Cathar Castles & Wine Tasting
The filming of the Kate Mosse book ‘labyrinth’ took place in Carcassonne in 2011 and is due for
release in 2012. It will ensure that the story of the Cathar’s will become better known as will this historic region. This weekend combines the story of the Cathar people with vineyard tours and wonderful food.
The weekend tour is available with or without evening meals and accommodation will be in a quality B&B in or close to Carcassonne.
Dates: June 8, 9, 10 & 11
Price:
Fully Inclusive Price €675 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Without evening meals the price is €575 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
The prices do not includes flights.
The weekend includes
• 3 nights B&B
• Lunch each day
• Evening meals if you choose the fully inclusive option
• 3 fabulous days touring Lastours, Minerve, Queribus & Peyreperteuse
• All visits & tastings
• Transport throughout in our air conditioned vehicle
Day One- Lastours & Minerve
The moment you arrive you will be whisked off to Châteaux de Lastours in the foothills of the Montagne Noir, that amazing fortress is made up of 4 towers which we view from the belvedere. Here you will learn the incredible story of the Cathars and how the Lord of this castle was at the forefront of the battle against Simon De Montfort. Later we visit the village of Minerve which is where one of the Cathar crusade sieges took place. On the way to your B&B you will enjoy a visit to a traditional winery in the Minervois where you will learn how the wines are made and taste the range of white and red.
You will be staying in a comfortable B&B in the lovely town of Carcassonne where you will be able to explore medieval La Cité as well as browse the shops and enjoy a coffee in the many cafes. Tonight you will enjoy dinner in one of the excellent restaurants here.
Day Two – Wine Tasting in Fitou & Corbières
Today we head to Fitou and en-route we get to see the lagoons that divide the land from
the Mediterranean. When we leave the AutoRoute we drive through some breath-taking scenery to reach our first domaine – not one of the big producers in fact one of the tiniest we have ever come across. Just 3.5 hectare! Katie is new to wine making but if her first production is anything to go by she is one to watch. Her vineyards are nestling amongst the hills that are smothered in wild herbs and here we will have a splendid picnic amongst the vines after tasting her superb wines.
After lunch we head for Château d'Aguilar for an exploration of this fine castle followed by olive oil tasting where you will have the opportunity to taste oil from many varieties including wild olives or as the French call them Olive Sauvage! Our final vineyard is in the pretty town of Peyriac de Mer where we will visit a beautiful vineyard situated on one of the lagoons that form this part of the Mediterranean coastline and built on the site of a Roman villa. You will dine in Carcassonne tonight.
Day Three - Queribus & Peyreperteuse
Todays tour takes you to the amazing ‘Cathar Castles’ of Queribus and Peyreperteuse situated on the border between Languedoc and Roussillon.
This tour involves a walk up to both of these fortresses and therefore this tour is ideal for those people who enjoy walking and hiking and you will be rewarded with fantastic views from the top of these castles.
Wine tasting is not ignored as we will taste that wonderful sweet wine of Maury.
Tonight you will enjoy a very special dinner in a private dining room in the heart of Carcassonne. Wendy will give a talk about successful food & wine matching followed by dinner served with a wine to complement each of the 4 courses.
Day Four – Carcassonne & Home
The morning is free for you to explore before being transferred to the airport or continue your holiday independently.
To find out more or to book the tour please call Wendy on 07880 796786 or email wendy@vinenvacances.com
