Walk one of France’s great long-distance trails on a small-group escorted walking holiday through the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The Sentier Cathare, also known as the Cathar Way or GR 367, is a historic route linking medieval fortresses, remote villages, gorges, vineyards, and mountain passes in southern France.
This is a walking holiday for people who want to experience landscape, history, and movement slowly and deeply, on foot, carrying what they need and letting life simplify to a steady daily rhythm of walking, eating, and resting. Scheduled departures run each year, with the next guided walk currently open for booking.
This guided walking holiday offers:
a long-distance walking holiday in southern France
a small-group guided walking holiday in the Pyrenees
a historic pilgrimage-style route that is quiet and uncrowded
Next Pyrenees Walking Tour: Saturday 23 May – Tuesday 2 June 2026 7-day and 11-day options available
A walking holiday shaped by history, landscape, and rhythm.
The Sentier Cathare is a long-distance historic footpath in southern France, comparable in age to the Camino de Santiago but far quieter and less travelled. On this guided walking holiday, we walk the section of the route between Foix and Tuchan, passing through the Occitanie region and the historic lands of the Cathars.
Days unfold at a steady, human pace. You walk through changing landscapes, arrive by foot at your accommodation each evening, share meals with the group, and sleep deeply. Without the distractions of daily life, attention naturally turns outward to the land and inward to your own experience.
Many people describe this journey as both grounding and empowering. Walking for multiple consecutive days through big landscapes and ancient history creates a sense of space, perspective, and quiet confidence that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Next Sentier Cathare Walking Holiday
Saturday 23 May – Tuesday 2 June 2026
7-day and 11-day options available
Small group (max 12)
Limited places
Ready to book? Click here to book now
Who this walking holiday is for
This guided walking holiday tends to attract people at a point of transition or reflection, as well as experienced day walkers looking to step into a longer, more immersive journey. If you are unsure, we encourage a conversation. We are careful about fit and happy to advise.
This walking holiday is a good fit if you:
enjoy long days on foot and uncrowded trails
walk or hike regularly and want to build confidence on a multi-day route
are drawn to history, pilgrimage routes, and meaningful travel
like the idea of carrying your essentials and arriving on foot to a new place each day
value small groups, shared meals, and quiet time
This walking holiday may not be the right fit if you:
do not currently walk or hike regularly
are uncomfortable carrying a backpack of approximately 7–9 kg
are looking for a single-base holiday with minimal daily movement
are very new to hiking and would prefer shorter, gentler day walks
prefer a fully supported holiday without any physical challenge or variation in comfort
Walking distances, terrain, and daily pace.
This is a moderate to demanding walking holiday, depending on the days and the option you choose.
There are two route options:
7-day section walk: approximately 110 km
11-day section walk: approximately 160 km
Typical days involve:
5–7 hours of walking (occasionally longer)
daily distances of 10–20 km
elevation gain ranging from 500–1,000 metres
varied terrain including forest paths, rocky mountain trails, gorges, and open plateaus
All walking takes place on marked trails, but the terrain can be uneven and rugged. Sustained ascents and descents are common. The pace is steady and supportive, and the group naturally spreads out while remaining connected.
Ready to book? Click here to book now
The journey at a glance
This guided walking holiday follows a clear, point-to-point route across the foothills of the Pyrenees, linking historic towns, remote mountain terrain, and some of the most significant Cathar strongholds in southern France. For a detailed day-by-day outline, including walking distances and accommodation style, you can view the full itinerary here.
1. Foix and the Ariège foothills
The journey begins in the historic town of Foix, where medieval streets and mountain views set the tone for the days ahead. From here, the route climbs steadily into quieter terrain, moving through forested valleys and along paths that have connected settlements for centuries.
2. High passes and Cathar fortresses
As the days unfold, the landscape becomes more dramatic. You walk between fortified castles such as Montségur and Puilaurens, gaining altitude and perspective as you move through rugged mountain terrain. Distance and elevation reveal the strategic importance of these sites and the scale of the land they once protected.
3. Gorges, vineyards, and warmer air
Further south, the route descends into limestone gorges and Mediterranean landscapes. Vineyards, open plateaus, and sun-warmed paths replace high mountain forests, offering contrast and a sense of gradual transition as the journey continues.
4. The Corbières and Tuchan
The final days lead through the rolling hills of the Corbières, where castles such as Quéribus and Aguilar stand high above the surrounding countryside. The journey concludes in Tuchan, a small wine-growing village where the distance travelled on foot becomes tangible and complete.
This walking holiday is fully escorted and supported.
If a day feels challenging, leaders work with you to adjust pace, technique, or equipment. Common issues such as pack fit, walking efficiency, or energy management are addressed directly on the trail.
If needed, a support vehicle can be accessed at designated points. On some days, alternative route options are available, allowing individuals or the group to shorten or modify the day without losing the experience.
No one is left behind.
One of the defining features of this walking holiday is the diversity of landscape encountered on foot. The route moves gradually through contrasting environments, each shaping the experience in a different way.
You walk through two distinct climate zones:
Mediterranean landscapes with vineyards, olive groves, scrubland, and warm, dry air
Mountain terrain with pine forests, pastureland, limestone cliffs and high valleys
You walk through the foothills of the Pyrenees, including the Corbières Massif and the Midi-Pyrénées, passing through protected parkland, ancient geological formations, and wide-open ridgelines.
