My goal is to bring you an authentic and informative experience of what is known today as Cathar Country. The Aude department is steeped in the history of Occitania and offers a feast of the classic French greats. Everything French and more.
My service is personal. I have a flair for understanding what will suit your interests and wishes. I will ensure that all your surprises are good ones.
My service is personal. I have a flair for understanding what will suit your interests and wishes. I will ensure that all your surprises are good ones.
Read more reviews about Sophie's work with James McDonald at Cathar Country here
Read more reviews about Sophie's work in Tripadvisor here
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| At the Belvedere of Rennes le Chateau |
Hello Sophie, it was a wonderful experience with your guides. Each person had a unique and thrilling experience for us. We learned a lot, and shared some of our ideas and thoughts with the guides. Your hotel recommendations were the best.... What a wonderful service you have provided us, and we thank you so much.
John Dulemba, Texas, September 2019
When planning our trip to France, we were eager to learn more about the Knights Templar. As a result, when we found the semi-mysterious notation “Templar Quest” on Google Maps we were both intrigued. We contacted Sophie Duncan, the point person, and we were delighted to learn that she arranged tours and accommodations. We told her what we wanted and she set us up in a wonderful old castle not far from Carcassonne. We opted for a room with a view of the river Aude. Turns out this château is a FABULOUS venue, with FABULOUS hospitality, and boasts FABULOUS amenities. Our hosts were warm and welcoming.
Sophie had more surprises for us the next day when she sent our tour guide, to pick us up. What an absolute delight! He knew the roads of France like the back of his hand, took us to several Templar-related sites. He is so knowledgeable and so charming that we felt like we had met an old friend who encouraged us to explore everything. We learned so much! We are now hooked on the mystery of Rennes-le-Château and want to return to spend more time learning about the Templars and maybe even take advantage of our guie's vast knowledge of local wineries.
If you are looking for a trip to remember, contact Sophie and let her arrange an extraordinary adventure for you and your family.
Thanks for the memories, Sophie!
Mr and Mrs Skipp, Italy, June 2019
We really enjoyed the tour and especially the chance to have dinner twice in a centuries old chateau. We came away with a lot of memories and exposure to a part of France that we might not have otherwise got to see with a traditional tour. The balance of our trip was a week cruise from Tarascon to Chalon sur Rhone, which was really luxurious with great food, but which did not offer the intimate insights that James’ tour offered. A chance to eat at local restaurants in relatively tiny hamlets were some of the unexpected highlights of our time in the Languedoc.
Denis, Los Angeles, May 2019
Thank you for the email and also for the link/photos of our time together at your beautiful chateau! I'm also happy that you took photos of the delicious entrees! My mouth still waters looking at the the photos!
Thanks again!
Miriam Oyakawa
May 2019
I wouldn’t have missed this incredible trip for the world. The experience was unique in so many ways. I learnt so much; not just about the history of the Cathars and the Langedoc region, but also how beautiful and evocative the local scenery is, and the fabulous food and wine of the region. I was especially touched by the kindness shown to me by the other members of our group.
Ross MacArthur, May 2019
I wanted to let you know we had a great time visiting Carcassonne last weekend. Both tour guides were great. Thank you for a great trip!
Stace-Naughton, January 2019
Hello Sophie!
We very much enjoyed our day in Carcassonne. We loved the castle and are still amazed at James' wealth of knowledge. The story and history that he shared was so interesting and nothing like anything we have ever learned about before.
We believe that this tour is great just the way it is. Don't change a thing. There are so many fun facts that are to be learned as you travel around the outer walls. Our time with James was definitely time well spent.
It was very easy for us to travel by train from Sete to Carcassonne. That also made the trip more fun and I believe others would enjoy it as well.
Thanks, again, for taking the time to answer all of our questions as we planned our journey. There was a lot that we did not know but would tell anyone that it was easy and a very enjoyable day.
Mr and Mrs Alderton, Australia, June 2017
We had the most fantastic time with you Sophie, enjoyed every second of it.
Thank you so much for the photos, they were so great.
When I tell people about the trip and the amazing guides that you organized, people just don’t believe it!
My sister asked how many people were in the group, when I said just Neil and me she was shocked. How did you
organize that she said, I told her I found this amazing woman called Sophie and I told her what I wanted and
when we got there it was sooooooooooo much more then we ever expected.
You, James, Tim and Ani were truly amazing and we will have memories to last a life time.
Mr and Mrs Dawson, Australia. May 2017
"I'm so glad I found you. You are a good find"
LA Executive Travel Consultant, USA
Sophie,
Hi Sophie
Thank you for you undoubted efforts at such short notice. Didier was uterly charming, arriving on time and answering each and every "stupid" question we asked. Being attentive but not intrusive in any way. The restaurant by the canal was great start to the afternoon, eating whilst watching both people and boats wafting by. The food whilst not "Michelin star' was good and tasty with pleasant service, all at a good price....What more do you need on a warm afternoon, good food, drink and view.
