Itinerary
After breakfast we will drive to the Roquefixade village and complete a 7km circuit around the chateau of Roquefixade to uncover some of its secrets.
Alternatively, for those really wanting to move more we will set off with conviction following the Chemin de Bonhommes which takes a superb, wooded ridge to reach Roquefixade in 5-6 hours. (15.5km).
Roquefixade castle is so mysterious and yet in plain sight, perched at the top of an impressive rocky promontory which dominates the village of the same name. Its history is imprecise, like its remains. Only its construction at the turn of the 11th century and its destruction ordered by Louis XIII in 1632 seem to be a consensus. Roquefixade castle has undergone many changes from a residential castle to a defensive barracks and a historic monument since 1995. You will learn more of its history and relevance to the Cathars during your stay.
Then we will descend through the forest past small farms and numerous hamlets which appear to have stood still in time. A final climb on small forest tracks brings us to our charming auberge in Montferrier. Height gain 500m | distance 12km.
En route we will visit the Chateaux of Montsegur. A traverse through pine trees takes us to the steep, high-sided Gorge de la Frau. A rugged path leads to Comus from where we will transfer to Chez Arran apartments for the night in Ornolac Ussat les Bains.
You have the chance to explore tunnels through rocks, caves and hideouts.
Dinner in the Grotte de Lombrives or a local restaurant depending on numbers and the time of year to round off the Cathar experience.
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