Stage 15 - In the Land of the Cathars

Limoux to Foix Prat d'Albis

Another demanding day for Tony with 4 categorised climbs and 185km in the saddle. There are three category 1 climbs and one category 2 climb, but none to compare to yesterday's monster. The upside is there is some fantastic scenery and a surfeit of sites of historical interest. This is the stage for a lover of castles!

Two in particular are worth pointing out:

• The Château de Montsegur built on the ruins of one of the last redoubts of the Cathars following their persecution during the Albigensian Crusade. For nine months between May 1243 and March 1244, the Cathars were besieged by French Royal forces before finally surrendering. At the base of the mountain can be found the Plat dels Cremats which commemorates the 200 plus Cathars who were burned to death following the surrender.
• At the end of the stage is the dominating Châteaux de Foix, another refuge for the persecuted Cathars and home to the Counts of Foix. The castle has been besieged a number of times but has only fallen once: in 1486 and only because of familial treachery!

Drink of the day is Blanquette de Limoux - a lovely sparkling wine produced using the traditional method.

Song of the day is Mountains by Biffy Clyro.