Day 2 : COUIZA - VILLENEUVE-D'OLMES (75 on 237 km)
The Duc de Joyeuse’s castle rising in its park on the bank of the river Aude in the village of Couiza, is a historical listed monument.
You will reach Quillon on a small road which lingers along the river. You will keep on travelling upstream the river Aude by entering the pass of Pierre. Surrounded by high cliffs the passage is quite impressive mainly after the crossing of the Trou du Curé a tunnel built by the Saint-Martin-Lys’ priest.
You will leave the pass of Pierre-Lys to reach the gorges of Rebeuty through a picturesque road on the plateau of Sault which will lead you to Joucou a small village built around a former abbey.
After having crossed the gorges of Joucou where the tunnels follow the overhangs you will reach Bélesta in a hilly landscape punctuated with forests and pastures.
You will discover one the country curiosities : the intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes near the road which leads you to Montségur. At last you will approach Montségur, a major site of catharism with some emotion.
Within this imposing site you will still feel the density of these men ‘ heroism who chose to climb the stake rather than renouncing to their conviction on 16th march 1244. From the top of the castle ruins risen after 1245 by the lord of Mirepoix, you will embrace a majestic landscape.
Then you will reach le Castrum de Villeneuve-d'Olmes for an evening of meditation.
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