Want to experience history firsthand? Tired of crowded trails? Then the Sentier de Cathar is your route. Here, you’ll cross mountain gorges, wander through vineyards, and stand in the shadow of cliff-top castles—while learning about the people and culture that brought it all to life.

The Ride of the Five Castles is your chance to have an adventure with jaw-dropping views, heart-pumping climbs, and a delightful, uniquely French experience. The five Cathar castles: Aguilar, Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Puilaurens, and Puivert, once formed the border with Aragon (Spain). Magnificent feats of engineering, these fortresses are candidates for the UNESCO World Heritage List of sites.