The Cathar castles
The Aude, with Carcassonne and the Corbières Massif will be your exploration ground!
Would you like to come with us on a journey back in time?
We will recount the history of this period in the South of France, during which the Oc language was spoken, the cities had their own particular organisational systems with their own consul, troubadours sang courtly love.
It was in this environment that Catharism arose, a religious movement that was opposed to the pomp of the Catholic religion. The ‘Parfaits’ or ‘Bonshommes’, who played the role of priests and rejected all sacraments, lived their daily lives in the search for purity with Good as the only path. This movement benefited from the protection of the local Lords, and the support of the population.
The Catholic Church felt threatened, and the kingdom of France wanted to bring Languedoc and Aquitaine under its authority, as well as the southern Lords such as Raymond VI of Toulouse, whom it considered too unruly.
Between the 10th and 12th centuries, two murderous crusades were launched by the Lords of the north against the Cathars, also called Albigensians. These merciless battles ended with the fall of the fortress of Montsegur in 1244. This fight against heresy gave birth to the Inquisition and allowed the unification of the Occitan lands to the French Crown.
To begin this journey through time, let us cross the drawbridge of the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And then, let’s head for to the hilltop castles…
Highlights
- Visit to the city of Carcassonne with its castle and ramparts.
- Exploration of the sites of Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Puivert and Puilaurens.
- Thematic visit of the Quercorb museum.
- Hiking in the Verdouble gorges.
Group rates
4 day / 3 night stay.
From €540 / person based on a double room.Based on a group of 25 participants
From €475 per person based on a double room.Based on a group of 50 participants
This price includes transportation by coach (from the Toulouse region), accommodation, meals (except lunches on days 1
and 3) and drinks with your meals and visits.
Option to add an extra night from €65 per person depending on the city of arrival + transport.
DETAILED ITINERARY ON REQUEST.
OPTION OF STAY WITHOUT TRANSPORT.
Accommodation
Located in the heart of Cathar country, at the foot of the Pyrenees, this 3* hotel
is the ideal base for exploring the region.
The hotel offers spacious and bright double, twin and family rooms, all fully renovated with a contemporary feel and charming comfort.
The air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and modern, all with en suite facilities.
The hotel has a Wi-Fi connection and a restaurant that offers gourmet cuisine in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
Are you interested in this itinerary?
Contact us for more information!