Full Description
Follow in the footsteps of history along the GR367 Cathar Way (Sentier Cathare), a 260km (162 mile) trek from the Mediterranean coast at Port-la-Nouvelle to the Pyrenean foothills at Foix. This long-distance route threads through vineyards, rolling hills, and rugged mountains, connecting a chain of ruined medieval castles and villages that reveal the turbulent story of the Cathars - a Christian sect persecuted during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Suitable for hikers with some experience, the route is divided into 13 stages of 12-27km (7-17 miles) and takes just under two weeks to complete. A northern variant offers a shorter, remoter option, while the main route includes nine iconic Cathar castles, culminating with Montségur, Roquefixade, and Foix. The path varies from gentle walks through rolling hills to strenuous ascents of up to 1000m, making it a rewarding adventure for those prepared for changing terrain.
Step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:100,000 mapping for each stage, helping you navigate the Languedoc's hills, valleys, and rugged Pyrenean foothills with confidence.
GPX files available to download, providing digital navigation for each stage and enabling flexible planning with GPS devices or smartphone apps.
Historical highlights include the Cathar castles of Montségur, Roquefixade, Foix, and other medieval fortresses, offering insight into the region's turbulent 12th- and 13th-century history.
Accommodation, transport, and facilities guidance, including chambres d'hôtes, gîtes d'étape, auberges, and hotels, as well as advice on where to stock up on supplies along the route.
Route options and variants, with the main GR367A southern route linking all nine Cathar castles, and a northern variant for a shorter, more direct walk that still showcases beautiful scenery.
Planning advice including best season to walk (April-June or September-October), expected terrain, elevation changes, and tips on navigating French and Occitan-speaking villages along the route.
The Cathar Way has clear waymarking and signage, with clear red-and-white GR balises, additional 'Sentier Cathare' posts, and helpful markers indicating the northern variant or misdirection points.
Plan your Cathar Way adventure with confidence, exploring one of France's most captivating historical landscapes while enjoying a well-signposted and carefully mapped long-distance trek.
Contents
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Introduction
Languedoc history
The Cathars and the Crusade
The Cathar Way route
Features of interest
Planning the walk
North variant
Alternative ways to stage the Cathar Way
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
Language
Money matters
Phone and Wi-Fi
Health and safety
What to take
Maps
Waymarking
Updates
Using this guide
The Cathar Way
Port-la-Nouvelle to Puivert
Stage 1 Port-la-Nouvelle to Durban-Corbi&##xe8;res
Stage 2 Durban-Corbi&##xe8;res to Tuchan
Stage 3 Tuchan to Cucugnan
Stage 4 Cucugnan to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet
Stage 5 Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet to Caudi&##xe8;s-de-Fenouill&##xe8;des
Stage 6 Caudi&##xe8;s-de-Fenouill&##xe8;des to Axat
Stage 7 Axat to Quirbajou
Stage 8 Quirbajou to Puivert
Cucugnan to Puivert: north variant
Stage 4a Cucugnan to Camps-sur-l'Agly
Stage 5a Camps-sur-l'Agly to Bugarach
Stage 6a Bugarach to Quillan
Stage 7a Quillan to Puivert
Puivert to Foix
Stage 9 Puivert to Espezel
Stage 10 Espezel to Comus
Stage 11 Comus to Monts&##xe9;gur
Stage 12 Monts&##xe9;gur to Roquefixade
Stage 13 Roquefixade to Foix
Appendix A Villages and towns with amenities
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D French-English glossary
Appendix E Further information and reading
