Distance: 165 km. Difficulty: Intermediate Type: Paved Roads Starting Point: Foix
Description: This rolling tour passes through Cathar country and into the Corbières, with medieval villages and abbeys, forests, garrigues and vineyards. The route includes several low passes, expansive views and dramatic changes in vegetation and geology. There are plenty of interesting stops en route. Near Limoux you will find the 8th c. Abbaye St. Hilaire, where sparkling wine was discovered. The medieval town of Lagrasse, with its abbey, galleries and craft shops also makes a good stopping place. Until reaching the D613 the roads are small, many with almost no traffic. The last bit into Narbonne is on very busy roads.
View Foix to Narbonne in a larger map
Directions:Take the scenic D1 east to Laroque-d’Olmes, then hilly (but equally picturesque) D620 to Limoux. Leave Limoux on the D104, which climbs and descends north east to St. Hilaire. read more
This ride can be linked up with the following to make a multi-day route:
The Cathar Trail
Narbonne – Canals and beaches
Narbonne – Canal and Abbey Loop
This route was generously added by Susan Minnich