THE CATHAR TRAIL RIDE

From Montségur in south Western France to Port la Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast - the grand traverse of the famed Cathar trail is a european classic. All completed in 6 days of glorious mountain bike goodness. As you roll along you will take in the mountains of the high Ariège to the Big Blue, finishing the trip on the golden beaches of the Roussillon.

We'll follow the path of the Cathars, the men with a religion that would shake the Catholic church of the 13th century to its foundations. A mountain bike journey through the incredible history of the region, just next to the Spanish boarder and an insight into a truely magnificent part of rural France.

 MONTSEGUR - COMUS
As a great mountain bike tour and historical insight into southern french history we start with a visit to the local chateau then a transitional stage from Ariège into the Aude. Cross the superb Gorges de la Frau to the Plateau de Sault. In the afternoon, optional climb to the col de Balagués to admire the superb panorama over the high Ariège. Then a nice descent to Comus. Overnight in a gîte.
Ride distance: 39km
Uneven positive: 1310m Uneven negative: 950m
Physical difficulty: +++
Technical skills: +++

COMUS - PUIVERT
Great ride in the forests of the Plateau de Sault towards the Benagués to arrive at the chateau de Puivert, a refuge for the poets and troubadours in the Middle Ages. Overnight in a gîte.
Ride distance: 34km
Uneven positive: 260m Uneven negative: 1000m
Physical difficulty: ++
Technical skills: +++

PUILAURENS - PEYREPERTUSE
In the morning, transfer to the chateau de Puilaurens, famed for its great medieval architecture.
We follow the gorges St Jaumes towards Caudies de Feenouillèdes to arrive at the superb gores de Galamus. There, between green oaks and junipers, we reach the crest of the Corbières to discover the imposing chateau de Peyrpertuse. Overnight in a gîte.
Ride distance: 32km
Uneven positive: 720m Uneven negative: 1050m
Physical difficulty: +++
Technical skills: +++

PEYREPERTUSE - TUCHAN
We descend through scrubland to the village of Cucugnan, famous for the legend of its priest. Arrival at the chateau de Quéribus, gardian of the old Spanish border. Then a pleasant descent to Padern. Overnight in a gîte at Tuchan.
Ride distance: 24km
Uneven positive: 620m Uneven negative: 750m
Physical difficulty: ++
Technical skills: ++

TUCHAN - DURBAN CORBIERE
Through vineyards and the foothills, we approach the chateau d'Aguilar in this land of a thousand Mediterranean scents.
Ride distance: 28km
Uneven positive: 660m Uneven negative: 800m
Physical difficulty: ++
Technical difficulty: ++

DURBAN CORBIERE - PORT LA NOUVELLE
Last stage of our trip where we discover the Big Blue by way of superb landscapes. 
Arrival on the beach and we plunge into the sea. Overnight in a hotel.
Ride distance: 29km
Uneven positive: 500m Uneven negative: 600m
Physical difficulty: ++
Technical skills: ++

PORT LA NOUVELLE
After a good night's rest, return to Montségur or transfer to Perpignan.