Cathar Castles Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty and historic charm of the Cathar Castles Road Trip! This two-day journey takes you from Foix in France to Carcassonne, covering a distance of 227 km. Along the route, you will pass through Cucugnan, Lagrasse and other towns, taking in the stunning landscapes and UNESCO Heritage Sites. The best time to drive this route is during the summer months when the roads are in good condition, although please be aware of the potential for seasonal road closures due to weather conditions and some sections of narrow, curvy roads.
This road trip provides a truly unforgettable experience for all drivers, regardless of budget. From the breathtaking views to the historic monuments, the Cathar Castles Road Trip is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
2
number of days
227 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Foix
Distance 227 km
Driving time 5.0 h
Pace: modest
59.0 kWh
Airports
TLS
,
CCF
[detailsContainer]
Foix is a magnificent town in the south of France, located in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. It is the perfect starting point for the "Cathar Castles Road Trip", as it is located close to the region's most impressive historic sites.
One of the main attractions in Foix is its castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is a great place to begin your journey. Additionally, the town has a number of churches and cathedrals, which offer insight into the region's religious history.
If you're flying into Foix, the closest international airport is Carcassonne Airport (CCF), located just over an hour away. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your road trip from Foix.
Foix also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to canoeing on the River Ariège. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from for a delicious meal.
Foix is the perfect destination to begin your "Cathar Castles Road Trip". With its stunning views, rich history, and variety of activities, Foix is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
1
Foix
- Cucugnan
Distance 124 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: modest
32.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting 124 km road trip, starting in Foix, France, that will take you less than 3 hours to complete. As you drive through the winding roads, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Montsegur, Puivert and Cucugnan.
You will have the opportunity to explore historical sites, such as the castle of Montsegur, the Puivert Castle, and the Church of Notre Dame in Cucugnan. Be sure to take a few moments to admire the unique beauty of the countryside.
Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and the road may be narrow and winding in some sections. Enjoy your drive, and make sure to take in all the sights along the way.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Cucugnan - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
2
Cucugnan
- Lagrasse
Distance 65 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
16.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a scenic road trip through the breathtaking countryside of southern France! Starting in Cucugnan, this 65 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming villages of Tuchan and Termes, before finally arriving in Lagrasse.
This route is full of surprises, with historical sites, winding roads, and narrow pathways. In Tuchan, be sure to check out the 12th-century Romanesque church, while in Termes you'll find the ruins of a medieval castle. As you drive through the spectacular countryside, you may find some sections of the road closed seasonally.
At the end of your journey, you'll be rewarded with the picturesque town of Lagrasse, home to a Benedictine abbey and the beautiful River Orbieu. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the way, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Lagrasse - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
3
Lagrasse
- Carcassonne
Distance 38 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
8.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your road trip adventure in the beautiful town of Lagrasse, France, and take a 38 km journey to the historic city of Carcassonne. Along the way, you will pass through some of the most stunning landscapes in France, with winding roads and narrow sections. During your drive, you will get to experience two UNESCO Heritage sites, the Canal du Midi and the Cité de Carcassonne. While in Lagrasse, make sure to visit the Abbey of Lagrasse, a 9th century abbey, and the Church of St. Vincent, which is a Romanesque architecture. In Carcassonne, visit the medieval fortifications, the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. This journey will take you less than an hour, so make sure to make the most of it! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Carcassonne - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Carcassonne - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
❯
❮
Carcassonne
[detailsContainer]
Carcassonne, France is the perfect ending point for the "Cathar Castles Road Trip". Located in the south of France, Carcassonne is a city steeped in history and culture. It is home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cité de Carcassonne, a stunning medieval fortress built in the 13th century. Visitors can explore the city walls and towers, including the Château Comtal, and learn about the city's past.
The city is also home to many other historic sites, including the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, the Musée de Carcassonne, and the Church of Saint Vincent. Visitors can enjoy the many restaurants and cafes, as well as the shopping district of Place Carnot. For a unique experience, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride to see the city from above.
The closest international airport to Carcassonne is Carcassonne Airport (CCF), located just 8km from the city centre. From there, it's easy to reach Carcassonne by car, with the journey taking about 20 minutes.
At the end of the "Cathar Castles Road Trip", Carcassonne is a great destination to experience the history and culture of this area of France. With its beautiful fortress, historic churches, and picturesque architecture, Carcassonne is a destination not to be missed.
Carcassonne - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
Cathar Castles Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Foix
-
End:
Carcassonne
-
Distance:
227 km
-
Stay:
2 days
-
Getting there:
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS),
Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
-
When to drive:
June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.