Trails Cathares

Embarking on a discovery of the lesser-known ruins of the Aude department in the heart of May is the challenge awaiting you during the Trails Cathares. In Cucugnan, at the Corbières massif, technical challenges stand before you just as the many castles that will line your route. 🏰

The Trails Cathares, are 5 races tailored to your abilities and appetite. The “ Ronde d’Alycia ” and its 12 km with 400m D+ is a charitable race supporting the association “ Princesse Alycia ” suitable for newcomers. The “ Trail de Quéribus ” from 20 km and 1200m D+ is already more demanding. But that’s just the beginning! The “ Course des Seigneurs ” comes in 2 versions: 32 km with 2300m D+ and 49 km with 3200m D+. Finally, for the trail fiends, the “ Trail des Donjons ” from 68 km with 4400m D+ will delight fans of steep adventures. 😉

On this occasion, you’ll not only glimpse the Cathar castles but you’ll also enter them and run inside their steep staircases. It’s a unique, technical course where you’ll run on rocky and stony paths, through forests and meadows. A true snapshot of all Occitanie landscapes, with phenomenal viewpoints! 🤩

You’ll stand at the foot of the Château de Quéribus, one of the last vertigo-inducing citadels. After passing through the Roussillon Valley, you’ll see the Château de Padern and its village. It’s breathtaking! The Château de Peyrepertuse at Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse will also be on your route, just like the gorges du Moulin de Ribaute which you’ll be able to admire from above. 🤗

After the race, you can completely switch vibes by visiting Perpignan or the Tautavel Prehistoric Museum, a benchmark in its field. Obviously, you should also sample the wines of the region; the coteaux d’Occitanie are renowned. 🍷

Sooner or later, you’ll head to the Trails Cathares!