Planning to spend a long weekend in Cathar Country? Here you’ll find our suggested itineraries for exploring the sights of Cathar Country!

01 Itinerary 1

In the heart of the Corbières wilderness

An excursion into the Corbières massif visiting the most iconic of the Citadelles du Vertige!

Fact sheet

Distance

151 kms

Level of difficulty

Average

Highlights

6 sites

Means of transport

A private vehicle is necessary as there is no public transport.

Day 1

The day begins with a tour of the royal vessel of Peyrepertuse. Take to the heights, climbing to an elevation of 800 metres before plunging into the Middle Ages, just for a moment…
At lunchtime, you’ll enjoy stopping off at the Auberge du Moulin. The menu features delicious dishes concocted from fresh seasonal ingredients, all enhanced by the best Corbières wines.

Le Sentier Cathare en passant par Château de Quéribus ©Vincent Photographie

After lunch, you’ll return to the summit, this time visiting Quéribus Castle. It’s a tough climb, but it’s worth it for the reward at the top! The landscape is exceptional from up here.

You’ll continue walking off your meal amid the picturesque charm of the village of Cucugnan. When you get peckish, take a gourmet break at the Moulin d’Omer where the traditional bread and cakes are highly recommended!

In the evening, kick off your walking shoes and rest your legs under the table, before enjoying a good night’s sleep at the Auberge du vigneron. Warm and friendly welcome guaranteed!

Le Château de Peyrepertuse et son village ©Vincent Photographie
Découverte du Château d'Aguilar et sa tour ©Vincent Photographie

Day 2

On the road again!
Early morning departure for Aguilar castle, the aerie of Corbières!

At lunchtime, you’ll head for the Table de Fontfroide for a memorable lunch right by the Abbey entrance!

Don’t leave without taking the time to fully soak up the magic of this sublime place, Fontfroide Abbey. When beauty meets serenity…

Visite de l'Abbaye de Fontfroide à Narbonne ©Edgard Depuy-ADT de l'Aude

At the end of the afternoon, you’ll leave for Narbonne, the beautiful Roman and Medieval city where you’ll soon fall in love with the history-steeped stone and the pleasant art of living that’s so typical of the South of France…

Visite des halles de Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

After wandering in the narrow village streets, you’ll stop to enjoy a deliciously different dining experience at the Cocotte Fêlée!

In the afternoon you’ll discover the last of the Cathar Perfects at the castle of Villerouge-Termenès.

If you still have some energy left you can complete your adventure with a trip to Termes Castle!

02 Itinerary 2

Around the Montagne Noire ...

A cultural excursion between Minervois and the Montagne Noire…

Fact sheet

Distance

101 kms

Level of difficulty

Average

Highlights

6 sites

Means of transport

A private vehicle is necessary as there is no public transport.

Visite de la Cité de Carcassonne ©Pierre Davy-ADT de l'Aude
Café en terrasse sur la place Marcou ©Philippe Benoist - ADT de l'Aude

Day 1

This is not to be missed! The very famous Cité of Carcassonne is well worth setting aside an entire morning for!

After wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Citadel, you can stop at Place Marcou for a bite to eat. Here, a host of restaurants propose local specialities galore and there’s something for all tastes!

Visite de l'Abbaye de Caunes-Minervois et son chevet ©Philippe Benoist-ADT de l'Aude

In the afternoon, head for Caunes-Minervois to explore the rich heritage of this village. The marble quarry, the abbey, the Renaissance private mansions and the little village squares will round off your visit nicely!

In the evening, take a well-deserved rest at Hôtel de La Marbrerie, a former marble-polishing factory with a decor all its own.

Day 2

There’s nothing like a spot of uphill walking to start the day. Welcome to the castles of Lastours, 4 majestic towers standing on one enormous rock … an absolute must-see!

Rewarded for your efforts. Your reward is a stone’s throw away, just opposite the castle reception area. Discover the deliciously inventive cuisine served at the Diable au Thym!

Découverte des Châteaux de Lastours ©Vincent Photographie
Visite de l'Abbaye Villelongue ©Vincent Photographie

Treat yourself to a lovely afternoon break soaking up the poetic charm of Villelongue Abbey.

Now what could be more novel than sleeping at the abbey ?
Don’t forget to pop to the nearby village of art and literature, Montolieu. It has a some wonderful surprises in store !

A top favourite: la table fermière in Saint-Martin le Vieil !

Day 3

Head off for Saissac Castle. Its treasure is still sought by many. Perhaps you’ll be the one to find it!

In the afternoon, continue to Saint-Papoul and the cathedral/abbey which houses pieces by the Master sculptor, Cabestany. A promise of sweet wonder…

At the end the day, if time allows, don’t forget to visit Castelnaudary to try the famous cassoulet or enjoy a romantic walk on the banks of the Canal du Midi…

Vue sur le Château de Saissac ©Vincent Photographie