WALKING HOLIDAYS

France has some 110,000 miles (177,000 kilometres) of footpaths which are broken down in to long distance, regional and local footpaths. A quick calculation indicates that it would take you seven years to walk them all with no stopping.

The modern region of Octitania (Languedoc) covers only a fraction of the lands where Occitan or the langue d'oc – the language of oc, once dominated. Bas Languedoc covers an area stretching from Agen in the North West through Toulouse and across to Nimes in the North East down through the Camargue and Montpellier to Perpignan in the South. It is a region of outstanding and contrasting natural beauty and steeped in medieval history.

The Languedoc Roussillon region is ideal for people who like to walk and caters for all levels of walkers. There are around 440km of documented walks representing some 168 hours of walking in the region with over 80% of them being circular. The routes vary in length from a modest 1km to around 17km. All the walks have been graded and signposted by the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre

The department of Aude occupies the bottom right of the region of Languedoc and takes its name from the river that runs through the department rising in the Pyrenees where it makes its dramatic descent through the gorges in the high valley (Haute Vallee) after which it meanders across the plains to finally meet the Mediterranean near the ancient roman city of Narbonnne. The departmental administration is based in Carcassonne where within a short walk can be found the magnificent ancient Cité of Carcassonne surrounded by not one but two high ramparts and boasts an incredible 52 towers. Aude is also the land of the romantic Cathar castles which are in abundance from which we have taken our name.

Audes spectacular and varied landscape makes the area ideal for walking. The high mountain paths and meadows, the plains and the coastal nature reserves offer walking at all levels and abilities making it one of the most popular walking areas in France.

The region benefits from a variety of wildlife, we have deer, wild boar and bear not to mention the rich and diverse collection of birds including the spectacular Bunelli Eagle. In the mountains and on the plains you will also encounter the rich and beautiful plant life.

One important factor that contributes to the popularity of the area with walkers is the climate. The region benefits from a late autumn, early spring and a short winter. This makes it possible to walk virtually all year with just a short break between mid July till early September due to excessive temperatures.

This region of France has a long history and is probably better known for the Cathars Castles. Whilst there were no actual original castles but only fortified homesteads (castrum) castles were built on the sites after the 'Treaty of the Pyrenees'. Located high up in the mountains they offer the most spectacular views.  Some will be visited as part of your walks.

Walking should be enjoyed by everyone who takes part. For this reason the walks can be completed in a reasonable time in a relaxed manner. If you are reasonably fit then the walks will be an enjoyable and satisfying achievement.

Due to the climate in and around the mountains the weather can change without notice. This means that we may recommend an alternative.

The walks are a mixture of paths leading through forests, winding up mountain sides, walking through gorges, climbing castles, high ridges, level terrain, and steep terrain. If you enjoy walking and exerting yourself now and again then you will be fit enough to enjoy the walks.