The Cathar Way - the Sentier Cathare - is a popular, well-waymarked trail which links several of the world-famous Cathar castles of south-west France. It is a challenging, fascinating and highly rewarding route. But it is not an arduous mountain trek. It can be walked in two weeks or less by anyone who is well-equipped and moderately fit. Good-quality accommodation is available at regular intervals along the entire length of the trail.The trail traverses the dramatic foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, a beautiful countryside which enjoys plenty of sunshine and which is rich in wildlife.The highlights of the Cathar Way are castles in the sky like Quribus, Peyrepertuse and Montsgur. These incredible medieval fortifications will forever be associated with the ill-fated Cathar heresy, which was brutally suppressed in the thirteenth century.

The trail runs for about 250 kilometres, from the Mediterranean coast, westward to the historic town of Foix. There are good rail connections from Britain to both ends of the trail, as well as connections by plane to nearby airports in, for example, Toulouse, Montpellier and Perpignan. This book contains a detailed description of the Cathar Way. Sketch maps, colour illustrations, practical information, a brief history of the Cathars and information about the Cathar castles and other places of interest along the Cathar Way supplement the description. Information is also given about other long-distance paths in the region and how sections of these might be linked up with the Cathar Way to offer a variety of walking tours.