Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

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

Discover the wild mountains and hidden history of Languedoc, one of southern France’s most intriguing realms. We’ll learn the long-lost tales of the medieval Cathars as we hike from castle to castle across vineyards and rosemary- scented hills, discovering rock-perched 13th century fortresses with views stretching to the snow-capped Pyrenees. Between hikes, we’ll hear the songs of poet-troubadors in the fabulous Château des Ducs de Joyeuse, one of our atmospheric hotels, meet a traditional village baker and a goat-cheese maker, and join in the bustling weekly farmers’ market in medieval Mirepoix. Come share the richness of this unique area of France with us! Day 1 Toulouse / Carcassonne In Carcassonne, a magnificent World Heritage Site, we enjoy a day of exploration in the cobbled lanes and an overnight in our magnificent heritage hotel in the fairytale setting of La Cité, with its towering walls and turrets.

Days 2-3 Queribus / Peyrepertuse / Cucugnan Our first Cathar Trail hikes bring us through quiet villages and vineyards below the mighty Queribus Castle, perched like a bird’s nest above the Roussillon plains, to Peyrepertuse Castle, stretching along the crest of a limestone cliff, and to the charming village of Cucugnan. Days 4-6 Puilaurens / St-Julia-de-Bec We hike the open countryside to the quaint riverside village of Puilaurens, cross the Col du Vent to reach St-Just-et-le-Bezu, a tiny farming hamlet, then make our way to picturesque St-Julia-de-Bec, whose street names are in Occitan, the ancient Romance language also known as the Langue d’Oc. Days 7-8 Gorge de la Frau / Montsegur / Mirepoix Panoramas stretch to the snowy Pyrenean Pic de St. Barthelemy (7,700') as we hike over the Col de la Gargante then through the Gorge de La Frau. Another hike starts at the most dramatic of all the Cathar castles, Montsegur, sitting 4,000 feet above the surrounding land. In Mirepoix, a Cathar stronghold and one of the most beautiful towns in southern France, we explore the weekly farmers’ market in the square. Days 9-10 Roquefixade / Niaux Caves Our last hike is below the ruined 13th century stronghold of Roquefixade Castle, with views of the jagged Pyrenees. Depart on Day 10 via Toulouse.

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore Carcassonne, a striking Cathar citadel and World Heritage Site • Hike to the lofty castles of Peyrepertuse, Queribus, and Puilaurens • Enjoy medieval Mirepoix, with its fantastic farmers’ market, and charming Cucugnan • Hear the romantic songs of the troubadors, sung in the ancient Occitan language • Stay in welcoming auberges in historic villages DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Toulouse, France • 9 nights hotels and auberges • All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner

DATES May 28-Jun 6, 2018 Sep 17-26

TRIP COST $4995 (10-14 members) $5395 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $560

ON OUR WEBSITE MEDIEVAL FRANCE: THE LOT VALLEY

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-6 hours a day, van support

Enjoy country walks, cliff-perched towns, and magnificent châteaux on this exquisite journey. Oct 6-14, 2018. From $5795.

We bring you deep into southern France’s fascinating history as we hike high trails between romantic, ruined 13th century castles.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 62