Cycling the Cathar Castles in the Pyrenees

Transcription

1 Factsheet Self-guided cycling Level 2/5 6 cycling days Cycling the Cathar Castles in the Pyrenees Secret valleys, where snow-capped Pyrenean mountains are visible in the distance, permanent wildlife, these are only some of the realities that await you when you travel through the heart of this magnificent landscape between Aude and Pays d Ariège. The majority of the routes taken are the secondary roads linking the typical Pyrenean villages where you are sure to receive a warm welcome. Within the hills, crossing in green valleys, you will get a taste of the unusual panorama, off the beaten track, to measure your experience. Within the Aude Cathare, many places are impregnated with history such as Limoux, Puivert or Chalabre where evidence of a recent past still remains prevalent today. Within Terre d Ariège, you will discover country that conceals many cultural resources such as the pre-roman atmosphere of the valleys, the Bastides de Mirepoix, and Roquefixade, the fortified village of Camon, or even the famous Castle Foix and Montségur all symbolise the Cathar epic. We can supply you with GPS tracks for the entire route, just ask us! / Tél : (33) ou (33) mathieu@respyrenees.com

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3 PROGRAM Day 1 : Arrival in Limoux Arrival at the hotel in Limoux. According to your timetable, if you wish to, it is possible to do a bicycle ride which will depart from your hotel or alternatively you could take a stroll around the ancient town of Limoux, which is home to the oldest sparkling wine in the world : The sparkling white wine of Limoux. Circular ride to the St-Hilaire abbey According to the your timetable, if you wish to, it is possible to do a bicycle ride which will depart from your hotel. The itinerary starts with a ride from Limoux to the Saint-Hilaire abbey, a roman abbey-church with a remarkable cloister. This visit is possible in the morning and the afternoon, in season. Return towards Limoux by taking the secondary roads, which allows you to discover Limoux s surroundings. Distance : 25km, duration : 2h30, altitude gain : +160m, descent : -160m. Day 2 : From Limoux to Mirepoix A route which is culturel and sportive in nature, returning to the Occitanie country and its ancient villages such as Chalabre, a village built at the end of the thirteenth century with astonishing architecture, and the fortified village of Camon, dating back to the same era as Chalabre. From Camon head towards Lagarde, an ancient walled town where the ruins of a castle are visible. This fortress became a country castle during the 16th century. After discovering these places of different interests (gastronomy, heritage), you will arrive, via a small road, at the medieval Mirepoix, with its famous archways dating from the 13th century. You will complete this stage here. Distance : 48km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +510m, descent : - 390m. Day 3 : From Mirepoix to Foix Depart from Mirepoix via a small country road. En route are the villages Teilhet, Vals and Les Pujols, huddled around a magnificent church tower, they will unveil their charm. Take time to discover them ; for example at Vals, 11km from Mirepoix is a rupestrian church (Carolingian origin). This is a unique site, laid out in three levels, and has a crypt carved into the rock. By another road, often shaded, you will pass through some unusual villages huddled around their church tower, before joining the easy-going pass Py, and arriving in Foix. Distance : 50km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +250m, descent : -190m. Day 4 : From Foix to Montségur This stage crosses the Massif du Plantaurel, the chalky terrain of the Pyrenees Ariégeoises, reaching an altitude of up to 600 metres and where the resistant rocks form attractive relief patterns on the landscape. On the small road which will take you to Montségur, an old cathar stronghold, you will stop at Roquefixade, a village known for its castle, (reconstructed during the 13th century according to plans from the walled town, the castle was built on an inaccessible rocky outcrop, that is now joined to a footpath). There is a superb view point from the top of the castle looking over the village and the Lesponne valley. From Roquefixade you follow another pretty road, mostly in the shade, you travel alongside Plantaurel. The road will eventually take you to other small villages, typical of the Pays d Olme region, known as Villeneuve or Montferrier, before attacking the difficult climb up the Montségur hill. Where you reach the next village at the foot of its famous Pog on top of which the ruins of a castle remain. Distance : 35km, duration : 4h30, altitude gain : +855m, descent : -305m. Day 5 : Montségur to Puivert A descent from Montségur towards Bélesta, where you will find the unusual Fontestorbes fountain. Then, the return in the direction of Aude via a passage in Pays de Sault and the crossing of the beautiful Picaussel forest situated just past the mountain village of Espezel. Then there is a descent towards another region, the countryside of Quercorb with it s capital Puivert ; famous for its castle and an old holiday destination for the troubadours. Distance : 46km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +425m, descent : -870m.

