2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

Join us for village-to-village hikes across the wild mountain paths of the Sentier Cathare (Cathar Trail) in Languedoc-Roussillon, a realm rich in history, fabulous scenery, great food, and most importantly, superb hikes. In this hidden corner of southern France, we’ll hike on high, flower-filled meadows, through hillside vineyards (a third of France’s wine is produced here), into limestone gorges—and on most hikes, there is even a 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 cheeses and local wines including Blanquette, a bubbly white that

predates Champagne. Come and share the richness of this incomparable region of France with us! Days 1-3 Toulouse / Carcassonne / Quéribus / Cucugnan In the stunning fortified town of Carcassonne, once a Cathar stronghold, we marvel at grand-scale medieval splendor, and overnight in the fairytale-like citadel of La Cité, with its towering walls and 52 turrets. Our first hikes bring us through Syrah and Grenache vineyards below mighty Quéribus Castle, perched like a bird’s nest above the plains, and to the 1,000-year-old hillside village of Cucugnan.

MATTEO CARASSALE

“Our Trip Leader made every member of the group feel like part of an extended family. We had such a fun time!” Bob S. Half Moon Bay CA

Days 4-6 Puilaurens / Bugarach / Couiza

Our hikes take us through vineyard-filled valleys and across rugged limestone hills, past crystal-clear pools, into a valley beneath craggy mountains where eagles soar on thermals, to 10th century Puilaurens Castle. We head to magical Pech de Bugarach, the “upside down mountain,” and through woodlands to the pass above Col de Pechines, where we’re rewarded with lovely views of the Pyrenees. We’ll meet a local Blanquette producer, and taste some of this delicious bubbly white wine. This was the land of the troubadours, itinerant musicians, and poets, and we’ll hear their music on one evening in the fabulous Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse, a restored castle that is one of our atmospheric hotels. Days 7-10 Gorges 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 medieval Mirepoix, a Cathar stronghold and one of the most beautiful towns in southern France, we explore the bustling farmers’ market, with a final hike below the ruined 13th century stronghold of Roquefixade Castle. The Salon Noir, with silhouettes of bison, horses, ibex, and stag, is a highlight of the 13,850-year-old rock art gallery in the Niaux Caves. Depart on Day 10 via Toulouse.

We hike below castle ruins, explore markets and villages, and hear the songs of the troubadours. PHOTO: LUCIANO GAUDENZIO

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

TRIP COST $5295 (10-14 members) $5695 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $770

DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Toulouse, France • 9 nights hotels and auberges • All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6

8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-6 hours a day, van support

DATES May 18-27, 2020 Jun 1-10 Sep 21-30

STEVE HATHAWAY

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 53