Walking Holidays In The Pays Cathare

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Walking holidaysIf youve never heard of or visited the Pays Cathare (country of the

Cathars) in Frances south-west, you may be in for a very pleasant surprise if you take one of the many walking holidays available in the area.

Who were the Cathars?

In the 13th and 14th centuries, a new form of Christianity had gained a hold in many areas of northern and southern Europe. One of the greatest strongholds of these new beliefs was in the area of France that today borders the Pyrenees and Spain. Although it is not entirely clear what followers of this form of Christianity called themselves at the time, today they are known to us as the Cathars. It is even less clear just where Catharism had its origins, but by the earlier mediaeval period it had gained in popularity and had large numbers of adherents in great centres in what is now Southern France such as Carcassonne and Beziers.

Space doesnt permit a full discussion of the beliefs of the Cathars but, broadly speaking, they rejected many of the conventions of the established Catholic Church including things such as the role of clergy, the sacraments and many other aspects of normal life at the time like the eating of meat and even capital punishment.
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The churchs reaction

During this period in history, religious tolerance was a virtually unknown concept.

The Pope of the time decreed that this great heresy should be exterminated and much of the nobility of Northern France saw this as an ideal opportunity to acquire new lands and do some legitimate killing in the process.

The result over some decades was a series of wars, crusades and inquisitions that led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Cathars in various locations throughout the territory. For example, when the catholic crusaders took Beziers, chroniclers of the time say that over 20,000 people were slaughtered in the streets, including women and children.

Eventually, Catharism was exterminated and as a by-product of these terrible events, this area (which had previously been disputed) passed more or less irrevocably into the kingdom of France. It would never again seriously be considered as either independent under the Counts of Toulouse or a potential extension of Aragon and Barcelona (Spain) over the Pyrenees.

Holidays today

Walking holidays through this area offer stunning scenery including some absolutely incredible fortifications on the top of what appeared to be impossible cliff sides, some of which are relics of the battles and crusades of so long ago. Some of these historic Cathar sites are virtually inaccessible unless you are on foot. The cuisine, customs and language of this area still show strong hints of their Trans-Pyrenees origins.

As you explore these ancient sites and historic villages, you will no doubt be pleased to know that the weather in this area is amongst some of the best you will find anywhere in France. It is typically ideal for walking holidays though it can be a little warm in summer.

Few people exploring this area on walking holidays are anything other than stunned by the surroundings. Its something youll want to experience for yourself.

by: Tony Maniscalco

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