Sentier Cathare – the Cathar Trail
Port-la-Nouvelle → Foix · approx. 250 km
- Distance
- approx. 250 km
- Days
- 12 days
- Route
- Port-la-Nouvelle → Foix
From the Mediterranean through the Corbières and the Pays de Sault to Foix, past the great castles of Aguilar, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Puilaurens, Puivert, Montségur and Roquefixade. Not a high-mountain trail – the highest point is around 1 300 metres – but plenty of climbing, and the views from the castles are unbeatable. Sections can be walked all year round except in the height of summer.
TipsSpring and autumn are best – in July and August it is very hot and dry in the Corbières. Carry plenty of water. The Montségur – Roquefixade stage is one of the most beautiful.
Along the trail in the guide
Château d'AguilarThe lowest sentinel, among the vineyards of the Corbières
Château de Peyrepertuse & the wine districtThe largest Cathar castle – and the Maury wines
Château de QuéribusTerrifying
Château de PuilaurensA Cathar castle above Axat
Château de PuivertThe troubadours' castle
Château de MontségurThe Cathars' stronghold
Château de RoquefixadeA clifftop ruin between Foix and Montségur
FoixA town with a castle, very charming – a favourite
Long-distance trails
- GR 10 – the Pyrenees on the French sideapprox. 900 km · 50–60 days
- GR 11 – Senda Pirenaica on the Spanish sideapprox. 820 km · 40–50 days
- HRP – Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenneapprox. 800 km · 40–45 days
- Chemin des Bonshommes – the Path of the Good Menapprox. 200 km · 8–10 days
- Via Podiensis – from Le Puy to the Pyreneesapprox. 740 km · 30–35 days
- Camino Francés – across the Pyrenees to Santiagoapprox. 770 km · 30–35 days
- Via Tolosana – from Arles over the Somportapprox. 800 km · 35–40 days
- Camino Aragonés – from the Somport to Puente la Reinaapprox. 165 km · 6–7 days
- The Piémont route – along the foot of the Pyreneesapprox. 600 km · 25–30 days