The castle hike was well worth the effort even with me suffer the after effects of bronchitis, requiring several rest breaks on rote to the top -something I was not going to miss.
The journey both out and return was "uneventful" and a positive pleasure due to Didier, s smooth driving smooth kills . On our return home I will certainly complete a good review on dear old trip advisor for you. Thank you again for pulling the rabbit out the hat at such short notice you have excelled.
kind regards
Tony and Karen, UK June 2017
Hi Sophie
Just wanted to say that the reports back from last weeks bespoke group say their day with you was a resounding success! The visits you arranged were exactly what the group wanted, the timing was ideal and they were so glad it was included in their plan. The additional of James and Tim were the icing on the cake, so to speak, so please pass on my thanks to them too.
The group organiser said she has received many words of praise about the trip from the travellers too, so that’s a great result.
Can I just say that without your assistance this one would have been a very different story - your help and guidance was invaluable and you made the whole process a lot smoother !
Thanks again for all your help and we'll keep you in mind for future bespoke tours to the area!
Thanks
Templar-Quest.info
Rendezvous went well ... informative. We spent the 2 hours in the Cite.
Thanks for arranging this. Carcassonne is an extremely interesting location In addition to the Cite, I explored the Bastide, and the Canal du Midi. Everywhere was surprisingly compact, and walkable.
K. Kenrick, UK, 2017
Day tour to Villerouge and Peyreperteuse with James McDonald, followed by a buffet of locally produced food at Chateau St Ferriol
Day tour to Villerouge and Peyreperteuse with James McDonald, followed by a buffet of locally produced food at Chateau St Ferriol
“Mahalo nui loa for your hospitality and sharing!” - Sherrie & Art Seki
“If your travels bring you to Illinois, we would enjoy returning your gracious hospitality - thank you! Your expertise is spectacular.” - Clare Haussermann
“Thank you so much for having us!” - Nicholas Diggs
“Lovely fest in your manse” - Fred & Judy Coggin
“Wonderful event - thank you for hosting me.”
“Thank you for the wonderful lectures!” - Ron & Marilyn Oliveira
“Gracias por la hospitalidad, por su amabilidad y felicitando por la preciosa casa y la impresionante cena. !Enhorabuena! I !Gracias! !Thanks!” - Xavi Ferrero
“Wonderful evening! Thank you.” - Bill & Marsha Malak
“Tremendous finish to a great tour.” - Susan & Jack Ahearn
“Thank you for such a magical tour, Sophie!” - Anne Stephens
“What a wonderful project. Thank you for our tour.” - Rose Tregunna
“Thank you Sophie for the tour of this wonderful mad project. I’m in awe of your energy and vision.” - Diane Hodgson
“Thank you for welcoming us to your lovely home.” - Bonnie & David Sherr
“Thank you so much.” - Libby & Joe West
“Wonderful - thank you both.” - Melinda Garrahan & Michael Hinson
“A most pleasant event. Thank you for your hospitality.” - Andre Marie Jose Derdeyn
“We look forward to reading the books, especially the dirty one.” - Allen Jacobs & Mary Ferman
"James and Sophie have done a superb job with the Advanced Cathar Tour. Once again you are in the pleasant company of James and Sophie. James threads the story of the Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade into the tour so each little village or landmark comes to life - the Languedoc is a spectacular backdrop to the saddest of stories.
Follow the steps of the Counts of Toulouse and the inquisitors while you dine in superb restaurants, drink fine wines and engage in deep conversations with James and new friends. Sophie's choice of Hotels and restaurants were hand picked for quality and comfort. Once again visit their beautiful château for dinner and pinch yourself that this is really happening. Highly recommended."
Elayne & Katrina, Australia
"Thank you too for the opportunity to experience 13th century Occitan life in a particularly turbulent period of its history. The magnificent scenery and delicious food, organised by Sophie, absorbing history by James and all shared with such good company have given us a perfect week."
Elizabeth & Gerald, Fleetwood, UK
"... such gracious hosts and kind souls. The personal attention to the tour details and to ourselves was outstanding. James provided a wonderful balance of information on the Cathars along with general history of the region and to a host of other topics. Opening your beautiful and historical home was a great treat and I could not be more pleased with your ability to make us feel right at home."
Brian, New York, NY, USA
"Absolutely excellent. We enjoyed every minute of our tour"
John and Lisa, Boston, MA, USA
"Spectacular castles; magnificent scenery; splendid food; great hotels; wonderful food & wine; tragic history; impeccable information. An interesting, informative and fun tour."
Rupert, Sarah & David. Twickenham, UK
"... an enjoyable and instructive week. James is a true polymath. His introductions were concise and full of relevant information. The sites were spectacular. Thank you, too, for your warm welcome and all the trouble you took over the arrangements.
La Chaumiere offered very comfortable, spacious and well appointed rooms. ... Some of the meals out were superb and the dinner at Couiza an exceptionally happy occasion.
