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.
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.
|