Country Inn, Guided Hiking and Walking Tours

Our “Walking through History” program offers travelers more gentle walking (on both country roads and trails) with more focus on the historical and cultural aspects of the region. Our guides will make the history of the area come alive with fascinating pre-dinner talks and their extensive knowledge of the area.

Our 8-day trip explores the medieval towns and villages of the Lot Valley, the ancient Pilgrim’s Way, the imposing Cathar fortresses and castles nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees and the great walled city of Carcassonne. As we walk through history, we seem to breathe the same air as the pilgrims, the Cathars, and all the other peoples who left their indelible marks on the landscape.

We begin our tour south of Toulouse at a sixteenth century chateau in Couiza, the gateway to the rugged landscape of limestone gorges, isolated villages and breathtaking fortresses that mark the first wall of the French Pyrenees. We then head north with a stop at the incomparable Hotel de la Cite within the walled city of Carcassonne.

Continuing north, we reach Conques, the small town universally recognized as the jewel of medieval France. For three nights we will be “looking out on the year 1000” from the elegant Sainte Foy Hotel in the heart of the perfectly preserved town.

Our walks take us along the gorge of the river and to little medieval villages, improbably perched on the rocky cliffs. A detour to see the pre-historic paintings at the famous caves of Perche Merle opens a window on an even earlier period of human history.

Our last night’s lodging is at The Chateau de Mercues, a magnificent castle and bishop’s palace high above the River Lot in the celebrated wine district of Cahors. The last morning we head back to Toulouse following breakfast.
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