2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

We hike below spectacular castle-ruins, explore markets and villages, and hear the songs of the troubadours. PHOTO: NORBERT SCANELLA

Hiking in the Land of the Cathars MEDIEVAL VILLAGES OF THE LANGUEDOC

Hike from village to village across the wild mountain paths of Languedoc-Roussillon, a realm of rich history, fabulous scenery, great food, and most importantly, super hikes. In this hidden corner of southern France, we’ll hike on high meadows, through hillside vineyards, into limestone gorges— and on most hikes, there is even a Cathar castle-ruin to explore, with views stretching to the snow-capped Pyrenees. This is France, so it goes without saying that we’ll taste superb local wines and farm-fresh cuisine, and we’ll catch the bustling market day in lively Mirepoix and spend a night in the grand-scale splendor of the World Heritage Site of Carcassonne. Days 1-3 Toulouse / Carcassonne / Quéribus / Cucugnan In Carcassonne, once a Cathar stronghold, we overnight in the fairytale setting of La Cité, with its towering walls and turrets. Our first hikes bring us through vineyards below mighty Quéribus Castle, perched like a bird’s nest above the plains, and to the village of Cucugnan. Days 4-6 Puilaurens / St-Julia-de-Bec We hike the open countryside to the quaint riverside village of Puilaurens, cross the Col du Vent to reach St-Just-et-le-Bezu, a tiny

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore Carcassonne, a striking Cathar citadel and World Heritage Site • Hike to the lofty castles of Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, and Puilaurens • Enjoy medieval Mirepoix, with its fantastic farmers’ market, and charming Cucugnan • Hear the romantic songs of the troubadours, sung in the ancient Occitan language • Stay in welcoming auberges in historic villages DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Toulouse • 9 nights hotels and auberges • All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner

farming hamlet, then make our way to picturesque St-Julia-de-Bec, whose street names are in Occitan, the ancient Romance language known as the Langue d’Oc. Days 7-10 Gorge de la Frau / Montségur / Mirepoix / Roquefixade / Niaux Caves Panoramas stretch to the snowy Pic de St. Barthelémy (7,700') as we hike over the Col de la Gargante, and to the most dramatic of all the Cathar castles, Montségur, perched 4,000 feet above the surrounding land. In Mirepoix, a Cathar stronghold and one of the most beautiful towns in southern France, we explore the weekly farmers’ market, with a final hike below the ruined 13th century stronghold of Roquefixade Castle. Depart on Day 10 via Toulouse.

DATES May 27-Jun 5, 2019 Sep 23-Oct 2

TRIP COST $5295 (10-14 members) $5695 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $660

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-6 hours a day, van support

ON OUR WEBSITE MEDIEVAL FRANCE: THE LOT VALLEY

Hike pilgrim paths between spectacular hilltop villages, visit Romanesque abbeys and open-air markets. Oct 5-13, 2019. From $6195.

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 51