Cathar Route from Catalonia to France – Bons Homes Path (GR 107)
Hiking Collection by Sofía_Ibáñez
14
days
3-9 h
/ day
149 mi
31,425 ft
33,925 ft
The Bons Homes Path (Camí dels Bons Homes), also known as GR 107, follows the Cathar’s route when they were exiled from the 12th to the 14th century. Known as ‘good men’, the Cathars were a Christian religious sect who were forced to flee Occitania as they were persecuted by the Catholic Church,
This route follows the Cathar’s exodus to Catalonian lands, linking the sanctuary of Queralt with the town of Foix. The 200-kilometre (124 mi) Bons Homes Path leads past medieval castles, churches, hermitages and villages that invite you to to learn about the history.
The first 100 kilometres (62 mi) runs through the Catalan counties of Berguedà and Cerdanya. Then, you cross the spectacular Cadí-Moixeró natural park from south to north and hike through beautiful mountain ranges and landscapes in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees. The second 100 kilometres (62 mi) lead through French territory – the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales and Ariège. Here, the route reveals picturesque vestiges of medieval fortresses, charming mountain villages and dreamlike Pyrenean landscapes.
This Collection has 14 stages: seven in Spain and seven in France. Although the itinerary isn’t technically difficult, the length and steep climbs make it physically challenging so you should have some experience of long hikes through the mountains.
I indicate the accommodation and tourist services available in each stage description. Some days end in mountain refuges. Make sure you call ahead to ask about opening hours, the services they offer and to book if necessary. Bring a sleeping bag, as well as sufficient water and food, warm clothes and a waterproof coat. The weather in the mountains can change quickly and the nights are cool, even in summer.
The best time to do this trek is between May and October. Otherwise, at higher altitudes you might encounter snow, which requires special equipment such as snowshoes or crampons. Some huts may also be closed in winter.
To get to the starting point, take a bus from Barcelona or another large Catalan city to Berga, and walk to the Queralt sanctuary from there. On the way back, the town of Foix is well connected by bus and train to other towns in France and Spain.
I hope you enjoy this historic trans-Pyrenean adventure!
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Last updated: March 30, 2023
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Tours
- 05:329.67 mi1.7 mph3,225 ft1,075 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first stage of the GR 107 starts at the Queralt sanctuary and runs north through the Berguedà region. Although the section is not very long, it presents a considerable positive slope when ascending the Sierra de la Figuerassa.
The route takes you into a beautiful mid-mountain environment, going through…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 07:5813.8 mi1.7 mph2,625 ft3,700 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The second section of the Camí dels Bons Homes is a long route through the protected landscape of the Sierra de Ensija. The reward of this demanding stage are the wonderful views of Pedraforca, one of the most emblematic mountains in Catalonia.
After starting from the Rasos de Peguera refuge and resuming…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
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- 07:5115.0 mi1.9 mph1,725 ft3,800 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This spectacular stage enters the Cadí-Moixeró natural park and offers you impressive views of Pedraforca and other peaks while you go through several passes in a spectacular mountain landscape.
The track starts from Gósol and quickly goes into the forest in a steep ascent. After passing the El Collell…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:276.40 mi1.4 mph3,125 ft625 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Although not very long, this stage is demanding due to the continuous ascent that it involves through the heart of the Cadí-Moixeró natural park.
The route begins by going up the Gréixer river until reaching the charming town of the same name, right at the foot of the Penyes Altes mountain, one of the…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:178.26 mi1.9 mph675 ft2,525 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This is the last section of the GR 107 that runs through the Cadí-Moixeró natural park. Continuing in a northerly direction, this stage passes from the Berguedà region to Cerdanya and offers you beautiful views of Mount Puigpedrós.
After leaving the Sant Jordi refuge, the only climb of the day awaits…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:309.07 mi2.0 mph2,050 ft200 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This stage of the Camí dels Bons Homes begins by following the course of the Segre River and then entering the beautiful protected area of the Llosa Valley. In short, a section full of spectacular river landscapes that brings you closer to the border with France and Andorra.
After leaving Bellver de Cerdanya…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 08:2712.3 mi1.5 mph2,925 ft3,225 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This is the last section of the Camí dels Bons Homes that runs through Catalan lands. The stage goes up the Llosa and Engaït valleys, ascends to the Portella Blanca pass and crosses into France through an impressive high mountain landscape.
The first half of the day involves a continuous ascent that does…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 09:3815.3 mi1.6 mph4,050 ft5,225 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The first stage of the GR 107 that runs completely through France is quite an adventure in the high mountains. It is a fairly demanding stretch, but it runs through a natural paradise of glacial lakes, valleys and high peaks that is highly rewarding for the effort.
During the first kilometers of the day…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 06:1811.5 mi1.8 mph2,100 ft3,175 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This section of the GR 107 links the towns of Mérens-les-Vals and Orgeix through a tough but spectacular ascent to the Col de Joux.
The ascent is made by a beautiful forest track through thick forests and alpine meadows. As you gain height, the beautiful views over the valley emerge. From the pass the…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 03:376.35 mi1.8 mph2,775 ft250 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Despite being a short stage, the accumulated unevenness makes this a fairly demanding section.
The path starts from Orgeix and begins to ascend rapidly up the mountain. As you go up, it is worth stopping and looking back to contemplate the beautiful views of the town at the bottom of the valley surrounded…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:028.52 mi2.1 mph700 ft2,150 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
After several stages with a lot of unevenness, this section of the Camí dels Homes offers you a little respite with a mostly downhill route.
After leaving the Chioula refuge, the track continues north through forests, passes and alpine meadows. You will pass two towns where you can make a stop: Montaillou…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:268.41 mi1.9 mph1,675 ft2,475 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The protected space formed by the impressive Gorges de la Frau canyon is the protagonist of this spectacular stage.
The track starts from Comus and slowly goes into the Frau gorge, between large stone walls and lush vegetation.
The last section of the stage goes up a beautiful forest track. As it is a…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 05:3410.7 mi1.9 mph2,050 ft2,625 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The penultimate stage of the Camí dels Bons Homes continues towards the city of Foix through the department of Ariège. The path crosses beautiful forests and reveals the ruins of two medieval castles.
After leaving the town of Montségur, soon the view of its picturesque castle on a high hill comes to…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 06:3413.7 mi2.1 mph1,725 ft2,950 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This adventure that he has been following in the footsteps of the Cathars from the sanctuary of Queralt in Catalonia, comes to an end with this stage that ends in Foix.
The day begins by leaving the town of Roquefixade and visiting, if you like, the ruins of its castle, in a beautiful location with good…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
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Collection Stats
- Tours14
- Distance149 mi
- Duration83:10 h
- Elevation31,425 ft33,925 ft
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