Walking in the footsteps of the Cathars - 8 days from £660 pp

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Walks Worldwide offers the chance to discover the history of the Cathars in southern France on its 8-day ‘In the Footsteps of the Cathars’ trip which can commence any day between March and November.  

The Cathars – or the 'good Christians' as they called themselves – led a frugal and simple life. They considered themselves the inheritors of the real baptism of Christ, the baptism of fire and spirit, passed down, they believed, in an unbroken line from believer to believer since the Last Supper.

In the northern foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the Mediterranean, the walk takes you to the heart of the Corbieres region. Whilst walking through the lush and beautiful landscape, you have plenty of time to explore the numerous and imposing, mystic stone castles that are scattered on rocky crags that tell the tale of the tragic, political and religious history of this area.

The trails pass through a variety of terrain where you may see families tending their vineyards, and experience the beautifully fragrant ‘garrigue’ (a combination of lavender, thyme, white cistus) scrublands.  Accommodation is in friendly family-run hotels and pensions with good local food and wines.

The walk goes from Queribus to Quillan or the trip can be extended to 15 days by passing through Puivert and ending in Foix.

The holiday costs from £660 pp which includes some transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals, route notes/maps and luggage transfers whilst you walk.

Call 0845 301 4737 (www.walksworldwide.com).