Unlike heavily trafficked walking routes, the Sentier Cathare offers space and solitude. Many of the people you encounter are local walkers, reinforcing the sense that you are discovering something rather than following a tourist procession
Explore more information about the Sentier Cathare Tour
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This walking holiday follows the historic route linking a chain of medieval fortresses built to defend the border between France and what is now Spain.
You pass or visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Site candidates, including:
Montségur
Quéribus
Peyrepertuse
Aguilar
Puilaurens
The Cathars were known for progressive beliefs unusual for their time, including religious tolerance, social mobility, and a relative equality between men and women. Walking between these fortresses on foot gives historical context a physical dimension. Distance, elevation, and terrain reveal why these sites mattered and how people once lived, travelled, and defended themselves.
Many people report that the history “lands” emotionally when they stand inside a fortress reached entirely on foot.
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Accommodation on this walking holiday reflects the nature of the route. You stay in a mix of family-run chambres d’hôtes, small local hotels, mountain gîtes, and occasional unique lodging such as alpine safari-style tents.
Some nights are more rustic, others more comfortable. This variation is part of the experience and reflects the rural, pilgrimage-style nature of the route.
Evenings are convivial and relaxed. After arriving by foot, there is time to rest, explore, or shower before gathering for dinner. Meals are shared, wine is often enjoyed, and conversation flows easily after a full day of walking.
Single occupancy is limited due to the remoteness of the route but may be available on rest days for an additional fee.
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Breakfast and dinner are included each day. Meals are locally sourced, seasonal, and designed to be restorative after long days on foot.
Lunch is purchased independently along the route or assembled from trail snacks, allowing flexibility and comfort while walking.
Dietary requirements and allergies are accommodated wherever possible, and we have extensive experience navigating complex needs.
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Group size is kept intentionally small:
Minimum: 7
Maximum: 12
The group walks together with space, allowing individuals to find their own rhythm. Leaders provide daily briefings on weather, terrain, and expectations, share historical context along the way, and quietly support the group dynamic.
By the end of the journey, most people report a strong sense of camaraderie, even if they arrived as solo travellers.
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A day might begin with croissants and coffee as morning light touches a hilltop castle. You set off early to make the most of daylight, walking through valleys and forests before climbing steadily toward a ridge or fortress.
Breaks happen naturally at viewpoints, gorges, or shaded rests. Snacks are eaten little and often. By mid to late afternoon, you arrive by foot at your destination, shower, rest, and explore before gathering for dinner.
The rhythm is simple, steady, and deeply satisfying.
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Start: Foix, France
End: Tuchan, France
Nearest airport: Toulouse
Transfers: Easily reached by train; transfers may be included for private groups
Group size: 7–12
Walking options: 7-day or 11-day section walk
Full packing guidance, training recommendations, and travel details are provided ahead of departure. View the full itinery here.
Key details at a glance
HIGHLIGHTS | 4 UNESCO World Heritage Site candidates, 8 iconic Medieval Cathar strongholds, Mesozoic era gorge, 2 climate zones, wine of the terroir, uncrowded trails, protected parkland
MEETING POINT | Foix, France
TRIP DURATION | 7- or 11-day option
MIN PARTICIPANTS | 7 people
MAX PARTICIPANTS | 12 people
PAYMENT OPTIONS | Payment plans and multi-currency checkout
REQUIRED SKILLS | Ability to carry a backpack with clothing for multiple days.
DIFFICULTY | 3 out of 5
TERRAIN | Long ascents and descents. Able to lift foot to hip level to climb over obstacles. Light scrambling may be necessary.
DEPOSIT | €500 non-refundable, except within our worry-free cancellation period.
Ready to walk the Cathar Way?
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1. Consider your needs
This guided walking holiday through the Pyrenees is for people who value depth over speed, connection over consumption, and the quiet satisfaction of moving through the world on foot.
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2. Take the next step
You can either arrange a quick call with us to helps us understand what you are seeking and recommend the best fit. Alternatively head straight to the booking page.
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3. Begin your next chapter
This is a journey shaped by movement, place, and shared experience. It is an invitation to walk with intention, to reconnect with yourself, and to begin the next chapter with steadiness and depth.
FAQs
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This is a fully guided walking holiday, led by Athara Adventures founders. While there is space to walk quietly and independently during the day, logistics, accommodation, route planning, and group care are fully supported.
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This is a moderate to challenging walking holiday, best suited to people who already enjoy regular walking or hiking.oderate to challenging walking holiday, best suited to people who already enjoy regular walking or hiking.
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No. You carry only what you need for the day and evenings. Main luggage is transferred and returned midway or at the end, depending on route length.
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Yes. Many guests join alone. The small group size naturally fosters connection.
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This route is quieter, more historic, and less commercial. Athara Adventures prioritises presence, care, and depth rather than speed or volume.
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Similar in age, but far less travelled, wilder, and more remote.
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You should be comfortable walking for 5–7 hours per day on uneven terrain. Prior multi-day hiking experience is helpful but not required.
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Many guests join during periods of change. While not a retreat, the simplicity and rhythm often create space for reflection.