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Undiscovered Corbières

The Corbières is one of the last truly ‘secret’ regions of France, one little-known to the French themselves, despite it being the focal point of a very turbulent era of the country’s history. But the region’s tranquillity is only part of the allure – this is also superb walking country, where you can enjoy rewarding walks and at the same time learn about the mysterious Cathar heretics so as to gain a real insight into this intriguing region.

Le Grand Duc, Gincla

Your three nights are spent at Le Grand Duc in Gincla, a 2-star hotel of great style and comfort at the edge of the Boucheville Forest in the Corbières. The hotel was converted from the village manor house, and many original features, such as the beamed ceilings, have been retained. The name of the hotel comes from the hibou grand duc – the eagle owl – which helps to explain the large number of owl pictures displayed around the hotel! The delicious, well-crafted cuisine draws on local produce and traditional recipes, and your first evening meal is included here.

Walking and sightseeing

There is no shortage of paths – or places of interest (pay entrance fees locally). We suggest a route along a panoramic ridge, plus two walks which take in two of the region's most important châteaux. For a break from walking, use your hire car to visit some of the other Cathar fortresses which add such drama to the beautiful scenery here.

The château of Puilarens: take a taxi (included) to Puilarens so that you can visit the village's striking château. After visiting the castle, you return to the village and from here follow an undulating route that affords views of other castles and the St Jaume Gorge as you walk. You pass through a beautiful small valley and later ascend to the Tulla Pass for the best views of the day: in clear weather you can see as far as the Mediterranean. From here, you descend gradually back to Gincla. (15km, 5hrs)

Panoramic passes: this walk starts and finishes in the village of Soulatgé. It ascends through woodland to the Redoulade Pass, then follows a panoramic ridge to the north of Soulatgé before descending into the next valley and rising to another pass for the descent back to your car. (15km, 5.5hrs)

The château of Quéribus: leave your car in Cucugnan, from where your path ascends steeply through box trees and expanses of rosemary, lavender, white tree heather, arbustus and junipers. However, in good weather your exertion is more than compensated by the sweeping views of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean from the château of Quéribus, the last stronghold of the Cathar heretics. (10km, 3hrs)

Prices & travel 2008

*Price includes: 3 nights' bed & breakfast, plus 1 dinner; 3 days' category B car hire from either recommended airport
#Per person per night on a B&B basis
Recommended destination airports: Toulouse, Carcassonne (1h30 drive) & Perpignan (1h15 drive)
Latest flight arrival time: flexible
Earliest flight departure time: flexible
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