... Altogether a memorable week"
Tony, Norwich, UK
"Thank you for arranging our stay, for your hospitality, and for the education on the Cathars and Cathar country. I recommend the two of you for your wonderful warmth and efficiency. James is a true historian and geographer of everything Cathar. He is a solid researcher and a splendid teacher. Please list us as fans."
Karl & Susan, Cornell University
"I loved every minute of it"
Grant , New York
"Great talk by James on the Cathars – clear, interesting, well illustrated. A real help to understanding the area."
Mike Westwood, September 2012, France
“If you’re looking for an experiential journey back in time to the 13th century Cathars, I highly recommend James and Sophie’s Cathar Country-Languedoc Tours. James’ in-depth academic knowledge of their history and the local terrain is extraordinary well balanced by Sophie’s organizational skills in providing client comforts. For the history buff and researcher alike, this experience is one that won’t disappoint.”
Gaye Mack
"I signed up for two day tours with James MacDonald and figured when I was told to meet at the Dame Carcas statue at the gate of Carcassonne. Imagine my delight to have James personalize the tour for two full days. Overnight, he even printed up web sites answering my personal research questions. It was such a pleasure to have long conversations on everything from plague to the history of the Eucharist to local folk traditions with a man with an Oxford education who knows everything, or at least everything I'm interested in. Not to mention the Cathars, all of this in breath-taking surroundings--like the top of Montsegur. This is a pretty demanding tour, physically, and not cheap, but I'm busy right now trying to figure out a way to sign up for the advanced tours Sophie and James offer. And I want to stay in their castle."
Ann C, Tripadvisor, Visited September 2014
"I have had the good fortune of travelling much of the world through the years, but I have never had such an entertaining and stimulating journey as I recently enjoyed with Sophie and James MacDonald, the founders of Cathar Country Tours set in the breathtakingly beautiful Languedoc department of Southwestern France. What they present is an exciting and adventurous exploration of the 13th Century Albigensian Crusade and the subsequent genocide of the gentle, Buddhist like Albigensois, more familiarly known as the Cathars. It is a remarkably dramatic story partly because they were defended to the death for a half a century by much of the nobility of that region, the very people who should have joined in the crusade against them, which found these gentle people’s beliefs a gateway to a new world of peace and hope in a time of terrifying darkness. It is also remarkable because of the seemingly inaccessible castles where so many of the battles were fought and so many died.
But for me, most remarkable were my hosts, James and Sophie. James is a scholar and business consultant to start with, and Sophie, a woman for all seasons to put it mildly. But both are also lovers of bread, wine, the journey and good company. I left them feeling as my companions did that they had adopted me.
Everything is arranged in advance, from the incomparably charming hotels of the French countryside, lunches and dinners including all the wine you could wish for, to the local transportation, and of course to this deliciously versatile experience. Often, it is a climb to a hilltop fortress to experience the unique way of castle life that existed 800 years ago and almost always resulted in its subsequent and devastating demise – a healthy climb but not too taxing for most by the way; sometimes a visit to the local towns and cities; and even a trip to the vineyards, especially thrilling at harvest time. And always, always, in every way, it is a celebration of the French way of country life, intense, leisurely, passionate, and above all, immensely pleasurable.
For me, my favorite memories will always be the two occasions when Sophie and James, both Renaissance people non-pareil, invited us to their awe-inspiring château at the top of the tiny village of St.Ferriol in the foothills of the majestic Pyrenees where they presented us with meals and hospitality straight from heaven.
Go!
Happy travels"
Anthony Call, Tripadvisor
"... we joined a small group of people for a Cathar Country Tour - it was a truly wonderful and memorable experience, exceeding all our expectations. James and Sophie McDonald were perfect hosts; James shared his in depth knowledge and understanding about Catharism in such a captivating and entertaining way that we were all hooked on the subject!
The itinerary was well planned, visiting a variety of Cathar sites which illustrated very well the turbulent history of the so called heretics - complemented by some superb scenery.
Not only did we enjoy the history, but also the fine food and wines of Languedoc; this included being dinner guests of James and Sophie at their stunning château in St. Ferriol. The camaraderie between our hosts and everybody in the group was exceptional.
We highly recommend Cathar Country Tours, 5 stars all round and "thank You" again to James and Sophie for their attention to detail and individual needs."
Peter C, Visited September 2014, Tripadvisor
"James and Sophie have succeeded in combining the best of both worlds with their Cathar Country Tours. James is a walking encyclopedia on the medieval history of the region in which they live, and the horrific persecution of the gentle Cathar community as heretics by the Roman Church.
Sophie's gracious and enthusiastic efforts to make certain that clients are well looked after in the realm of creature comforts, is the icing on the cake! I have no doubt that their continued tweaking of offerings and details in order to meet client's desires and needs, will guarantee further success in years to come."
Shaman5, Tripadvisor