For many people, the idea of taking a week—or more—for themselves can feel impossible. Caregiving for aging parents, supporting children, career or academic obligations, and running a household often leaves little room for extended travel. At Athara Adventures and Athara Retreats, we understand this tension.

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.

At Athara Adventures, we often receive questions about whether travel insurance is included in the cost of our international tours. The short answer is no, it’s not included—and that’s by design.

La France profonde offers a glimpse into the soul of rural France — a slower, more authentic way of life rooted in tradition, nature, and deep local culture. This blog explores how the Pyrenees mountains embody this timeless charm, inviting you to reconnect with yourself, explore expansive horizons, and learn about this special culture.

We chose to base Athara Adventures in the Pyrenees because, in our experience, it is impossible to move through the extraordinary landscape without finding a deep sense of connection growing within. From expansive, breathtaking views to gorges and grottos carved by the glaciers to the hospitality and centuries-old history, we discover something that reaffirms our sense of awe and excitement every day. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner gaining more experience in the mountains, Athara Adventures offers an array of exhilarating hiking trails in the Pyrenees, suitable for every level of adventure. Below, we explain how we share three hikes that can be scaled to any level but deliver an amazing experience no matter its difficulty.

While Athara Adventures will guide tours in several locations, we chose to ground our business in the Occitan region of France. The fantastic network of trails, local cuisine, and spectacular views provide plenty of reasons to love the area, but there is another reason to consider visiting this unique region: its long history of comradery and courage.