I begin this video in Castelnaudary and go for a ride along a 17th century canal to Carcassonne, an incredible fortified city in the Occitania region of France. I then move on to a couple more fascinating places, Minerve and Montsegur, the later being home to an amazing hilltop fortress which has a long and interesting history which I do my best to share with you. I end the video crossing over into Spain. France was incredible, I loved my time there and as much as I am excited to explore Spain, I am looking forward to returning through France on my journey back up to the UK in a month or so.
This is the fourth video from my trip into Europe that I set off on last week. I have two months free, and I have deliberately embarked on this trip without any set plans of where I want to go and what I want to do, I have instead just loaded up my campervan with hiking and biking gear so that I can explore the countries I visit in a variety of different ways.
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Links
Ride from Castelnaudary to Carcassonne:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1479913319?ref=aso&share_token=adKP8aPD8L1ACkGR4JkOJQidM6jGHJNRT0O85NWuYAFgrcqWqi
Small hike from Minerve:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1481529820?ref=aso&share_token=aCWSetytF8e7ihmrNKwxvtG14q2kZ441zmi8FHZQuj7O2qiHki
Hike from Montsegur:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1482474041?share_token=a8J4XLJqw3a7ikZm3lTf6At75frC5yjlvvHF21TBE6baS4uQ7S&ref=wtd
Ko-fi (If you want to support the channel): https://ko-fi.com/matryder
00:00. Introduction
00:25. Canal du Midi ride
03:08. Carcassonne
06:37. Minerve – an amazing hike
10:39. Cathars and the Holy Grail
15:44. Fantastic spot for a heart attack
20:00. Tricky drive through the Pyrenees
22:56. Goodbye
23 Comments
Oh wow, the one I've been waiting for 😉😀
This was brilliant once again, I had never heard of Catharism/Cathars/Catharismos? What a fascinating bit of history, and a really interesting view of the world no doubt shaped by the time in which they lived, and as you said one probably backed up by their experience in the end: a year under siege and then burned in a field by people telling you that your belief is wrong.
Oh and who was really in the wrong in that situation with the bugs, them for giving into their reproductive urges, or the man who decided to decided to go gonzo with their intimate moment and put it on the internet! Tut tut.
Also, I actually let out an audible laugh sat on my own on the train when I read 'Fantastic spot for a heart attack', nicely done.
Wonderful video – i too worry where the worst place for a heart attack is ! – l00ks great around there tho' thanks Gazza Winchester
The further west you go along the Pyrenees the more it looks like wales
Healthy glass of wine.
Another great tour. What an interesting region. I can't even imagine the manpower it took to get all the stone on top of that mountain to build that fortress!
Another great episode, thanks! I really enjoy your narration, your humor puts a smile on my face and the views and history are also engaging! So happy to have found your channel and for taking us along on your adventures! 👏🏻🤍😊🌟
Stumbled upon your content and love it, nice to get a UK perspective too as I'm an expat in Canada (not the pretty part!). Binge watched the entire GDMBR, even my wife watched some which is quite a deal. Truly inspirational stuff, we're the same age so it gives me more motivation to get out there,. I just got the same Kona Sutra too. Keep up the great work.
Awesome, as always! Great narration, and your understated humor is amazing! Your enthusiasm makes all the difference. Eagerly waiting for the next video. Take care
Amazing area of the country. Can highly recommend visiting Caunes du minervois, and eating at the L'Hotel D'Alibert. Incredible history, and Frederick is an amazing host. Been in the same family since the 14th century. The rest of the village is beautiful. There's also a climb, Pic du Nore, with a return through Villeneuve de minervois. have fun. Kia Kata from NZ
Some brilliant hikes on this one. So enjoy that kind of landscape, beautiful! You killed me with talking to the bugs, big chuckles. lol Another great episode, thanks for sharing. 🙂 🙂
Watching your videos just makes me want to up and go to France with my bike hahaha. Great views at the top of those mountains, and yes always support the local wine regions with a bottle or two 😊
The French "pollarding" those trees in the villages: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
Hi Mat another fantastic episode what an amazing adventure loving it!! 👍
Great video once again Mat. Thanks for sharing your adventures 😊 Can I ask, what app you use for planning your treks when you arrive in these beautiful spots?
Many thanks 😊🚴
What a great video Mat. France is an epic place to explore the way you’re doing it. I’m in Wales right now, just had a week in Mumbles and walks a few parts of the coastal path, spectacular. I even did some filming and chatting so I could send the videos to my friends in Canada and show them some of the Gower. I’ll need to up my camera skills though, and not care when people are around. 😀
Such a great place to explore. Enjoyed watching this episode man. Bravo 👏
Just enjoyed this one with a nice grail of tea. Where is everyone? It’s like watching walking dead.
I am sure those poor bugglies were seeking privacy in your helmet! You mean man, exposing them😂.
Fantastic informative video as always. I really enjoyed going on your adventures with you.
No heart attacks, please. Think of the poor search party.
Enjoy your travels😊Have lots of fun.
Mat, your hit count is huge! You don't need to resort to insect porno.
Man, 52 bike miles and a hike..you'll be ready for the TransAm. I guess I need to get off my arse for the GDMBR!
Love you videos. All the different places you go and the variation of trips and activities. Love your sense of humour.