesta
  5. Château de PuivertThe troubadours' castle
  6. Château de PuilaurensA Cathar castle above Axat
  7. Château de Peyrepertuse & the wine districtThe largest Cathar castle – and the Maury wines
  8. Château de QuéribusTerrifying
  9. Gorges de GalamusThe road hanging on the gorge wall
  10. Rennes-le-ChâteauThe Da Vinci Code
  11. CarcassonneA medieval city with double ramparts – a must

Road trips