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Itinerary:
Sun: Pick
up at Toulouse Rail Station at 4.00 pm. Transfer by private coach to hotel at
Collioure. Our hotel is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the centre of the
town just 100 metres from the beaches and from the main street which is lined
with lovely outdoor cafes. Collioure is
interesting with its castle, cobblestoned streets, museums and art galleries.
The artist Matisse painted here and reproductions of his masterpieces can be
seen throughout the town.
Mon: We walk from Collioure,
gently climbing into the hills beyond and walking along a ridge leading to
several old castles. There are lovely views through the vineyards to the
sparkling Mediterranean to the south and the Pyrenees Mountains to the north.
For those who want an easy walk there is an alternative. This walk starts
with a ride on a small train to one of the castles on the top of the hills.
From here, a quiet country road leads gently downwards amid the vineyards and
back to the town. There is time in the afternoon to stroll the riverside
street with its typical French plane trees and outdoor cafes as well as to
browse in the shops and galleries
Tues: We travel a short
distance by train to Port Vendres,
a colourful fishing village on the Mediterranean coastline and from here we
walk along a rocky headland to a lighthouse. This is some of the best coastal
walking along the whole of the Côte Vermeille. In spring the slopes are
ablaze with the colours of spring flowers and there are lovely views over the
bays to the coast of Spanish Catalonia. Two walks are offered today. The more
energetic ramble is along the coastline and takes about five hours with a
stop for a picnic lunch in a quiet cove. The narrow rocky footpath has lots
of up and down and a few short but steep climbs. The views are magnificent with
the Pyrenees Mountains as they meet the Mediterranean. The less strenuous
walk is on quiet roads and an easier footpath.
Wed: Today we head inland to walk in the beautiful
foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. There are Castles and small villages to
explore. We walk to visit Queribus, a castle that was the last of the Cathar
strongholds to fall in 1255. (The Cathars were medieval religious heretics
who held such radical ideas as equality for women).
We continue to the old town of Cucugnan which had fame conferred upon it by a
well-known story, Le Curé de Cucugnan. The tale which has been made
into a film relates how the priest in the village, alarmed by the lack of
faith among his parishioners, conjured up such dreadful visions of hell in a
fire-breathing sermon that subsequent visitors to the village were struck by
the universal piety of the inhabitants.
Thurs: Today is a non-walking day but there are lots of things to do.
Staying in Collioure and exploring the Castle, the Museums and art galleries is
one possibility. Some people may choose to take the train half an hour to the
City of Perpignan and those who feel energetic can go by train (about 1.5
hours) across the Spanish border to the town of Figueres to
see the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum. When Dali was alive he set up this
museum to display his works in an old theatre in his home-town. Today it is
one of the most famous museums in the world and the second most visited in
Spain (the first is the Prado in Madrid). Even if you are not a fan of modern
art you will find this eccentric museum entertaining.
Fri: Travelling a short distance by
private bus, we cross into Spain and reach the St Pere de Rhodes Monastery.
This is considered to be one of the best preserved medieval buildings in
Europe and is atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. From here we have a
lovely walk on the rocky headland with views of the sea. We return to
Collioure in time for dinner.
Sat: Today we leave Collioure and travel towards the old city of
Carcassonne. Along the way we stop for a lovely stroll along the Canal du
Midi. Constructed in 1667 this canal and the footpaths along it are a World
Heritage Site. In the afternoon we visit Carcassonne. Entering this old
city is to be transported back to the Middle Ages and, in spite of the many
souvenir stores, one can easily imagine knights, troubadours and fair
damsels. We have a few hours to explore the town with its old walls, an
"Inquisition Tower", "Tower of Justice" dungeons, castles
and courtyards. In the late afternoon we continue to Toulouse where we stay
at the Mercure Matabaiu Hotel which is on the banks of the Canal du Midi and
near the Rail Station. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Sun: Tour ends after breakfast.
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