This tour offers you the chance to visit two of the ‘Cathar Castles’; Châteaux Quéribus and Peyreperteuse that are located on the southern border of the Corbières. It’s quite a long drive to reach this area from Carcassonne so we take the Autoroute towards Perpignan and en-route we get to see the lagoons that divide the land from the Mediterranean.
When we leave the fast road, we drive through some breath-taking scenery to reach the village of Maury nestling in the Agly Valley. Here we visit one of the finest producers of Côtes de Roussillon wines as well as delicious sweet Maury, the chefs’ choice for pairing with chocolate. We will enjoy a private tour of the cellar where we will explain how the wines are made and then take a look at the impressive barrel room and finish off with a fabulous tasting of the Côtes de Roussillon red and white wines and the delicious sweet Maury. Possibly some of the most interesting wines in this part of the South of France.
Now it’s time to head for the Château Quéribus perched on the top of a limestone bluff overseeing the valleys on either side. We take the steep walk up to view it and if it’s a clear day it’s one of the best vantage points in the area. After this visit we take the short drive to the little village of Cucugnan made famous by Alphonse Daudet in his book ‘Letters from my Windmill’ published in 1869 in which he wrote the lovely tale of the Curé de Cucugnan. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at an Auberge in the village that serves local traditional dishes.
Your guide will regale you with some of the history of the Cathar’s as we head for the Château Peyreperteuse perched high with views across the spectacular scenery. Make sure you wear your walking boots or trainers for the steep walk up to the castle which is a bit of a hike, but you are well rewarded for your efforts. Now it’s time to turn for home. It’s a long day but well worth it in order to see these impressive castles, learn about the Cathars who took refuge in them and taste superb Roussillon wines.
Private tours Full Day Tours
Available 7 days a week – From 2 people to 8.
Prices dependant on how many people are in your party:
Cathar Castles & Roussillon Wines - Private Full Day Tour | |
2 people - 290€ per person | 6 people - 150€ per person |
4 people - 170€ per person | 8 people - 135€ per person |
The price is all-inclusive of our VeV wine & history expert, pickup and transport, a winery visit and tasting, delicious lunch with wine and entrance fees into both castles.
Please be aware that these spectacular castles are perched high on top of mountains and although we can drive very close to them the walk to reach them is steep and some people may find it difficult. It is essential that you wear either walking shoes, trainers or very comfortable and flat shoes with good grip. Customers walk up to the castles at their own risk.
Scheduled Tour
If you prefer to join other people on a scheduled tour, The Cathar Castles & Roussillon Wines tour is available on Sundays. Price €155 per person
Our Tour Safe Policy
So that you can feel as safe as possible travelling in our tour vehicles our Covid ‘Tour Safe’ policy requests that all clients booking a Public Scheduled Tour should be fully vaccinated and wear masks throughout the journeys. We promise your guide will be fully vaccinated, will wear a mask and we will provide sanitising hand gel.