Camí dels Bons Homes

The Way of the Cathars ("Camí dels Bons Homes" in Catalan) is a long-range hiking route linking Berga (Northern Barcelona province) and Montsegur-Foix (Ariège, France).

This trans-pyrenees 10 days walk remembers the epic exodus of the Cathars during the XIII & XIV Centuries. Self-called "Good Men" or "Good Women", these pure people escaped from Occitania into Catalonia, mostly into the half north, but also settled in inner and southern parts of the Country, where many elements, from buildings to surnames, remember nowadays the relevant Cathar heritage.

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) Celebrating Easter at Bagà's Church door (Església parroquial de Sant Esteve de Bagà)

During the Summer, many villages in the pre-pyrenees host Cathar Festivals, this one with music performance is hosted at Josa de Cadí

Moonrise at Tossa d'Alp. View just by the France-Catalonia border.

Deeply rooted in Christian imaginary, the Pelican symbol can be seen in the Altar of the Sant Llorenç de Morunys Church

Part of the route crosses the Cadí & Moixeró Natural Park. Here a twilight over a shepherd's cabin, on the east edge of the Park (Coll de la Creueta, 1888 masl)

Bagà, one of the most influenced towns by Cathar heritage

Sanctuary of Queralt (Santuari de Santa Maria de Queralt) at dusk, with Berga at the bottom

Many Cathar Festivals combine historical performances with hiking routes. Here some hikers near the end of the Tuixent-Josa de Cadí stage

The Sanctuary of Queralt (Santuari de Santa Maria de Queralt) is the starting point of the route in the south-north direction. Historically, was the end of the trail for many exiled

Cultural activites at Foix Castle (Château de Foix)

The Cathars refused to eat meat. On eating animals, just fish was considered "from pure origin", so vegetables had an important role in the daily diet

Hiking at sunset by the France-Catalonia border.

Bagà's Church (Església parroquial de Sant Esteve de Bagà)

Bastareny river spring waters, Bagà.

Chapelle de la Vierge (The Virgin Chapell) at Ax-les-Thermes, halfway of the french part of the route

Bellver de Cerdanya at dusk, with the Cadí Mountain Range in the background. To cross it represents one of the most challenging parts of the route

Autumn reflections on Ariège river. These waters will end up in the Atlantic by the city of Bordeaux

Far away from the Pyrenees, deep into Inner Catalonia, the Santuari del Miracle (Sanctuary of el Miracle) offered protection to many Good Men and Good Women

Photographer with head torch at dawn, on the east edge of the Cadí & Moixeró Natural Park (Coll de la Creueta, 1888 masl)

Autumn reflections on Ariège river

Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste in the town of Porta, Ariège

Foix Castle (Château de Foix)

Puymorens Mountain Pass (Col de Puymorens)

The Gósol Castle (Castell de Gósol) with Pedraforca in the background