OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Follow in the footsteps of Théodore Denille and discover the landscapes of Lauragais, the hills of Piège du Lauragais and the people who shaped its history. Find your way through the maze of wooded paths, take a few breaks to read the signs and admire the panoramic views, while learning to recognise orchids. Red markings

On the ridge line that marks the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, there is a fascinating interpretive trail on the geology and formation of these rolling landscapes of Razès, Lauragais and the foothills of the Pyrenees. Yellow + yellow and red markings for the section on theGR®®78

The stronghold of the powerful lords who gave their name to the Lauragais, the ancient fortified village of Laurac has retained its dominant position, its medieval silhouette and its authentic stone buildings. The route reveals breathtaking panoramas and allows you to observe the village and nature from the surrounding hills. The information panels along the route tell its eventful history, from the Cathars to the religious wars of the Renaissance. Yellow markings

Starting from Laserre-de-Prouille, set off along the paths through the vineyards of the Malepère appellation to discover four villages perched on their hills: Brézilhac, Ferran, Mazerolles-du-Razès and Lasserre-de-Prouille. Several panoramic views provide an insight into the landscape, which is marked by a wide variety of agricultural activities. Yellow markings

Between vineyards and hills, hike in the footsteps of Saint Dominic: a shortened version of this legendary hike using theGR®® 78, the Piedmont Way of Saint James, starting from the pretty village of Montréal, renowned for its majestic collegiate church. Yellow markings

Set off on the path once taken by Saint Dominic to reach the first monastery he founded in Prouille. Crossing the hills, the route reveals the wine-growing village of Lasserre-de-Prouille, a small "circulade" with a remarkable heritage. This is a shortened version of the long route linking Fanjeaux to Montréal (30 km) via the GR® 78, the Piedmont route of the legendary pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Yellow markings

Today’s rural world is very different from that of centuries past. Whilst agriculture remains the driving force and an indelible feature of the Piège hills, the people and practices have changed. Following in the footsteps of Bertrand, the grocer from Mirepoix, this interpretive trail offers a dialogue between rural life today and in the past. You’ll learn more about the ‘traditional’ trades that once kept the heart of the countryside beating and the agriculture that still shapes the landscape. Follow the blue markings

Learn to draw while walking and observing the landscapes of the Piège hills, in unusual places such as the Serre des Enchantées or among the sheep on a wild hilltop. This is an original hike between the unspoilt villages of Cazalrenoux and Génerville. Yellow markings + 7 wooden easels

part2 of the "Les Collines du Vent" route:The exceptional views amply reward the effort of climbing the pechs (hills in Occitan). The Collines du Vent route then takes on its full spectacular dimension: the pechs are swept by winds blowing alternately from the Mediterranean (the autan or marin) and the Atlantic (cers). There are few trees on the hills, which also means that there is little shade in summer, so the sun beats down hard on the hills. A spectacular and iconic 48.2 km online route in the Lauragais region, the "Collines du Vent" connects Avignonet-Lauragais and Fanjeaux. Numerous windmills are dotted across these first hills of La Piège, taking advantage of the generous winds that blow alternately from the Mediterranean (the Autan or marine wind) and the Atlantic (the Cers). The view stretches far beyond the hills to the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Eleven information panels provide details about the area's heritage. Yellow and blue markings

In the Aude Cathar Country, the unspoilt village of Fanjeaux, perched on a hill (pech in Occitan), offers spectacular views of the countryside. The undulating route winds its way over the hills, dotted with numerous viewpoints, including Mont Carrière with its four orientation tables. Red markings and "Circular de la Hille" sign.

Starting from the Circulade in Bram (a lovely warm-up ride through this unique and well-preserved heritage site), this route follows the path of an old railway line that once linked Bram to Mirepoix and Lavelanet, passing through the charming countryside of the Razès. The section between Bram and Mirepoix is fairly easy for all types of bike (a hybrid bike is best suited), and its high-quality surface is fairly new. However, thesecond section from Moulin Neuf to Lavelanet, which is older, is best tackled on a mountain bike.

On the lower slopes of the Montagne Noire, the Lampy River powered numerous textile factories in Cenne-Monestiés from the 17th to the 20th century. Downstream from the well-restored dam, beautiful remains are still visible in this rolling, green landscape. This route will show them to you with a series of information panels, taking you to some surprising places: along an old irrigation channel, at the end of the lake or in a panoramic spot in the middle of the pastures. Blue markings

This circular loop, which starts along the tramway path, opens onto the hills of La Piège. It encircles a narrow valley that has always been farmland shared by the farmers living in the village. Each of the fields lined up in this way had access or a "step" from the path. A stone hut, flanked by the traditional cypress tree, allowed the farmer and his team to take a well-deserved rest once the "junte" was finished. Blue markings

The wild orchid discovery trail winds its way from the slopes of Mont Carrière to those of Les Canonges, offering a succession of hills and valleys where undergrowth, forests, cultivated areas, short, dry grasslands on limestone soil and wetlands alternate. Wild orchids have made their home in this setting. However, few walkers pay attention to these sometimes tiny flowers, which rarely grow taller than 20 centimetres, in the early days of spring. Some are very concentrated, others much rarer, growing alone or scattered. Picto Yellow Flower Markings

A spectacular and iconic 48.2 km online route through the Lauragais region, the "Collines du Vent" (Windy Hills) connect Avignonet-Lauragais and Fanjeaux. Numerous windmills are dotted across these first hills of the Piège, taking advantage of the generous winds that blow alternately from the Mediterranean (the autan or marin) and the Atlantic (the cers). The view stretches far beyond the hills to the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Eleven information panels provide details about the local heritage. Yellow and blue markingsPlease note: follow the yellow and pink markings (those of the Tour de Lauragais) from Laurac to Fanjeaux.