Day 1
Riding: No riding.
You should arrive at the stables in the quaint little village of Granes by 5 pm (transfers from Carcassonne are available at an extra cost). This village is surrounded by forests and vine groves with a natural spring in the village square - the water is a delight to drink. You will be introduced to the organisers, guides, staff and, of course, your horse today and will be able to familiarise yourself with the tack you will be using over the next few days of riding.
Dinner and overnight at a small hotel in Quillan (about 10 minute's drive from the stables)
Day 2
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
Today is a 'test' ride with a guide to see how well you are able to read a map and compass. You need to be very comfortable with your horse before embarking on this trail as well as being competent in handling him/her both in and out of the saddle. If all goes well, you will be able to head out on your own on the following day.
You will ride through woods past the village of Rennes-le-Chateau. After a picnic lunch, you will make your way back to Granes through a green oak forest for dinner and overnight as on the previous night.
Day 3
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
Today you will start your adventure and leave Granes to make your way to Puivert. You will cross the upper valley of the Aude River, studded with vineyards, and arrive on the plateau of Nebias.
You ride across the plateau and up into the courtyard of the Puivert chateau ruins. The Chateau de Puivert* was subjected to a three-day siege in 1210, by the army of Thomas Pons de Bruyere, and became the property of the northern barons (having originally belonged to the Cathar family of Congost). From this high vantage point, you will have an amazing view across the valley which was once an immense lake.
After visiting the castle you make your way down to the village nearby where you will spend the night.
* It's possible to take a tour of the castle - entrance fees will have to be paid locally.
Day 4
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After getting your horse ready you will ride along the other flatter side of the valley which will allow you some good opportunities for some cantering, before climbing up to the village of Coudons for a picnic. After lunch, you will ride along a stretch of the trail with some beautiful panoramas overlooking the Pyrennees. Overnight stay in the pretty village of Quirbajou, which seems almost to have been stuck on the side of the mountain!
Day 5
Riding: 6 - 7 hours
Today you will follow the valley of Rebenty where there are more opportunities for faster riding. You will be able to visit another famous Cathar castle called Puylaurens*. This is an amazing castle described as a true masterpiece of military architecture and design. This magnificent fortress is placed high on a mountaintop, surrounded by dark forests, and was once an impenetrable stronghold.
You will spend the night in a farmhouse where the owners Collette and Christine raise cattle**. The home-cooked food here is delicious.
* It's possible to take a tour of the castle - entrance fees will have to be paid locally.
**If Collette's farm is full then your horses will stay here and you will be accommodated at a B&B in the village instead.
Day 6
Riding: 5 - 7 hours
Leaving the valley of Ayguebonnes you will descend into and then traverse the valley of Fenouilledes - a big wine-growing region. Ride across the village of Caudies, then climb up to the plateau of Malabrac to see its abandoned hamlets at more than 900 metres above sea level. From here, you can enjoy wonderful views over Bugarach, the highest summit of the Corbieres and for many years rumoured to be the scene for the end of the world! Eventually, you will descend slowly to the village of Camps sur Agly and then arrive at the gite of La Bastide, a templar farm dating from the 12th century - and where you will stay tonight.
Day 7
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
Today will be your final day of riding as you head back to Granes. Leave La Bastide and skirt around the Bugarach mountain to pass through the hamlet of Linas and toward the source of the river Sals. The river is named due to the salt that was collected here in roman times. Climbing up through forests of beech and evergreens will afford an opportunity for a gallop before descending to the village of Sougraines for a picnic. After lunch, you will return to the stables through more forests, but this time of ancient chestnuts and holm oaks, alongside a pretty limestone outcrop.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Quillan again.
Day 8
Riding: No riding.
Departure after breakfast. Transfers back to Carcassone can be organised at an extra cost.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
