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Saddle Up for Help for Heroes
Cathar Trail Ride 12 - 18 September
 Take part in the Cathar Trail Ride and raise as much sponsorhsip as possible for Help for Heroes.
Regarded as one of the most ancient and scenic equestrian trails in France, the Cathar Trail uncovers the fascinating history behind the religious wars between, on the one-side the Catholic Church and the Occitan lords, against the Cathars of the Languedoc.
The ride starts by the vineyards of the Corbiere and finishes in the foothills of the Pyrenees. During the ride you will visit the impressive fortified churches, castles of Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Puylaurens, Puivert and Montsegur.
| QUICK FACTS |
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| Riding ability |
Intermediate and above. You may be asked to dismount and lead your horse over rocky terrain therefore you must be confident. |
| Duration |
7 days / 6 nights |
| Dates |
12 - 18 September 2010 |
| Accommodation |
Gite style in shared accommodation. Guests may also have to share a bathroom on some nights |
| Group size |
Minimum 10 |
| Meeting place |
Carcassone |
| Cost |
£1,158 based on 20
£1,194 based on 10
All costs are based on shared accommodation. Single supplement £114 |
| Flight guide cost |
Flight from approx £70 + booking fee with Ryanair London Stansted – Carcassonne return www.ryanair.co.uk |
| Includes |
All meals and accommodation and wine with evening meals, tranfers from and to Carcassone, luggage transfer during the ride and a local guide |
| Excludes |
Flights, insurance, additional nights stay and drinks, entrance fees approx. 25 Euros, gratuities and personal spending money |
OUTLINE ITINERARY
 
Flights available with Ryanair
12th September Stansted - Carcassone 09:50 - 12:45
18th September Carcassone - Ryanair 13:10 - 14:05
Day 1
Arrive in Carcassone and transfer to Cucugnan for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast we set off on horseback to the castle of Queribus where we enjoy a panoramic view of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. After lunch we continue riding to Peyrepertuse, the largest fortress in Europe during the Medieval Ages.
Day 3 & 4
We head off starting our ascent towards the Pyrenees leaving the vineyards behind. En route, we visit an old traditonal hamlet 'Campeau' abandoned in the quite picturesque countryside before spending the night in the village of Aigues-Bonnes. We continue riding to the castle of Puylaurens, a well preserved castle from the time of the revolution. After riding through beautiful valleys, we finish the day in the village of Labau where we meet the breeder of the Merens, the Pyrenean horse.
Day 5
Today we ride through the immense forest of Quirbajou and up to the plateau of Puivert.
Day 6
From the forests of Picaussel to the wide open plateaus of Sault, we enjoy stretches of canters over Lavelanet and Montsegur before overnighting in the village of Comus.
Day 7
Our last days riding is through the scenic Frau Canyon before ascending to Pelay and Montsegur, the symbol of Catharisme.
After a visit to the once impenetrable fortress in a nearby village, we are transferred back to Cucugnan and onwards to Carcassonne for your return journey.
TRIP INFORMATION
Climate
The weather in this region is rarely warm so you will need to bring a sweater. Also be prepared for rain, bring plenty of warm clothing with you as well as some waterproofs.
Riding
During the ride you will be riding over rocky terrain and sometimes you may be asked to dismount, be prepared and where suitable footwear for riding and walking.
Weight Limit
90kg
Hosts
Antoine Drion will be your guide for the week. He lives in the area and is an experienced guide.
Horses
Mostly Arabs with some Spanish breeds. Horses are approximately 15hh.
Tack
Similar to McClellan type and Australian stock saddles.
Contact us for further details.
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