Christian Billiard

A pleasant hike in three stages. The first part crosses vast areas of pastureland, the second allows you to wander through a "lunar" landscape amid dolomitic rocks, and the third, in the undergrowth, runs alongside streams that you have to cross. This diversity of landscapes makes this hike easy and interesting.

A beautiful circular route starting from the village of Citou. Almost the entire hike takes place in the woods, so it is feasible in hot weather. A passage along the ridge at the highest points of the route offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, particularly the village of Lespinassière.

Starting from Citou, this circular route takes you on a route that winds along the western slopes of the massif, including the ascent to the summit of La Bourasse. Sections along the ridge offer interesting views over the Montagne Noire as far as the Minervois plain.

A different kind of hike in the Gorges de Colombières. The ascent along the left bank of the Ruisseau d’Arles offers a more challenging hike than the PR® route, which lies further to the east and leads to the same spot. Almost uninterrupted views of the gorge throughout the climb allow you to see the western slope of the Gorges. Another way to explore them. 

In good weather, the view of the Pyrenees is incredible. On that day, following heavy snowfall – exceptional for the season – the snow-capped peaks were visible from the Canigou Massif all the way to the Maladetta Massif, taking in the highest peaks of Cerdagne, the 3,000-metre peaks of Ariège, and the peaks over 3,000 metres in the Luchon region. Closer by and all around, the entire Montagne Noire, with the Pic de Nore transmission mast standing at its highest point.

During the hike entitled “The Devil’s Canyon and the Gibret Cross”, we discovered the extraordinary part of the canyon. The hike described today, which offers a striking contrast in scenery, covers only the canyon section. It is an exceptional geological site that we wanted to show our friends without having to repeat the long hike we had done previously. It unfolds within a very distinctive geological formation known as a “ruffe” (a term used in the Hérault region to describe the red soils formed from pelites). The hike is a round trip and presents no particular difficulties.

This hike, partly off the marked trails, allows you to see the hamlet of Biot, its quarry and its mill. As you pass the marble quarries (you will cross four during the hike), you will understand the titanic work carried out by our ancestors during the last century. The hike ends with a long, safe cliff-top path offering spectacular views of the Minervois plain and, beyond, the Corbières massif. In good weather, you can see the Pyrenees in the distance.

This hike offers a variety of landscapes and trails in the Félines-Minervois marble quarry area. The passage along trails that we have recently opened up allows you to discover places that are little known or unknown.

This challenging hike involves four successive ascents and descents in the foothills of the Montagne Noire. It offers a wide variety of places and views throughout the day. To complete this loop, we have cleared a path through broom and holm oak trees. The GPX track is essential for following this section, which is approximately 400 m long, from the point (10). The rest of the hike is on well-marked trails. Note the crossing of the Ruisseau de La Grave (at an altitude of 397 m), which can be tricky if the flow is strong.

A short hike around the town of Minerve along trails that are rarely used. They offer magnificent views, but be careful if you are afraid of heights on the edges of the Brian Canyon.

To complete a loop in the Montagne Noire on unmarked, poorly marked and rarely used paths, we have opened up a few sections of trail that allowed us to enjoy an unusual experience in a little-known area. If you like adventure, don't forget to take the GPX track with you!

Loop, on little-known trails or ones we create, reserved for experienced walkers who are willing to follow the GPX track and are not afraid to take poorly marked trails, most of which are unmarked.

This hike offers beautiful views of the foothills of the Massif Central and the plain to the south, with the Orb valley winding at the foot of the slope, and to the north, facing the Carroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.

A hike between land and water. From Cap Béar, the path leading to Port-Vendres offers a beautiful panoramic view of the port and the town. The trail then winds its way through vineyards and pine forests to Banyuls-sur-Mer. Next, the coastal path runs along the jagged coastline with its small sandy beaches and rocky coves called "calas" in Catalan. This hike reveals an extraordinary contrast between vineyard work and seaside activities. ⚠️ This is an exposed route, so it is best to avoid it in strong winds or high temperatures. ⚠️ Check whether the coastal path linking Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère is open or closed here before setting off on this hike.

