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Carcassonne Crusade - Carcassonne

Carcassonne serves as the historic heart of this unforgettable motorcycle tour through Southern France, where medieval fortresses, Cathar legends, and winding roads come together in perfect harmony. This region, steeped in dramatic history and surrounded by the wild beauty of the Pyrenees foothills and Corbières mountains, offers three exceptional rides, each filled with panoramic views, charming villages, and spectacular twisty roads.

The Carcassonne Crusade motorcycle tour takes you from the legendary castles of Montségur and Peyrepertuse to scenic lakes, mountain passes, and the vibrant towns of Foix, Limoux, and Castres. With every kilometre, you’re riding through history—following in the footsteps of the Cathars and their resistance during the Albigensian Crusade. Add to that the dramatic landscapes, peaceful picnic spots, and relaxed town squares perfect for a refreshing drink, and you have a tour that’s as inspiring as it is fun.

Carcassonne itself is worth a stay. From the UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne with its double city walls and imposing Château Comtal to the lively Ville Basse, it’s a place where the past comes alive. We’ll guide you with our tips on what to do and where to stay, with accommodations that offer secure motorbike parking.

When you add one or more rides from the Carcassonne Crusade to your free account, you gain access to all the GPX/ITN files, our E-book packed with route details, sightseeing tips and practical info, and of course our video guides that bring it all to life.

Would you like to support our Quazy mission? Please consider booking your accommodation via the affiliate links we share on this page, in the e-book and in the video descriptions—at no extra cost to you. Or support us directly with a donation if you'd like to help keep the wheels turning.

Prefer to receive the GPX files and e-book directly instead of through your account? Just send us an email at info@quazyrides.com with the rides you'd like to receive, and we’ll send everything to your inbox in a zipped file.

Carcassonne Crusade ride 1

  • Montségur
  • Foix
  • Mirepoix
  • VIDEO AND E-BOOK WILL BE ADDED SOON
Distance: 220 km (135 miles)
Difficulty:
Rating:
Start with this ride View route map

Step into the heart of Cathar country on this 220 km (135 miles) ride through the Pyrenean foothills southwest of Carcassonne. Wind your way to the poetic Château de Puivert, once a gathering place for medieval troubadours, before pausing at the Col de Montségur with its haunting views of the last Cathar stronghold. Enjoy a lunch break in the charming town of Foix beneath its historic hilltop castle, then cruise to Mirepoix for a relaxed drink in its postcard-perfect medieval square. History, curves, and panoramic mountain vistas—all in one legendary ride.

Carcassonne Crusade rid 2

  • Termes
  • Peyrepertuse
  • Limoux
  • VIDEO AND E-BOOK WILL BE ADDED SOON
Distance: 215 km (135 miles)
Difficulty:
Rating:
Start with this ride View route map

Venture 215 km (135 miles) through the rugged landscapes of the Corbières, one of France’s wildest wine regions. Start with a coffee break in the quiet village of Termes, then climb toward the jaw-dropping Château de Peyrepertuse—perched on an 800m-high cliff and bursting with Cathar history. After lunch in Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, follow scenic roads into the Aude valley. End your day with a relaxed stroll and a drink in lively Limoux, home of the sparkling Blanquette. This ride mixes drama, serenity, and the thrill of discovery like no other.

Carcassonne Crusade ride 3

  • Minerve
  • La Salvetat sur Agout
  • Castres
  • VIDEO AND E-BOOK WILL BE ADDED SOON
Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
Difficulty:
Rating:
Start with this ride View route map

Clocking in at just over 250 km (155 miles), this is the longest ride of the Carcassonne Crusade—and maybe the most varied. Head north into the green embrace of the Haut-Languedoc, where twisty forest roads lead to the cliffside village of Minerve, a jewel of Cathar history. After a scenic picnic stop near Lac de la Raviège, continue your journey through unspoiled nature toward the elegant town of Castres. There, you’ll wrap up your ride with a cool drink by the river before heading back to Carcassonne. A full day of winding roads, lake views, and unforgettable heritage.

Recommended accommodation with bike parking

See our list of recommended accommodation - all with suitable parking for your bike. In the video we show you our favourite ones so you can quickly chose your accommodation. If you want to support us to keep supporting you, we do ask you to book the accommodation via the links that we provide as an affiliate of Booking.com here and in the e-book.

Hotel de Pont Vieuw

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Ibis Styles Carcassonne La Cité

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Hotel Montsegur

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Hotel Montmorency

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Demuere Saint Louis

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514 Appart Hotel

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FREE rides

You can choose to do 1, 2 or (if available) 3 rides of a tour. You can add all rides to your account for FREE.

Quazy Rides roadtrip contents

GPX file

GPX/ITN files (a route, total track and tracks per part for GARMIN, TomTOM and BoomBox) of all the rides and connecting routes.

Video

Informative videos of the central points and highlighted accommodation of our tours and of the rides.

E-book

E-books of the tours, including recommended accommodation, and the rides.

Checklist

Several checklists to prepare your motorcycle holiday.

”How to” video

Different “How to” videos to help you on your way.