Travel through time and indulge in history! Majestic citadels of Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens and Puivert and the mysterious Rennes-le-Chateau as well the stunning Gorges of Galamus are all included in this trip.
Your Itinerary
Day 1-2: The first two nights 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. It is the first chateau to be visited on this tour. After a meal on the restaurant terrace or in the dining room next to huge oak wine barrels, you retire for a peaceful nights sleep.
Day 3: This is a cycle ride 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 the first full days cycling.
Day 4: You leave Cucugnan and descend towards Maury famed for Muscat wines. Cycling along the valley until Puilaurens, there's a short climb to the third nights accommodation 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.
From the FFCT rated hotel (base for the final two nights) in Quillan, day excursions to Rennes-le-Chateau or Puivert complete a remarkable holiday.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
5 night break on pays basis - from 510 EUR per person.
Note: This is a tailor made tour.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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