This is a beautiful round-trip hike that can be done in summer as it takes place mostly in the woods and on the northern slope for the most part. The trail markings, which were recently redone (PR® Yellow), make it easy to follow the path from Taulis to the Col de Formentera. The Tour de Batère, at the end of the hike, crowns the outing with beautiful 360° views.

This loop takes you to the Refuge des Cortalets (manned) at the foot of Canigou, passing by the Abri du Pinatell on the way there and the Refuge de Prat-Cabrera on the way back. This less frequented route is longer but gentler. The magnificent landscapes along the way are full of charm. The return, which is steeper, offers fewer views of the Canigou massif. We really enjoyed this version. From the Refuge des Cortalets, you can make a round trip to the summit of Canigou.

This hike forms a loop with a 360° view at the highest point, offering a magnificent panorama of the sea, the Carroux plateau and all the mountains to the north and east of this remarkable dome: Mont Marcou. The climb is quite demanding with steep slopes where you sometimes have to use your hands to climb rocky passages. The descent also has some fairly steep sections. This hike may therefore be difficult for some. However, the first 45 minutes allow you to warm up before tackling the tough climb to the antennas. A beautiful route.

This is a very pleasant round trip hike in hot weather. Inspired by the Visorando publication of the loop entitled "Le Camì Ramader, le Refuge de la Mouline depuis Évol", it has the advantage of following the course of the Evol stream, allowing you to cool off regularly. Much of the route is through woodland, and the shade provided by the various trees, which change species as you climb, offers welcome respite from the heat.

Climb up a little-used path to reach the Caroux plateau. Challenging due to its configuration, the ascent in this part of the massif is wilder than the usual access routes. This hike is for experienced walkers, as the route is not always easy to find and some passages are a little difficult or exposed, but not dangerous.

This hike offers beautiful views of the seaside resorts that we will overlook throughout the day as we pass through numerous mountain passes. From Argelès-sur-Mer to Banyuls-sur-Mer, and even beyond if the sky is clear, via Collioure and Port-Vendres, the entire Côte Vermeille stretches out before us. The final stretch in Banyuls-sur-Mer allows us to see the official GR®10 sign, the starting (or finishing) point of the Grande Randonnée trail that links this town to Hendaye (from Catalan Country to Basque Country) across the entire Pyrenees mountain range.

Inspired by the hike called "Puig Carlit" on Visorando, this new description takes into account the "one-way" system around the summit that was put in place two years ago. Major work carried out during this period has replaced the haphazard markings and created a well-marked path for the descent from the summit. It is essential to respect the one-way system (for the safety of walkers), which avoids difficult crossings in rocky, exposed passages where it is necessary to use your hands. The overcrowding in the area prompted us to look for an end to the route off the beaten track, so that we would no longer encounter hikers every 20 metres. What a crowd on 4 September! But we understand the enthusiasm for this wonderful mountain range, where there is something to see in every direction.

Between rocks, caves and passes, this hike starting from the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine offers beautiful views of the Minervois plain, the Corbières massif and, weather permitting, the Pyrenees mountain range.

A beautiful hike with a steady climb to the Refuge de la Mouline along a well-marked trail that passes through increasingly beautiful scenery as you progress, often through woodland. After the refuge, the hike changes completely as you leave the pine forest, with a balcony walk offering impressive views of the Pyrenees mountain range, from Canigou to Cambre d'Aze. Although it does not present any technical difficulties, this hike is classified as difficult, partly because of its length but mainly because of the uncertainty in following the route after the Refuge de la Mouline, as the quality of the trail changes completely. It is essential to follow the Visorando trail to complete this circular hike off the beaten track, as it is well worth the effort. A GPS or the Visorando app is therefore strongly recommended.

A short, easy walk offering beautiful views of the eastern face of the Canigou massif from the Tour de Batère. You can also see the seaside resorts of Argelès-sur-Mer and others as you head north along the coast.

This hike takes you across the Caroux plateau, from the Gorges d'Héric to the Gorges de Colombières, overlooking the area of small mountains south of the Balcon du Caroux towards the sea. On a clear day, this hike offers impressive views as far as the Pyrénées Orientales mountain range, from Cap Béar to Pic du Carlit via the Albères and Pic du Canigou.

A hike in the Caroux massif that partly follows the GRP® du Haut Languedoc et des Vignobles trail, which crosses the southern face from west to east, winding its way through a rugged granite landscape. There are some beautiful views along the way, looking south towards the sea. This is a somewhat challenging hike given the fairly steep slopes to reach the plateau.

