France - Walking the Pyrenean Foothill Route from Carcassonne into Lourdes

Description	Dates and prices

Self-guided walk from Carcassonne to the Pyrenees

the route follows the Pyrenean Foothill Route up to Lourdes.

15 days of walking with some challenging stages when you approach the Pyrenees passes.

Some of the stages can be adapted to be easier : ask for more information!

During this walk you may not meet many pilgrims as on the Puy Route or the Camino Frances but you will discover the walk off the beaten paths in France.

A few highlights on your way : Carcassonne on the Unesco List, Saint Lizier, Saint Bertrand de Comminges and of course Lourdes and the famous grotto and sanctuaries.

Day 1

CARCASSONNE
The trip starts at the medieval city of Carcassonne. This fascinating walled town with its 2 circular walls and huge medieval fortress--the largest in Europe--was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997.

Day 2

CARCASSONNE to MONTREAL - 23 km/15 mi – 5h30 of walking.
After the bustling city, you will enter a peaceful countryside area, with vineyards and crop fields. The way is well waymarked and you will easily find the village of Montreal perched on top of the Mont Royal.

Day 3

MONTREAL to FANJEAUX 21 km/13 mi – 5h15 of walking
Today you will cross the plain of Lauragais and go through circular villages as Cailhavel and the perched village of Fanjeaux located in the Cathar Country.

Day 4

FANJEAUX to MIREPOIX 26 km/16.15 miles 6h30 via GR7 and 78
the medieval Mirepoix and its the half timbered houses, the Consul House and the imposing Cathedral. A short transfer in the morning can reduce this walking day.

Day 5

MIREPOIX to LE CARLARET 25km/15.5 mi - 6h00 of walking
Between woodland and fields you will enjoy the views on the Pyrenees in the distance, and from the rock painting Church of Vals

Day 6

LE CARLARET to PAMIERS 12 km/8 mi – 3h00 of walking
A short stage to reach the city of Pamiers (15000 inhabitants) for lunch along the river Ariège and the classified canal enclosing the city.

Day 7

PAMIERS to MONTEGUT PLANTAUREL 18km/11.20 mi – 5h00 of walking.
The region called « the Small Pyrenees » on small peaceful roads or footpaths links Pamiers to Montegut. Night in a hotel.

Day 8

MONTEGUT PLANTAUREL to LE MAS D’AZIL 18 km/11.20 - 5h00 of walking
In Le Mas d’Azil there is a prehistoric cave that was inhabited 30,000 years ago, a highplace of Prehistory. You can also visit the Museum featuring all the tools and things found there. There is a short cut possible from Montegut.

Day 9

LE MAS D’AZIL to ST LIZIER - 27 km/18.6 mi - 6h45 of walking.
From hamlet to hamlet by the Cross Way called Raynaude and the ancient spa town of Audinac-les-Bains you will reach Saint Lizier the episcopal city and one of the main stages on the Pyrenean Foothills route. Night in Saint Lizier.

Day 10

ST LIZIER to ARGEIN 17 km/10.60 mi - 4h00 of walking.
This small stage leaves the time to visit the medieval treasures of Saint Lizier before heading to Argein.

Day 11

ARGEIN to JUZET D’IZAUT 20 km/12,4 mi – 5h30 of walking
09H00 A short transfer up to Saint Lary , the ski resort, you will cross the Aspet Pass and walk through “lauze” stone roof villages and have a break in Couserans before arriving at Juzet d’Isaut where you will send the night.

Day 12

JUZET D’IZAUT to ST BERTRAND DE COMMINGES 26 km/16 mi - 6h45 of walking
A mountainous stage with the crossing of a pass (Ares) before reaching Saint Pé d’Ardet and the 11th c church. Then the way continues toward Barbazan and Saint Bertrand de Comminges awarded “One of the Most beautiful villages of France” and among the Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées; the Cathedral and Basilica of Saint Just de Valcabrère are UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the St James's Way pilgrimage routes.

Day 13

ST BERTRAND DE COMMINGES to NESTIER 15km/9.30 mi - 4h30 of walking.
The walk today will take you to Nestier at the foot of the Mont Arès via the variant in the valley. There is a remarkable calvary and a 16th century Church. The route continues by Montoussé and its 17th century Church and medieval castle. The stage ends in Nestier.

Day 14

NESTIER –LABASTIDE– 14 km – 3h45 of walking
From the healthy waters of Bagnères to the miraculous waters of Lourdes, this stage is a long walk to reach the Pilgrimage City, the Grotto, the Sanctuary,the imposing castle and the 35 places of cults of the Holy City. Night in a hotel near the Sanctuary.

Day 15

LABASTIDE to BAGNERES DE BIGORRE – 18 km– 4h45 of walking
The stage ends in Bagnères de Bigorre a charming lively Spa town where you will spend the night.

Day 16

BAGNERES DE BIGORRE to GERMS SUR L'OUSSOUET- 17 km– 4h45 of walking.

Day 17

GERMS SUR L'OUSSOUET to LOURDES - 17 km– 4h45 of walking.
From the healthy waters of Bagnères to the miraculous waters of Lourdes, this stage willtake you to the Pilgrimage City, the Grotto, the Sanctuary,the imposing castle and the 35 places of cults of the Holy City. Night in a hotel near the Sanctuary.

Day 18

Lourdes
End of the tour after breakfast