A 3-day tour suitable for a first discovery of this beautiful part of Southern France. If you are interested in learning a mysterious but also attractive history, follow us in the Cathar Country!
Walk in the steps of men and women whose tragic fate is still recorded and told. By visiting those famous Cathar places, get back to medieval times and be prepared to discover sublime views over Carcassonne region and more.

Program    

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Day 1 Carcassonne – Cabardes

At your arrival, enjoy a genuine cassoulet, typical lunch in a restaurant within the walled city. Then, meet your guide for a walking guided tour of the Medieval city: walls and curtain walls, St Nazaire Basilica.

Then, move for some miles north of Carcassonne to discover the four castles of Lastours in Cabardes and its panoramic viewpoint.

Back to Carcassonne for dinner and night. Accommodation near the Medieval Cité in a 3-star hotel.

Start driving along through the Aude’s valley, Limoux, Quillan and the gorges of la Pierre-Lys and then reach the High Corbières mountains to discover the Cathar Castles, the so-called “Vertigo Fortresses”.
Visit the castle of Quéribus, built on a stony peak that overlooks the Roussillon plain and the Corbieres region. During the Albigensian Crusade, it was the last place of refuge for the Cathars.

In the village of Cucugnan, enjoy a regional lunch, before driving toward the castle of Peyrepertuse, the most important and best-preserved example of military architecture in Languedoc.
Comments of the guide at the bottom of the castle. A stop to the Vignerons du Maury winery will let you discover their sweet and soft wines.

Back to Carcassonne for dinner and night.

Day2 The Cathar Castles

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Day 3 Canal du Midi

Leave Carcassonne for a commented cruise aboard a barge over the Canal du Midi: pass over locks, the aqueduct bridge. Driving through the Minervois region reach the Cathar town of Minerve. 

Taste a regional lunch.

Built on a rocky peak at the confluence of the Cesse and the Brian rivers. Minerve is part of the association of the most beautiful villages of France, and was a key place of resistance during the Crusade against the Cathars.
Visit Minerve and then stop at the wine cellar where a vine-grower will make you discover Minervois wines for a tasting moment.



These prices include :
    • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, half-board (breakfast, dinner),
    • lunches from day 1 to 3,
    • entrance fees,
    • Full-day guide services on day 2, guided tour Carcassonne and Minerve,
    • driver’s cost included.
These prices do not include :
    • transport (contact us)
    • personal expenses
    • cancellation insurances (contact us)
    • What is not mentioned in the program.
    • Single room: 70€/person