From the sun-drenched region of Corbières to the deep forests of Ariege, you’ll experience the passionate history of a political and religious conflict between the Catholic Church and the Cathars, while passing its impressive castles. You’ll follow the same paths travelled by the ‘perfecti – the perfect ones’ for more than eight centuries. A truly epic journey in the land of the Cathars, with its eagle nests perched on impregnable peaks, and dizzying heights, dominating a spectacular landscape. During this varied hiking holiday, you will discover a region full of charm and beauty, which is great for hiking! From the vineyards of Rivesaltes to the snow of Saint Barthélémy.
Hike around the Cathar castle in Languedoc-Roussillon - 7 days
Highlights
- The mysterious & beautiful castles of the Cathars
- Authentic accommodation in gîtes d'étape
- Beautiful scenery and varied hikes
- Well-prepared dinners with regional specialities
Quick facts
| Travel duration: | 7 days/ 6 nights |
|---|---|
| Travel period: | 1/4 - 31/10 |
| Grade: | Medium. Average 4-5 h/ 10-15 km/ 300-700 m per day. Day by day trip grading, see "program" on each trip. 3 |
| Accommodations: | |
| Trip type: | Self guided walking holidays |
| Price example: | From €1,050 |
| Meals: | Breakfast & 5 dinners |
Prices per person in EUR
This trip is available from April 1 – October 31, with any arrival date.
7 days/ 6 nights From €1,050 Book your trip
| Period | 4 people, 2 double rooms | Double Room - shared bed | Twin Room - separate beds | TRP - Triple Room | SGL - Single Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-01 2026-10-31 | €1,050 | €1,140 | €1,140 | €1,140 | €1,400 |
Prices quoted are per person and include:
- Accommodation incl. breakfast
- 5 dinners
- Luggage transport at hotel changes
- Detailed hiking maps
- Detailed Roadbooks in English:
- Destination Information
- Practical information
- Detailed hiking descriptions day by day
- GPX files, for maps in your own GPS or mobile phone
- Mobile app with digital maps
- 24 h emergency phone for urgent matters
Not included
- Flight to/from the destination
- Transfer to/from the airport
- Entrance to the castles, about 5-10 EUR per castle
Optional extras
- Extra night in Foix, hotel 3-star standard, price per person in double room – 100 Euro
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Duilhac
You’ll be picked up from either Perpignan Airport or the SNCF train station at 10:30 a.m. (or upon your arrival) for a transfer to Château de Quéribus, one of the best-preserved fortresses on the historic border.
After exploring the castle’s impressive architecture and rich history, you’ll set off on a hike toward Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. Along the way, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the dramatic limestone cliffs and dense garrigue that characterize the Corbières landscape.
The hike takes you through vineyards, lush oak forests, and picturesque villages, passing the charming village of Cucugnan before continuing to the foot of Peyrepertuse. The day ends with an overnight stay in the idyllic village of Duilhac, where the water from the local fountain is said to have the power to make hearts fall in love.
10 km, +300 m, –500 m
If you arrive in the evening, this hike will be skipped.
Day 2 Hike from Duilhac to Galamus – 19 km
The day starts with a hike up to the huge castle of Peyrepertuse, which you should definitely visit. You then hike through the ‘garrigue bushes’, and along the paths of the old shepherds until you reach the spectacular Gorges de Galamus. Here you will also find the small church of the Hermitage Saint Antoine, nestled next to the gorge. From Galamus you will then be transferred to the beautiful village of Labastide, where you will spend the night in a special gîte known for its family atmosphere.
+550 m -550 m, 19 km
Day 3 Hike from Labastide to Puylaurens – 18 km
You’ll start today’s hike along the ridges of the Corbières, up to the Col de Péchines where you’ll have a fantastic panoramic view of the Pyrenees. Continue along the ridges and pause for a picnic at the Caudiés waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim. You will then hike down to the elegant castle of Puylaurens, which you will have time to visit. Afterwards, transfer to Quillan.
+880 m, -780 m, 18 km
Day 4 Hike from Quillan to Puivert – 16 km (21 km)
The hike begins in Quillan and passes through the beautiful village of Brenac before continuing toward Nébias, surrounded by lush meadows. Here, you’ll have the option to follow an alternative but spectacular trail through an enchanting forest, where a green labyrinth of strangely shaped rocks and vegetation creates an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
The trail then passes beneath the famous Château de Puivert, a unique fortress that stands apart from others in the region. After the Albigensian Crusade, the castle became an important gathering place for troubadours. It was here, in the 12th century, that poet-musicians performed their songs, celebrating new ideas and values and sharing their messages with the villagers.
The hike ends in Puivert, a place rich in history and musical heritage.
+600 m, -400 m, 16 km (21 km)
Day 5 Hike from Montségur to Roquefixade - 17 km
The day begins with a short transfer to visit Montségur Castle. Afterwards, the route continues through the Mondini Forest, passing the village of Montferrier. You then continue on to Roquefixade, with its sunlit castle dramatically perched atop a ridge, offering stunning panoramic views. Spend the evening and night in Roquefixade.
+750 m, -900 m, 17 km
Day 6 Hike from Roquefixade to Foix - 19 km
Begin the day with a spectacular hike along the mountain ridge toward Roquefixade Castle. The original fortress on the cliff edge dates back to 1109, although the ruins that remain today are from a later period.
Continue the hike with sweeping views of the Pyrenees, along dramatic limestone cliffs and through royal forests. The trail eventually leads you to the town of the Counts, Foix, where the impressive castle awaits exploration.
+550 m, -850 m, 19 km
Day 7 Departure day
We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.
Accommodations
7 days/ 6 nights
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Duilhac | Hotel ** |
| Night 2 | Labastide | gîte d’étape |
| Night 3 | Quillan | gîte d’étape |
| Night 4 | Puivert | gîte d’étape |
| Night 5 | Roquefixade | gîte d’étape |
| Night 6 | Foix | Hotel *** |
Route map
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