Our ride commences in Bram, a village with roots tracing back to the 2nd century BC. The echoes of its dark past resonate through the streets, particularly the grim tale of Simon de Montfort's siege in 1210, where captured Cathars were brutally mutilated.

The road then leads to the Spanish Civil War Refugee Camp Memorial, a sobering reminder of the struggles endured by those who fled Franco’s regime.
The camp once held thousands of refugees, and today, the memorial stands as a powerful tribute to those who perished within its confines.

Montreal follows, where the towering Collegiale St. Vincent stands as a silent witness to the town's tumultuous past. The town suffered immensely under de Montfort’s forces, with its Lord executed, his sister murdered, and hundreds of Cathars burned alive.
The journey then takes riders through La Force, France’s smallest 'circulade' village, where history meets an unusual pop culture phenomenon—its village sign is repeatedly stolen by enthusiastic Star Wars fans.

A winding climb takes you to Fanjeaux, once a Cathar stronghold, introduces travellers to the town where St. Dominic founded the Dominican Order. Though much of its medieval defences have vanished, the layout of the old city walls is still evident.

The flowing roads to Castelnaudary offer a break from the heavy history, where riders can indulge in the famous cassoulet, a hearty dish combining haricot beans, sausages, pork, and duck confit—a meal that perfectly complements the rigours of a long ride.
The Saint-Roch locks and the Grand Bassin, a vast open-water section of the canal, offers a moment of serenity, though history reminds us that this tranquil setting was once the site of economic and strategic importance.

From here, the road leads to Les Casses, where a stark iron monument commemorates the Cathars burned alive by Montfort’s crusaders. Though little remains of the original village, the memorial’s haunting silhouette of a burning figure is a sobering sight.

Revel was born after the Crusades, so escapes its brutality, has a unique medieval square and bell tower, which provides a picturesque interlude before venturing on to Lake San Ferreol, created to feed water to the Canal du Midi.

Onward to Chateau Saissac, sitting below the town, is home to a fascinating coin hoard from the 1270s.
Then the ride along the old Saissac tramway route to St. Denis offers a nostalgic glimpse into early 20th-century transport history, showcasing how even the most remote villages were once connected by steam-powered trams.

No tour of the Cathar region is complete without a visit to the Lastours castles, where the tragic fate of 100 mutilated prisoners from Bram is forever etched into history.
The steep hike to these four castles rewards riders with spectacular views of the rugged Montaigne Noire landscape. Each ruin tells a story of resistance and devastation, standing defiantly against time.
The castles, once strategic strongholds, now serve as eerie monuments to the brutal Crusades that sought to eradicate the Cathar faith.

Continuing toward Caunes-Minervois, you encounter the famous red marble quarries that once supplied stone for Versailles, the Louvre, and countless other historic landmarks. Even today, sculptures carved from this distinctive marble adorn the town’s streets.

Further along, the road snakes above the Gorges de la Cesse, a striking natural formation where the river mysteriously vanishes underground on sunny days, only to reappear many km downstream.

At the end of the gorge sits Minerve, an ancient hilltop village, captivates with its dramatic setting above the gorge. The site of a gruelling siege in 1210, it stands as a monument to the Cathars' resilience.
The reconstructed 'Birdtrap' (or trebuchet) catapult serves as a chilling reminder of Simon de Montfort’s ruthless tactics, which ultimately forced the town's surrender after six brutal weeks of bombardment.
Leaving the hills, our journey continues along the valley floor beside the scenic Canal du Midi, crossing through charming villages like Homps and Trèbes, where engineering marvels such as the many locks and the Orbiel aqueduct showcase the ingenuity of 17th-century French canal builders.

Finally, the tour culminates in Carcassonne, the ultimate highlight of the journey.
As riders approach the city, the imposing sight of its towering medieval walls takes the breath away.
The 1209 siege of Carcassonne, which followed the massacre at Béziers, marked a turning point in the war against the Cathars. The fortress, meticulously preserved, offers an immersive experience into medieval life, complete with winding alleyways, towering battlements, and an air of timeless intrigue.

This route, the third in a series, is another unmissable experience for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
It offers a unique blend of historical immersion and exhilarating riding through one of France’s most stunning regions.
The haunting ruins, poignant memorials, and awe-inspiring landscapes make it an unforgettable journey through time. Whether exploring ancient fortresses, sampling cassoulet, or riding the winding roads of Occitania, this tour is an evocative and thrilling ride into the past.
The combination of breathtaking scenery, well-preserved history, and the open road makes this an absolute must for riders seeking both adventure and enlightenment.
The roads have little traffic and are well-maintained, the routes are scenic, and the historical significance of each stop adds depth to the ride. Anyone with an appreciation for medieval history, a passion for motorcycle touring, or simply a love of France’s beautiful countryside will find this experience truly rewarding.