The Aude department is known for its beautiful unspoilt chequered countryside.
Not only are the woods, hills, pastured and vineyards stunning but the land is riddled with public footpaths and bridle paths so that the general public too can enjoy the beauty of wandering in nature.
We work with trusted local stables where the horses are excellently socialised and cared for and familiar with the many local destinations whether for a day, a long weekend or a week.
James McDonald can meet you at the sites and with advanced planning join you on your trek through Cathar Country. See below itinerary for a full week horse trek.
We can also arrange for tried and tested French speaking and bi-lingual guides to meet you at your destination and accompany you through the wonders of local history or the natural history and help you to discover the amazing range of cultural and historic wealth and the abundant ecological diversity of these breathtaking Pyreneen foot hills.
Next Scheduled full week Trip for advanced riders.
Saturday September 30th to Saturday October 7th 2017
In addition to the full week tours we recommend the one day excursion to Le Bezu and the day excursion to Rennes le Chateau with bi-lingual certified guides to meet you at your destination.
Day trips are available for advanced riders or for beginners.
In addition to the full week tours we recommend the one day excursion to Le Bezu and the day excursion to Rennes le Chateau with bi-lingual certified guides to meet you at your destination.
Day trips are available for advanced riders or for beginners.
The maximum number of participants for overnight treks is 8 not including guides and handlers.
The saddles used are English.
Jodhpurs will be the most comfortable. If you prefer to ride in boots bring them. Otherwise chaps and lighter shoes. Helmets are provided . A light rain coat advisable. Weather conditions will vary considerably according to the season.
The full cost for the full week tour below is be 2500 Euros for the week.
The price includes accommodation on the trek, A horse handler and guide, all meals, drinks with meals, horses, care of horses, daily transfer of baggage and entry to chateaux. The last night will be at our favourite local three star hotel. During the trek accommodation will be at gites d'etapes. A limited number of single room supplements are available.
The price does not include airport transfers, bar bills and other exceptional purchases.Full travel insurance is obligatory. Weight, height and riding experience required at time of booking.
One week advanced rider itinerary
Hotel Quillan
Hotel Cartier 31, bd Charles de Gaulle
11500
Quillan
Tel: + 44 (0) 468200514
contact@hotelcartier.com
www.hotelcartier.com
Hotel Puivert
Gite des Marionnettes 19 départementale 117 Le village 11230 PUIVERT lat. 42° 55' 14" - long. 2° 2' 47" Tel. +33 4 68 20 80 69 lesmarionnettes@free.fr http://www.gite-puivert.com
Gite d'Etape de Labau
Hameau de Labau
11140
MARSA
lat. 42° 49' 12" - long. 2° 8' 8"
Tel +33 4 68 20 54 12
Mob +33 6 89 38 84 03
patrice.somogyi@orange.fr
Hameau de Labau
Gite d'Etape Aygues-Bonnes
Hameau d'Aygues Bonnes
11140 PUILAURENS
lat. 42° 47' 41" - long. 2° 20' 3"
Tel +33 4 68 20 51 90
colette.chazalet@wanadoo.fr
Gîte d'Etape de La Bastide
La Bastide
F - 11 190 Camps sur Agly
France
+33 4 68 69 87 57
www.labastide.net
Day 1 - Saturday 1st October
Arrive at stables at Granes and allocate
Arrive at stables at Granes and allocate
horses 5pm.
Collection from Hotel
Drive to Quillan.
Dinner at three star Hotel in Quillan
Stay overnight at the Hotel at Quillan hotel
Day 2 - Sunday 2nd October
5 hours on horseback
Ride to Rennes le Chateau circuit
James will give an introduction to the Cathar story on the ride and at lunch.
This is the day to test tack and check that horses have been well allocated. People are able to share horses with each other on during the week by agreement.
Stay overnight at the Hotel at Quillan hotel
Stay overnight at the Hotel at Quillan hotel
Day 3 - Monday 3rd October
5 hours on horseback
Visit Chateau of Puivert
Puivert: This well-preserved castle has strong connections to both the Cathars and the Troubadours, sophisticate poet-musicians who sang the praises of such innovative themes as courtly love, chivalry and the fundamental equality of all people, regardless of gender or wealth. Our visit illuminates their enduring contributions to regional and European history in spite of the castle’s fall to a crusading army early in the Cathar Crusade.
Stay overnight at Gite des Marionnettes
Day 4 - Tuesday 4th October
5 hours on horseback
Ride to Labau (across the meadows of Marsa)
Learn more about Cathar beliefs riding across the plateau of Coudons with its forests.
Stay overnight at Hameau de Labau
Stay overnight at Hameau de Labau
Day -5- Wednesday 5th October
5 hours on horseback
5 hours on horseback
Walk up to the Château of Puilaurens (30 mins)
Visit the Château ofPuilaurens
Puilaurens: The castle of Pulaurens is perched majestically in the area of Pyrénées-Orientales known as Fenouillèdes. The site tells the tale of castle defences, the lords of Puilaurens, the castles role as a Cathar refuge, and its eventual surrender to the Crusader forces, drawing in the lives of many characters and events from the times. After the magnificent approach there is an easy climb to the castle on a trail where the green oak and other native plants are labelled.
Ride to Ayguebonnes in the valley of Rébenty
Hameau d'Aygues Bonnes
Day 6 - Thursday 6th October
6 hours on horseback
Ride to across the Malabrac
plateau at the foot of Bugarach mountain.
plateau at the foot of Bugarach mountain.
Ride to hameau de La Bastide in Camps sur l'Agly
Day 7 - Friday 7th
Ride via Sougraine and the salt spring meadow.
Return to the stables at Granes.
Drive to Quillan.
Dinner and accommodation at three star Hotel in Quillan (with hot baths).
Stay overnight at Hotel in Quillan
Day 8
Breakfast at the Hotel in Quillan
Departure
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