Between Port la Nouvelle and Foix, the 250 km long Sentier Cathare is a GR that takes walkers into the history of emblematic corners of the Pyrenees and Occitanie.
When it comes to combining the pleasures of hiking with the discovery of landscapes and history with a capital H, France's most beautiful GR is number 367. The Sentier Cathare (or GR 367) crosses two départements, Aude and Ariège, over 250km from Port la Nouvelle to Foix. From the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees, the itinerary is an essential part of the Pyrenean and Occitan chains, and can be walked, mountain-biked or even ridden.
How many days will it take to go through it all?
Generally speaking, it takes 12 days to cover the 250 km between Port la Nouvelle and Foix. At around 20 km a day (4 to 7 hours' walking a day), and at a normal walking pace, you'll be able to make good progress, bearing in mind that you'll have to reckon with an overall altitude difference of at least 9,000 metres of D+, or even more if you take the alternative routes.
What must-see castles are on this GR?
There's no shortage of castles on this itinerary, which boasts dozens of monuments. Not to be missed is the Château de Quéribus, which stands at an altitude of 728 meters on a rocky plateau that demarcates the departments of Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales. Reaching this point also affords superb panoramic views over the Corbières, the Roussillon plain, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
While not all the castles on this GR are in pristine condition, a visit to the fortress of Château de Roquefixade is well worth the detour. Access is free of charge, and allows you to imagine the significant events that took place there, such as the beheading within its walls of the Duke of Montmorency and the destruction of the castle, ordered by Louis XIII. Aguilar, Padern, Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Puivert and Montségur are just some of the castles and citadels you'll come across on your journey.
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What mountains to climb?
The most emblematic of the peaks encountered on this Sentier Cathare is undoubtedly the Pech de Bugarach, nicknamed "Bug" by the locals, or simply "La montagne sacrée". From the base of this 1,230-meter-high massif, it takes around two hours to reach the summit. So it's well worth the effort on your leg from Bugarah to Camps sur Agly. You won't want to miss the famous "Passage de la fenêtre" as you climb the Pech de Bugarach. This hole in the rock at an altitude of 1,000 metres also offers breathtaking views. In addition to Pech de Bugarach, your walk will take you through the Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park, the Corbières maritimes, the Corbières massif, the Fenouillèdes plain, the Aude gorges and the Pyrenees.
When to go?
Although the trail is technical for a good part of it, it can be walked at any time of year. The best times are May and June, and September and October. In summer, the heat can be a hindrance to progress, particularly as the trail is not well shaded. But nothing insurmountable either.
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