4 Day 6 : From Puivert to Limoux When cycling back to Limoux you will follow a remarkable route, and discover the Cathare countryside. During this ride you will almost certainly come across locals from the remote villages : Nébias, Brénac, Espéraza, Antugnac and Magrie which are situated just before Limoux. Take the time to get off your bike as the reception you will often receive will be one of the best memories you take home from this exceptional countryside. Distance : 43km, duration : 4h30, altitude gain : +370m, descent : -660m. Day 7 : Departure, Limoux End of the tour in the morning, departure after breakfast. This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified. DATES AND PRICES Departures every day from the beginning of April until the end of October (for a departure on a different date, consult us). Bookings from 2 persons or more. Prices : From 01/04/2018 to 31/10/2018 : Price per person based on a group of 2/3 people 650 Price per person based on a group of 4/5 people 550 Extras/Discounts : - Single Room Option : 120 /pers - Extra bike hire : 130 /pers - Extra E-bike hire : 190 /pers - Extranight in Limoux in BB in doubleroom : 62 /pers - Extranight in Limoux in BB in singleroom : 106 /pers The price includes : - Half board accommodation (except days 1 and 6 in bed and breakfast) - Luggage transfers - Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation) - GPS tracks if you ask us The price does not include : - Holiday and travel insurance - Evening meals days 1 and 6. - Entrance fees, additional activities - Drinks and picnics - Bike rental TAILOR MADE HOLIDAYS We can put together a suitable holiday for you taking into account all your specific requests and budget. Many individuals and trekking companies have relied on us for years. With our tailor-made holidays we always aim to provide you with the best quality at the fairest price. If you want to : increase the comfort of your accommodations, change the duration of your trip, organize additional activities or visits, get a transfer from/to an airport, organize an extra night Contact Mathieu Tél : Port : mathieu@respyrenees.com

5 ORGANIZATION We propose a self guided, independent formula. You choose your departure date and we will take care of all the rest from the initial meeting time through to the dispersion point. We transport your bags between the accommodations ; we provide the maps and detailed walking route notes sent on the first accommodation. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility, you dictate the pace and rhythm of your holiday. Moreover, our team will answer all your questions, and will provide all useful advice in order to make this holiday a success. Bike rental You can rent bikes through us, they will be transfered at your hotel in Limoux with a supplementary. Thanks to tell us your height and if you want a men's or a women's bicycle. Bicycle bags on demand (according to availability). For bike rental, you can contact before your departure: RESPYRENEES Lieu-dit La Freyte RABAT LES TROIS SEIGNEURS TECHNICAL INFORMATION Some information Maximum ascent : +855m Global denivelation : 5145m Global ascents : 2570m Global descents : 1575m Level 2/5 4 to 6 hours of cycling per day, each stage ranging between 35 and 50 Km. Intended for people with an average level of fitness. Not technically difficult. Detailed walking schedule Detail Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Ascent +160m +510m +250m +855m +425m +370m Descent -160m -390m -190m -305m -870m -660m Cycling duration* 2h30 5h00 5h00 4h30 5h00 4h30 Distance 25km 48km 50km 35 km 46km 43km *Be advised : the cycling duration is given to help you in your choice, but this is an average, not including the stops during the cycling, and overall cycling duration is just an indication, but can be different between people. Guide Self-guided cycling, without guide. Carrying You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations ; it should be easy to carry (see our equipment advice). Bibliography - Le sentier cathare (Rando Editions) - L'Epopée cathare (M. Roquebert) - Le vrai visage du Catharisme (Anne Brenon) - Montaillou, village occitan (Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie)

6 ACCOMMODATION / FOOD Accommodation Half board, except day 1 and 6 in bed and breakfast, in rooms with private shower and toilet, except 1 night with private shower and toilet outside the bedroom. Food - Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam) - Evening meals in gites, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert - Pic-nics and drinks are not included PRACTICAL INFORMATION Starting : Day 1 at your hotel in Limoux (11), according to your time of arrival. Ending : Day 7 at your hotel in Limoux (11), after breakfast. How to get to Limoux : - By train : Several trains and SNCF buses depart from the SNCF station at Carcassonne (in front of the station); For information of timetables contact 36 35, or By car : Coming from Toulouse, take the A61 to Castelnaudary, exit at junction 22 to Bram, then take the D4 up to Fanjeaux, and then take the D623 until you arrive at Limoux. Coming from Narbonne / Carcassonne, take the A61, exit at junction 23, West Carcassonne, head towards Limoux on the D By air : Carcassonne Airport International Toulouse-Blagnac Airport ; then there is a shuttle to join the SNCF station in Toulouse Matabiau. There are several trains leaving Toulouse for Carcassonne. Practical information : - Ariege tourism committee : Tel (0) Aude tourism committee : Tel (0) SNCF station, Foix. Tel : Local weather : (Ariège) or (Aude) WHAT TO BRING AND PACK Bags A small day pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic and waterproof. A bag, rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage weighing a maximum of 12kg per person. For the day time -Comfortable shoes/trainers -Walking socks. -Warm fleece -Shorts and T shirts. -Swimming costume or trunks -Towel -Water bottle (one litre minimum) -Personal first aid kit -Sun and rain protection

7 -Sunglasses and sun cream -Sun hat -Wind and waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex style). For your picnics -A good cutting knife and some plastic bags Relaxing time -Trainers or open sandals -Warm Fleece and casual wear Other little things - A pair of trainers or sandals for a night - Glasses and suncream - Hats - Camera - Small toiletry bag and towel - Torch or headlight - A first aid kit with personal medication, blister plasters (compeed), aspirin and survival blanket.