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Trek the Cathar Trail

■ Location: France

■ Duration: 7 nights

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Jun-Sep 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grade: 8 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 470kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£2,119

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£2,069

pp

Inc flights

Members Save £50 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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One for the history buffs and fans of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, this walk takes you through the Pyrenees mountains along the Cathar Trail – a 58-mile long-distance route that crosses from France into Spain. Explore an incredible lineup of ruined castles and chateaux that tell the tragic tale of the Cathars – a persecuted religious group destroyed by the Spanish Inquisition in the 14th century. Highlights include Chateau de Foix, the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes, and Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park – a mountainous wonderland with peaks that reach over 2,500 metres.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The Hotel Lons (1 night) is located in the historic centre of Foix, 5 minutes walk from the imposing castle,”Château de Foix”. Formerly a coaching inn, Hotel Lons has been owned and run as a hotel by the Lons family for over half a century.

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Challenging walking grade 8

Challenging walking grade 8

Challenging walks for fit, experienced walkers. Expect rugged or mountainous terrain, or some longer distances than typical for this grade. Typically, 12-13 miles (19-21km) with around 2,300ft (700m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the stunning French and Spanish Pyrenees on foot
  • Visiting medieval towns, ruined castles, and charming chateaux
  • Learning about the history of the Cathars
  • Conquering one of Europe's most historic trails
  • An incredible variety of scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities
  • Walking through the heart of Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 14 people)

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers

  • Guided trail walking with a local leader

  • HF Holidays Tour Manager (2027 Departures Only)

  • 7 nights' accommodation

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches & 7 dinners

  • All in-destination transport

  • Luggage transfers on walking days

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Transfer from Toulouse to the medieval town of Foix, where you spend the first night. If time allows take time to visit the castle of Count Gaston Fébus or stroll around the medieval city.

A coach transfer of 45 minutes will take you to the beginning of today’s walk at Montségur and to meet your leader.

You'll meet at the Castle where you can enjoy magnificent views of the valleys and mountains around you. You'll also enjoy an introduction to Cathar history and legend on your visit to this famous castle, before traversing the spectacular Frau gorges where the Mediterranean influence is more present.

You’ll walk from Ariège to the Plateau de Sault before a 30-minute coach journey to the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes for the night with its hot springs and thermal baths.  (If time allows, you can relax in the wellness centre “Les Bains du Couloubret”- €20.00 for 2 hours).

9½ miles (15km) with 3,000 feet (900m) of ascent and 2,700 feet (800m) of descent.

Today we take a short train transfer to Mérens and a beautiful walk, giving close-up views of the high mountains of Ariège. Taking shepherds’ paths and forest trails, we reach the high-point of the day with spectacular far-reaching views of the Pyrenean chain. Descending through the meadows and woods surrounding the village of Mérens, we can revive our feet in the natural springs, before taking the short train or bus journey back to Ax-les-Thermes.

8 miles (13km), with 2,500 feet (750m) of ascent and 2,500 feet (750m) of descent.

Today we take a 40 minute coach journey on the famous route to Porté Puymorens and the Mediterranean Pyrenees. From here we begin our ascent to the Portella Blanca (8,257ft above sea level), and the border of France, Andorra and Spain.

Crossing into Spain, the landscape changes yet again, as we are greeted by the stunning sight of the Sierra del Cadi. You'll be rewarded by beautiful scenery as you cross into Spain. A short transfer from the end of your walk takes you to your hotel.

This is the longest day, as you cross the border and it involves a very early start.

14½ miles (23km), with 3,700 feet (1,100m) of ascent and 3,700 feet (1,100m) of descent.

Today, on the agenda, a nice loop on the heights of Bellver de Cerdanya. It allows you to discover the geological richness of the Sierra de Cadi and undoubtedly admire the wild vultures, these Pyrenean giants, from very close up.

7 miles (11km), with 2,000 feet (600m) of ascent and 2,000 feet (600m) of descent.

From Bellver we take a 20 minute transfer to Gisclareny where we begin our walk through the heart of the Cadi-Moixero national park and in the shadows of the emblematic fortress of Pedraforca’s Peak. Our trail ends today at the town of Gosol with its castle, a place of refuge for many Cathars.

