IN THE LAND OF THE CATHARS

On this three day Toulouse tour – In the land of the Cathars based in Toulouse, your own personal driver/guide will make you discover the best of the region and sites dedicated to the Albigensian crusade.

Pickup will be at your centrally located Toulouse hotels and you will depart towards all the main Cathar sites located in the surrounding areas. Some of the most authentic and unknown monuments still stand today and hold within them the memory of those who were considered as Christian heretics by the Pope in Rome.

Without a doubt the fortified medieval fortress of Carcassonne will be one of the highlights of the tour. Still standing and never over taken militarily since its original building more than 2000 years ago, the “Cité” still amazes both children and discerning traveler alike.

As the tour moves along, the sites become more and more confidential. Albi is certainly one of the forgotten gems that one can only be happy to admire far from the crowds. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic Architecture as it not only foreshadows the far away Counter Reformation, it also possesses the largest Renaissance painting program of France. A unique experience!

Finally, what would be a tour dedicated to the Cathars if it did not include the “Pog” of Montségur. Emotionally rich, this visit will really transport you back in the 13^th and 14^th centuries at a time when the final chapter of a 200 year old confrontation will end.

Itinerary:

Day 1 TOULOUSE PANORAMIC TOUR / CARCASSONNE

Today the city of Toulouse will reveal all its secrets especially those linked to the Cathars. In the morning depart for a panoramic tour of the city and admire the Cathedral, the Saint Sernin Basilica, and the numerous private mansions. Then enjoy a walk in the historical part through some of the most intricate medieval streets. After the tour, depart for the walled city of Carcassonne. Linked to the Cathars through the life of the Trencavel family, this massive fortified “Cité” has impressed all those that have crossed its way since the 13th century.

Day 2 ALBI / CORDES SUR CIEL / GAILLAC WINE TASTING

Today we depart for the town of Albi that gave its name to the “Albigensian” Crusade. An imposing Cathedral, a delightful and well-preserved historical city centre and some of the most famous posters created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec for the Parisian cabarets will be on your program today. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will head towards the magnificent perched Gothic village of Cordes sur Ciel before embarking a wine tasting session surrounded by the Gaillac vineyards.

Day 3 FOIX AND MONTSEGUR CASTLE

Depart for a journey in the heart of Cathar country. First stop in Foix to discover the old town and its castle (optional). Have some free time for lunch, before continuing to bewildering Montségur. The castle symbolizes the resistance of the Cathar heresy that occurred in the 13th century. Finally overtaken in 1244, more than 200 Cathars were burnt here at the end of the siege. Hike up the “Pog” (good physical condition and walking shoes necessary) to visit the ruins of the castle. After your hike visit the archaeological museum of Montségur and discover how people lived in those days. End of our services.

Price: 260€ PER PERSON – SCHEDULED TOUR
1140€ PER MINIVAN – PRIVATE TOUR (2-7 passengers)

Schedule Details

3-Day In the land of the Cathars tour based in Toulouse

Inclusions:

o Transport in luxury air-conditioned minivan

o Services of a professional English speaking driver/guide

o Pick up and drop off at your hotel (scheduled and private tours)

o Guided walking tour of Carcassonne, Albi, Cordes sur Ciel and Montségur

o Wine tasting session in Gaillac

o Panoramic tour of Toulouse

Exclusions:

* Gratuities (optional)