animated loco logo pyrenees mountain pyrenees mountain pyrenees mountains
pyrenees foothills
Amazing Pyrenean Journeys... sitemap
 You Are Here: Welcome to VéloLoco.com > Cycling Holidays > Cathar Castles
Bespoke Tours | Cycling Holidays | Bike Hire | Travel Guides | Testimonials | Contact  
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Cathar Castle Cycling

Biking through the Aude in the Languedoc...

...travel through time and indulge in history.

Region Description

Majestic citadels of Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens and Puivert and the mysterious Rennes-le-Chateau as well the stunning Gorges of Galamus are all based in this region.

Click to enlarge, Queribus We recommend the first two nights of a trip here are spent in the tiny village of Cucugnan, surrounded by Fitou and Corbieres vineyards and overlooked by the chateaux of Queribus and Peyrepertuse. Queribus was the last chateau to fall in 1255 (11 years after the Chateau at Montsegur) to the crusade against the Cathar 'perfecs' led by Simon de Montfort... After a meal on a restaurant terrace or in dining rooms next to huge oak wine barrels, you'd retire for a peaceful nights sleep.
The next day, perhaps cycle to Peyrepertuse, the most remarkable and most important example of military architecture in the middle ages in the Languedoc. It was never touched by the crusades because it was an Aragon Chateau and simply bought by King Louis IX and extensively fortified during the 13th century to assert the royal victory over the Cathars. A loop back to Cucugnan through the incredible Gorges of Galamus completes a full days cycling.

The next day, leave Cucugnan and descend towards Maury famed for Muscat wines. Cycling along the valley until Puilaurens, there's a short climb to a great hotel we recommend at Gincla. The 10th century Chateau at Puilaurens was modified and enlarged during the 11th and 12th centuries and sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. Puylaurens can be visited the same day or in the morning of the following day before continuing to Quillan through the Defile de Lys Pierre.

There is an FFCT rated hotel (an ideal base) in Quillan, day excursions to Rennes-le-Chateau or Puivert would complete a remarkable holiday.

 

5 night break on PAYS basis - from 510 € per person

This region is accessible from April to the end of October. Ask and we will help make it happen!

 
Go back
Bespoke Tours
Bike Hire
Book Online
Read Reviews
Contact Us
road

Cycling Holidays
Tour France 2008
Geneva to Venice
RAID Pyrenean
Cathar Castles
Canal du Midi
Catalonia Andorra
Mountain Biking
Book Online
Contact Us
road

Pyreneen Cols
Travel Guides
Contact Us
road

We will endeavour to include the elements important to you in a bespoke holiday, be that sightseeing, running, cycling or other activity. The trip is tailormade to fit with your requirements and the time you have available...

Bicycle tour please!

 

Copyright © 2003-2024    |    VeloLoco    |    Join Our Partner Network |    All Rights Reserved