Washington and Lee University
Birthplace of the troubadours, home of the legendary Cathars, Languedoc was the intellectual, social, and economic center of France from the ninth to the 13th centuries. Named after langue d’oc, a lyrical blend of several languages, the region is one of the best-kept secrets in France. From the rugged Pyrenees to the shores of the Mediterranean, Languedoc has a distinctive character along with a colorful and varied history.
We’ll begin our visit in Carcassonne, a beautifully preserved fortress city and World Heritage Site. Our home for four nights will be the four-star Hotel de la Cite, located within the citadel and the ideal base for our daily excursions. We’ll step back in time when we visit the 13th-century village of Mirepoix, a favorite of the Cathars. At the Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide we’ll learn about the mysteries that led to the Albigensian Crusade, the 20-year campaign of the Catholic Church to eradicate the heretical Cathars. Our visit wouldn’t be complete without Montsegur, the final stronghold of Cathars, and the Chateau of Peyrepertuse. A cruise on the Canal du Midi, built in the 17th century to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic, will provide a welcome respite as we make our way to Toulouse for the second half of our trip.
The capital of Languedoc,Toulouse is known as la ville rose because of the glow of the rose-colored brick buildings. Our home for three nights will be the meticulously renovated Grand Hotel de L’Ópera, located in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the major sites. We’ll tour the famous Romanesque Basilica St. Sernin and the Augustins Museum and still have free time to explore on our own. Our trip will conclude with a day in nearby Albi, on the banks of the Tarn and home of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
In the good company of experienced French guides, we’ll discover the mysteries and legends of this captivating region, sample its fine cuisine and wines, and much more. Please join us for a unique adventure in one of France’s most romantic and historic regions.
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