This hike uses part of each Visorando route entitled "La Tour du Pin - Vieussan" and "circular at Le Pin". They are done in reverse, allowing you to do most of the trail at the beginning. Large sections of the route offer interesting views.

A beautiful hike facing the Canigou massif. It takes you up to Pic del Rosselló, from where you enter a spectacular mineral area. Cross a plateau dotted with rounded rock mounds that look as if they were placed there by giants. A magnificent landscape used for grazing, facing the long Pyrenees massif to the south.

A very beautiful hike with views of the eastern slope of the Canigou Massif and a visit to the Pinosa mining site (a listed historic monument) which bears witness to the work and living conditions of miners in the 19th and 20th centuries. A beautiful 360° panorama at the summit of Pic de l'Estelle over the Corbières to the north, the sea and the Albères to the east, Spain to the south and the slopes of Canigou to the west. The Batère Tower on the descent from the peak is reminiscent of the system of signal towers erected in the Middle Ages, which formed a communication network: at night using fires and during the day using smoke.

This is a demanding hike with a long, very steep section covering a significant elevation gain from Esquino d'Aze to Tour Verte, but that's par for the course when climbing the south face of Caroux! Beautiful views of this remarkable rocky landscape forming a vertical barrier between the hills of Saint-Chinianais and the Caroux plateau. However, you need to be experienced in walking on rough, unmarked trails.

With Rodès Castle and the Guillera Gorges to start the hike, the diversity of the next section offers spectacular heath and rock landscapes in the midst of a unique mineral environment. It feels like wandering through a world of giants who have placed rounded blocks of rock, forming piles of monumental boulders scattered among the broom and rockroses that dot the area.

In the first part of the hike from Finestret to Pic des Maurous, the climb from the point (1) is quite demanding. The steep slope throughout this section requires a good level of fitness. It offers beautiful views of the north and east of the area, from the Madres Massif to the sea, passing through the plain and its villages, the Fenouillèdes and the Corbières in the distance. The GPX track can be very useful.

This hike in the north-western sector of Rodès mainly follows little-used paths. This circular route sometimes requires walking on poorly marked paths overgrown with vegetation (trousers recommended), and sometimes on well-marked paths or tracks (but as little as possible, as we prefer the paths). The "common thread" of the day is the almost constant view of Canigou. Some parts are not easy to walk, so they are reserved for walkers who are not afraid to "wear out their shoes". Visorando app recommended.

This walk in the Roc d’Orque massif takes place largely on the south-facing side, which is lovely at this time of year. A lovely route at the foot of high limestone cliffs, passing close to a large waterfall that cascades down from the base of one of them. A resurgence causes the water to gush forth, having travelled through the mountain from the catchment area formed by the plateau above the cliffs. Well worth a visit. Hikers who completed this circular route after Storm Nils reported difficulties in following the route from the starting point (10). Extensive work has been carried out by a forestry company, enabling the route to be restored. See Practical Information.

Inspired by a Visorandonneur hike called "Le Sentier des 5 Sens depuis la route du Col de Jau" (The 5 Senses Trail from the Col de Jau road), the idea of doing it on snowshoes was made possible by the exceptional snowfall of the previous days. There was enough good snow to avoid having to climb up and start from the Col de Jau as we did in other winters. Apart from the track leading from the road to the car park, the entire hike took place in virgin snow, allowing us to see animal tracks in all directions. It was a real treat!

Circular hike starting below the Col de Jau at the start of the old ski resort. Except for the track leading from the road to the car park, we were able to complete the entire hike in virgin snow and discover areas marked only by animal tracks in all directions.

Puig Pedrós is a classic hike in Rodès. We wanted to climb it via a path that is no longer used. It runs around the Vallagra Ravine. As it was poorly marked, if at all, we reopened the middle section of the path, before and after crossing the Còrrec de Vallagra, on the right and left banks (lots of brambles and Mediterranean vegetation). We crossed the stream (elevation 319) using tree trunks deposited by the recent floods. This part of the route is a bit adventurous and is intended for adventurers. The rest of the circular route is uneventful.The GPX track is highly recommended.