10 miles (15km), with 2,400 feet (700m) of ascent and 2,000 feet (600m) of descent.

The final chapter in this legendary journey leads us from Fumanya (after a short transfer from Berga), to the Cathar sanctuary of Queralt, the ‘balcony of Catalonia’, and through the Mediterranean forest to Berga, where we can toast the life and legend of the “Bon Hommes”, and enjoy the final section of our journey.

9½ miles (15km), with 1,400 feet (400m) of ascent and 3,000 feet (900m) of descent.

Free time in Berga before your transfer to Barcelona airport which takes just over an hour.

View all

Accommodation

Hotel Lons - Cathar Crossing

The Hotel Lons (1 night) is located in the historic centre of Foix, 5 minutes walk from the imposing castle,”Château de Foix”. Formerly a coaching inn, Hotel Lons has been owned and run as a hotel by the Lons family for over half a century.

Le Chalet or Hotel Restaurant Le Bellevue - Cathar Crossing

You will stay at one of the following small family-run hotels in Ax-les-Thermes:  Le Chalet (2 nights) - The hotel has recently been refurbished, with light and airy rooms, and is renowned for its restaurant. Hotel Restaurant Le Bellevue (2 nights) - is a comfortable hotel located close to all the local amenities in Ax-les-Thermes.

Hotel Bellavista - Cathar Crossing

A family-run hotel (2 nights) from which you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of northern Catalonia. The hotel is located in the mountainous area of Cerdanya, part of the Spanish Pyrenees, just a short distance from the French border and Andorra. All rooms are outward-facing and en-suite with telephones and TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. During the summer months, guests can enjoy a game of tennis on the Bellavista’s own court or a dip in the open-air swimming pool.

Hotel Estel - Cathar Crossing

This comfortable, family-run 2-star hotel (2 nights) is located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of town. All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom and television. Facilities include: Sun terrace, coffee house, snack bar, bar & restaurant.

More Information

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from selected UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

If you are booking on a land-only basis, you can join the group transfer at an additional cost. To do so, your arrival and departure times must be in line with the scheduled group flight timings. Guests travelling at different times will need to arrange their own transfers. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options and costs.

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 

  • Waterproof jacket 

  • Waterproof trousers 

  • Insulated jacket/top 

  • Walking clothing  

  • Walking socks (plus spares)  

  • Sunhat 

  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat

  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  

  • Headtorch

  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  

  • Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)

  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 

  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  

  • Mobile phone 

  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 

  • Passport 

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC) 

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 

  • Swimwear and travel towel

  • Snacks

  • Dry bags

  • Rubbish bags

  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 

  • Sit mat

  • Flask for hot drinks 

  • Durable lunch box

  • Gaiters 

  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ 

To call the UK, dial 00 44, then the number, omitting the initial 0 of the local code

Dinner time

In Spain it is customary to eat dinner later in the evening than in many other countries. You may be served dinner in Spain later than you are used to.

The electric current in France and Spain is 230V; 50Hz. Power points have two round or flat holes. You will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

There are Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the larger towns in which we overnight (Foix, Ax-les-Thermes, Berga) for changing Euros.

France: Service charges are included in bills, a tip of 5% to 10% in addition is normal in cafes etc.
Spain: No added service charges on the final bill at any hotel restaurant or bar. It is common to leave 5% -10% tip for services.

Carbon Footprint - 470kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Dates & availability

Trek the Cathar Trail

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

7 Jun - 14 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,219

£2,049

pp

Members

£2,169

£1,999

pp
Single rooms

£2,609

pp

£2,559

pp

£2,439

pp

£2,389

pp
Book Now

6 Sep - 13 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,179

£1,999

pp

Members

£2,129

£1,949

pp
Single rooms

£2,569

pp

£2,519

pp

£2,389

pp

£2,339

pp
Book Now

20 Sep - 27 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,119

£1,959

pp

Members

£2,069

£1,909

pp
Single rooms

£2,509

pp

£2,459

pp

£2,349

pp

£2,299

pp
Book Now
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If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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