Page 47 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL TOUR CODE: JAB
Explore the historic sites of the Cathars in the Tarn and
Aveyron regions on foot
In the Tarn and Aveyron regions the Cathars built the splendid fortifications
and castles that are a major attraction of this beautiful part of France. This
is a walking holiday that explores some of the best of these fortified towns
and the picturesque countryside in between. The start and end point of
this tour is Cordes sur Ciel, the first and most important of the Bastides
founded in 1222. Cordes features along with three other settlements on
our route (Puycelci, Castelnau de Montmiral and Bruniquel) as some of
the most beautiful villages in France. The route itself winds between these
towns that sprung up during the Wars of Religion. They are situated in
spectacular settings on rocky promontories and are rich in history. It is
a sparsely populated area of rolling hills full of variety: the Aveyron gorge
provides more dramatic scenery, the forest of Gresigne provides welcome
shade in the summer months and the vineyards of Gaillac produce some
very palatable wines.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Cordes 2 | Walk to Roussayrolles (5hrs)
3 | Walk to the village of Penne, below the ruins of a Knights Templar castle
(6hrs) 4 | Continue to the old Bastide town of Puycelci (6hrs) 5 | Through
a green valley, woods and vineyards to Castelnau de Montmirail (6hrs)
6 | Cross through vineyards of Gaillac and pass the Chateau de Clayrac en
route to Cordes (6hrs) 7 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, 3 dinners Ξ 6 nights
accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where
available Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including route notes & maps
Ξ emergency hotline
NOTES: Option to extend trip to conclude in Albi ‑ supplement applies ‑ see
our trip notes for details.
Medieval France:
Tarn & Aveyron
7 DAY SELF GUIDED WALK GRADE 3
Walking in the Tarn region of France | John Millen
Penne
Castelnau de Montmirail
Cordes
Spain
France
GUESTHOUSE / B&B / HOTEL TOUR CODE: MCC
Traverse the magnificent terrain and hotbed of historical
intrigue that is the Cathar Castle region
On the border of the Corbières region, where the Pyrenean mountain
chain begins, lies a network of secret trails that lead to the mysterious
Cathar castles. From the 12th to 13th centuries, Catharism was
entrenched in the region, a sect that shunned conventional Christianity
and materialism. The Cathar Crusade against the people of Languedoc in
southern France lasted for more than forty years and effectively ended
the Cathar reign. Whilst many of the castles have since been destroyed
or built over, a few good examples remain including the castle at Puivert,
Chateau de Troubadours. This walk follows ancient trails through forests,
vineyards and orchards to the medieval castles. The stunning scenery
and interesting villages make this a richly rewarding experience for
walkers and history buffs alike.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Join Perpignan, transfer to Chateau de Quéribus,
begin through Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse (3-4hrs) 2 | Climb to the
magnificent Peyrepertuse castle and continue to Galamus Gorges, transfer
to hotel (5hrs) 3 | An impressive walk with excellent views en route to
Puylaurens Castle (6.5hrs) 4 | Pass interesting villages en route to Puivert
Castle (Troubadour Castle) (4.5-6.5hrs) 5 | Transfer to Montsegur to visit
castle, continue to Roquefixade (6hrs) 6 | Traverse a high ridge with
stunning views to the small town of Foix (4.5hrs) 7 | Transfer to Perpignan,
trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners Ξ 2 nights 2‑3 star hotels on a twin
share basis with ensuite facilities, 4 nights in guesthouses (gîte) with shared
facilities Ξ internal transfers Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including
route notes & maps (1 set for up to 4 people travelling together) Ξ emergency
hotline
The Crusader Trail ‑
Cathar Castles Walk
3 7 DAY SELF GUIDED WALK GRADE
Looking up towards the Cathar Castles
Perpignan
Puivert
Quéribus
Foix
France
| 47 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
DATES 2015
Daily from 01 May to 20 Sep
Joining Cordes sur Ciel
DATES 2015
Daily from 1 Apr to 15 Oct
Joining Perpignan