HIKING TOUR
We begin our hiking adventure at Aguilar Castle, one of many magnificent Cathar castles that once formed the border with Spain. This section includes varying terrain ranging from vineyards and an arid aesthetic to forests, and the stunning Gorge de Galamus and Gorge de St. Jaume.
This is a section hike adventure, meaning participants will walk to a new location each day. With only the items on your back, you will have the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside. Your extra luggage will be collected on the evening of Day 1 and delivered to the rest day location, then picked up again before being returned on the evening of Day 6.
Puilaurens Castle
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome
Tour leaders will greet you at the Carcassonne train station at the scheduled time. We will enjoy lunch before traveling to the lodging in Tuchan. After settling into the hotel and reviewing your pack, there will be time to tour the village before dinner with the group. We will rise early the next morning and set off on the first section of our hiking adventure.
Included: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Bungalow
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Carcassonne train station
Day 2 / Tuchan to Cucugnan
The first day of our hiking adventure begins with a view of the glacial valley from Aguilar, then on to a varying landscape of vineyards and rolling hills, passing through Padern village, a gain in elevation to Padern Castle, and finally up to the ridgeline that leads to the Château Quéribus. This day ends in the medieval town of Cucugnan, just in view of the castle.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Auberge
Distance / 21km/13mi
Ascent / 773m/2,536ft
Descent / 726m/2,382ft
Max Elev. / 617m/2,024ft
Time / 8 hours (Including visits to Aguilar and Quéribus castles)
Day 3 / Cucugnan to Camps-Sur-L'Agly
Our day two of our hike, we embark on the longest and most challenging section of the week, beginning with vineyards and valleys and a gentle ascent to Douhillac where we see the Peyrepertuse Castle rising from the cliff face. Another period of ascent brings us to the Plateau de Brezou, and finally descends to the Gorge de Galamus, ending at the village of Camps-Sur-L’Agly.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging: Gîte
Distance / 25km/15.5mi
Ascent / 1,371m/4,498ft
Descent / 1,167m/3,829ft
Max Elev. / 904m/2,966ft
Time / 8 hours
Day 4 / Camps-Sur-L'Agly to Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes
Our third day of hiking begins with a periodically steep ascent to the Cols de Pechines and Campeau, yielding spectacular views of both the Mediterranean and the highest peak of the Pyrenees. The day closes with a gentle descent to the town of Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Distance / 16km/10mi
Ascent / 546m/1,79ft
Descent / 709m/2,326ft
Max Elev. / 916m/3,005ft
Time / 7 hours
Day 5 / Rest Day
Enjoy a trip to Puilaurens castle and spend a couple hours learning more about the history of the region, followed by time for exploring local towns, shops, and cafés.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Day 6 / Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes to Axat
Our final day of hiking takes us through the Gorge de Saint-Jaume, with a view down to the crystal-clear water that runs through the passage. After hiking up to Puilaurens Castle, the hike into Axat features varied views of the castle, as well as views of the valley near town. Day six ends in celebration with a memorable and delicious local dinner.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Distance / 22km/14mi
Ascent / 943m/3,094ft
Descent / 883m/2,897ft
Max Elev. / 737m/2,418ft
Time / 7 hours
Day 7 / Transition Day
Enjoy breakfast, followed by transportation to Carcassonne where you can tour the historic town before taking the train to your airport destination.
Included: Breakfast
Drop Off Time / 12 PM local time
Drop Off Point /
Carcassonne
