Cycling in Search of the Cathars

The Cathars thrived in Languedoc, now part of south-west France. They were vegetarians and pacifists who believed in reincarnation and equality for women. In the 13th century, Crusaders were sent by the Roman Catholic church to wipe them out.


Today, much of the tourist industry of south-west France is based upon the region's associations with the Cathars.


In 1987, Chris Ratcliffe and Elaine Connell spent several months cycling around the mountains and valleys of the area. Their aim was to find out more about these mediaeval heretics with modern ideas.


This is an e-book edition of the successful Cycling in Search of the Cathars which was first published in 1991. In spite of regular demand, this is the first time the book has been made available in over 10 years.