This tour offers you the chance to visit two of the ‘Cathar Castles’; Châteaux Quéribus and Peyreperteuse that are located on the southern border of the Corbières. It’s quite a long drive to reach this area from Carcassonne so we take the Autoroute towards Perpignan and en-route we get to see the lagoons that divide the land from the Mediterranean.
When we leave the fast road, we drive through some breath-taking scenery to reach the village of Maury nestling in the Agly Valley. Here we visit one of the finest producers of Côtes de Roussillon wines as well as delicious sweet Maury, the chefs’ choice for pairing with chocolate. We will enjoy a private tour of the cellar where we will explain how the wines are made and then take a look at the impressive barrel room and finish off with a fabulous tasting of the Côtes de Roussillon red and white wines and the delicious sweet Maury. Possibly some of the most interesting wines in this part of the South of France.
Now it’s time to head for the Château Quéribus perched on the top of a limestone bluff overseeing the valleys on either side. We take the steep walk up to view it and if it’s a clear day it’s one of the best vantage points in the area. After this visit we take the short drive to the little village of Cucugnan made famous by Alphonse Daudet in his book ‘Letters from my Windmill’ published in 1869 in which he wrote the lovely tale of the Curé de Cucugnan. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at an Auberge in the village that serves local traditional dishes.
Your guide will regale you with some of the history of the Cathar’s as we head for the Château Peyreperteuse perched high with views across the spectacular scenery. Make sure you wear your walking boots or trainers for the steep walk up to the castle which is a bit of a hike, but you are well rewarded for your efforts. Now it’s time to turn for home. It’s a long day but well worth it in order to see these impressive castles, learn about the Cathars who took refuge in them and taste superb Roussillon wines.
Full Day Tours
Available 7 days a week – From 2 people to 8.
PRIVATE TOUR PRICES ARE DEPENDANT ON HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN YOUR PARTY:
Private Cathar Castles Tour - available every day | |
2 people - 350€ per person | 6 people - 200€ per person |
4 people - 225€ per person | 8 people - 175€ per person |
SMALL GROUP TOUR €225 PER PERSON – See Availability & How to Book
The price includes the knowledge and guidance of our expert wine guide, pickup and transport from Carcassonne or nearby, a winery visit and tasting, delicious lunch with wine and entrance fees into both of the castles.
Please be aware that these spectacular castles are perched high on top of mountains and although we can drive very close to them the walk to reach them is steep and some people may find it difficult. It is essential that you wear either walking shoes, trainers or very comfortable and flat shoes with good grip. Customers walk up to the castles at their own risk.