A snowshoe hike on the Caroux plateau, which is not often possible. Of course, you need to have your own snowshoes, as it is almost impossible to hire them on the way there. But it was very pleasant to be able to walk with snowshoes on that day. The slight incline allows people who are not used to this activity to discover the pleasure of hiking in the snow in areas that are, in part, untouched. GPX track required in some places.

This year, with its exceptional snowfall, it is possible to tackle routes that were difficult to complete in previous years. There seems to be nearly a metre of snow, which is impressive. To climb up to the pass, we took advantage of a very clear road, with no snow or ice. A very beautiful circular route, a little challenging as you sink in a lot, but very interesting. For the less adventurous, a round trip on the flattest part of the route makes for an easy discovery hike (between the Col de Jau at 1,506 metres and the point (2) at 1,529 metres).

This year, with its exceptional snowfall, allows you to do this route on snowshoes in good conditions. To climb up to the pass, we took advantage of a very clear road, with no snow or ice. A beautiful hike that takes you to the summit of Pic Dourmidou with heavy snowfall, just after 5 to 10 centimetres of fresh snow fell during the night, adding to the thick layer that had fallen in previous days. Beautiful 360° view from the summit before the fog rolled in.

This hike takes place on a south-facing slope, allowing you to spend a day in the sun, with the Canigou massif in your sights.

We really enjoyed this round-trip snowshoe hike, made possible by exceptional snow cover and, above all, the fresh snow that had fallen the previous day. Starting via the track makes for an easier start to the hike, allowing you to warm up rather than immediately taking the GR® 177, which climbs quite steeply through the woods. Leaving the track, the path climbs a little further to join the GRP® and begins a slightly steeper ascent to reach Pla Segalà, the day’s destination.

A lovely circular route starting from the Col de Mantet and passing through Pla Segalà. Apart from a few animal tracks, pristine white snow is guaranteed throughout the route.

The only place in the region where there was no wind! We were able to walk all day without a breath of wind, whilst everywhere else, gusts of over 100 km/h were sweeping across the mountains. Incredible! On the other hand, there are quite a few trees blocking the paths, which sometimes makes progress difficult or tedious. Nevertheless, a lovely hike despite the final section being entirely on track.

This marks the completion of this beautiful hike after several weeks of research to create the route described below. It’s a great achievement that will help people discover and get to know this small mountain range located east of the Caroux and Espinouse ranges. Some sections (fairly short) are a bit tricky to follow, but the Visorando GPX track is very useful.

The distinctive shape of Mont Tauch makes it easily recognisable during hikes, whether from the Catalan Pyrenees, the Caroux or various peaks in the Corbières. It catches the eye to such an extent that it makes you want to explore it. From the village of Maisons, a gentle, steady climb takes you up the 555 metres to this plateau, which is interesting for its geographical position as it offers spectacular views of the Pyrenees, from the Albères to the Madrès massif, via the Corbières hills to the highest peaks of Capcir. Whilst the first part of this hike presents no difficulties, the descent on the other side of the plateau is best left to seasoned hikers capable of navigating using the Visorando GPX track.

Visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and hiking through the beautiful limestone massif surrounding the village is well worth the effort. This circular route, with its varied landscapes, allows you to see the most picturesque spots in the area without having to rub shoulders with the crowds hiking in the massif.

A very beautiful hike along excellent, well-marked trails (GR® and PR®) to the south and north of Termes, a small village in the Hautes Corbières where you can visit the castle (pick up tickets at the Tourist Office before setting off on the hike). Classified as moderate, it nevertheless requires a good level of fitness as it includes a few steep sections along the route as well as some fairly steep descents.

The pretty village of Termes is surrounded by two lovely walks. You can do them separately or in one go, offering the option of walks for three different fitness levels. As the northern section and the circular walk combining both walks have already been published on Visorando, I am adding the section that runs south of the village. If you follow the suggested route, it is suitable for average walkers, but you should be careful on the descent between points (4) and (7), as a few fairly steep sections may prove challenging for some. However, there are no insurmountable difficulties, but it is best to be forewarned.

A circular route starting from the village of Les Ilhes-Cabardès. A few demanding climbs allow you to discover the unspoilt nature and mountain ranges in this area, which was occupied by the Maquis during the Second World War.