TRAIL E-BIKING TOUR
Biking the challenging but beautiful western section of the Sentier de Cathar takes us through forests and two gorges, including the Gorges de la Frau. We visit three Cathar castles, including the well-known castle of Montségur. The stunning views as we ride through the landscape will make lasting memories. You will experience a challenging and rewarding five days of gravel and endurance riding, ending at the charming town of Puilaurens. Along the way there will be time to explore the castles and towns to learn about the history of the area, and sample local cuisine.
This is a section bike adventure, meaning participants will ride to a new location each day. With only the items on your back, you will have the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside. Participants may pack one additional duffle bag that will be available each evening.
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome
Guests will be met in Foix mid-day. Following lunch we use the afternoon to travel to our starting point, confirm bike fit, and settle into our lodging prior to dinner. We will spend the night in Montségur to be prepared for an early start the next day.
Included: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup location / Foix train station
Day 2 / Montségur to Comus
In the morning we visit Château de Montségur, the first of our three castles, before setting off towards Comus. The day begins with a climb from Montségur, leading to gentle trails along the ridgeline. Rolling hills end in the alpine town of Comus in time to enjoy well-deserved Dame Blanche or beer.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Luxury safari tents
Distance / 20km/12mi
Ascent / 1,110m/3,642ft
Descent / 846m/2,776ft
Max Elev. / 1,788m/5,866ft
Time / 5 hours
Day 3 / Comus to Puivert (L’Escale)
We begin the day riding alongside forests, where you may glimpse local wildlife from a distance as we pass through Bac d’en Filla. Once over the Plateau de Sault, we break to visit the Post de Commandement du Maquis, a center of World War II French resistance fighters, before ending the day in Puivert.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Distance / 33km/21mi
Ascent / 634m/2,080ft
Descent / 1,351m/4,432ft
Max Elev. / 1,371m/4,498ft
Time / 7 hours
Day 4 / Puivert to Quillan
Traveling on the northern route of the Sentier de Cathar, we begin the day with ascent out of Puivert. Biking up ancient Roman roads, we visit Puivert Castle, then pedal through a combination of rolling pastures, gravel roads, and forestry track. There is a final climb before descending into the town of Quillan.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Hotel
Distance / 21km/13mi
Ascent / 755m/2,477ft
Descent / 429m/1,408ft
Max Elev. / 1,084m/3,557ft
Time / 6 hours
Day 5 / Rest Day - Explore Quillan
A day off of our bikes with time to explore the town of Quillan. Explore various 12th to 14th century buildings including the the Chateau de Quillan and the church, or sit in one of the squares to have coffee or lunch. With local shops, cafes, and boulangeries there is much to do and see. There are extensive easy walking trails for those interested in light walking. Tonight we dine in town and prepare for the final day of riding.
Included: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Day 6 / Quillan to Puilaurens
Our final day of riding includes stunning views above Quillan. Today we ride on mainly double track with a variable climb to the highest point, followed by rolling hills descending into the charming village of Puilaurens. We will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Château de Puilaurens in the afternoon, the last of our three castles.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Gîte
Distance / 26.8km/16.7mi
Ascent / 1,394m/4,573ft
Descent / 1,224m/4,016ft
Max Elev. / 987m/3,238ft
Time / 5 hours
Day 7 / Transition Day
Enjoy breakfast, followed by transportation to Carcassonne where you can tour the historic town before taking the train to your airport destination.
Included: Breakfast
Drop Off Time / 12 PM
Drop Off Location / Carcassonne train station
