5-Day Southern France Cathar Castle Tour from Toulouse

Day 1: Arrival and Carcassonne

Toulouse, France on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Bibent

Enjoy a classic French breakfast in a beautifully decorated brasserie in Toulouse, perfect for fueling up before the day's journey.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Carcassonne

Travel approximately 1h15m east from Toulouse to the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
EUR0, 1h15m

11:00am

Visit Carcassonne Citadel

Explore the largest medieval fortress in Europe, famous for its double walls and 52 towers, and soak in the Cathar history embedded here.
EUR9.50, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table d'Alaïs

Savor regional specialties with a Cathar twist inside the citadel walls, perfect for a relaxing meal after the morning's walk.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Carcassonne Old Town

Stroll through the charming streets outside the citadel, visiting local shops and admiring medieval architecture.
EUR0, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to your hotel near Lastours

Drive approximately 45 minutes south to a countryside hotel near the Lastours Cathar castles, preparing for next day's exploration.
EUR0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Auberge de Lastours

Enjoy hearty local cuisine in a cozy setting close to the castles, excellent for resting and planning the next day.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lastours and Quéribus Castles

Lastours and Cucugnan, France on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a continental breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for hiking and castle tours.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Tour Lastours Cathar Castles

Visit the four linked fortress castles built into the cliffs, famous for their Cathar history and spectacular views.
EUR8, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Rascasse in Lastours

Enjoy fresh regional dishes and Provençal flavors nearby after your morning hike.
EUR22, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Quéribus Castle

Travel west for about 1 hour to one of the most dramatic Cathar castles perched on a rocky summit overlooking the plains.
EUR0, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Quéribus Castle

Climb around the fortress ruins and admire panoramic views of the Pyrenees and Mediterranean regions.
EUR6, 2h

5:30pm

Drive to hotel in Cucugnan

Drive 15 minutes to the charming village of Cucugnan where you will stay overnight.
EUR0, 15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Au Vieux Moulin

Dine on traditional dishes in a quaint village restaurant, savoring local flavors from the Aude region.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Peyrepertuse & Termes Castles

Aude, France on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a simple breakfast with French pastries and coffee to prepare for castle hikes.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Peyrepertuse Castle

Explore one of the largest and most spectacular Cathar fortresses built high on cliffs with breathtaking views.
EUR8, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hostellerie de la Poste

Enjoy rustic French cuisine with scenic views near Peyrepertuse before continuing your journey.
EUR24, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Termes Castle

Drive about 40 minutes to another evocative Cathar fortress nestled in rugged terrain.
EUR0, 40m

2:15pm

Tour Termes Castle

Discover the ruins and learn about the castle’s strategic importance during Cathar times.
EUR5, 1.5h

4:00pm

Drive to Foix

Travel north for about 1 hour to the picturesque town of Foix, your overnight stop.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Au Sans Souci

Delight in a menu featuring local Ariège specialties in a cozy Foix restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Foix Castle & Return

Foix and Toulouse, France on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy French pastries and coffee at your hotel, preparing for a leisurely morning.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Foix Castle

Tour the medieval castle perched above Foix town, with exhibits on its Cathar past and panoramic views.
EUR7, 2h

11:30am

Stroll Foix town center

Walk through Foix’s quaint streets, browse shops, and enjoy the local market atmosphere if available.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Vieille Auberge

Savor traditional French dishes with fresh local produce in a charming setting.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Drive back to Toulouse

Head north for about 1h15m returning to Toulouse, completing the Cathar castle loop and ending the tour.
EUR0, 1h15m

3:30pm

Optional visit to Capitole de Toulouse

Explore Toulouse’s iconic city center and main square, enjoying architecture and café culture.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Genty Magre

End your trip with fine dining offering inventive French cuisine in an elegant ambiance in Toulouse.
EUR45, 1h30m
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