Termes Circular Loop

From Narbonne, take the D6113 to Montredon-des-Corbières. At the roundabout, take the D613 to the left, towards Bizanet, Fontfroide Abbey and Saint-André-de-Roquelongue. Continue along this departmental road, pass Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse and continue left as you leave the village, still on the D613. Pass through the village of Talairan to reach Félines-Termenès. Pass through this village and continue on the D613 to the junction with the D40 towards Termes. The long descent leads to the entrance to the village where you’ll find the designated car park on the left, from where the walk begins.

Red and white markings

(S/E) From the bottom of the car park, take the steps and follow the concrete path that runs alongside the stream and leads into the village (elevation 338m).

(1) Cross the footbridge over the stream (GR®36 sign) towards a large picnic area. The path runs along the left bank of the Le Sou stream, where you can see plenty of fish. Follow it alongside an irrigation channel used to water the many gardens lining the path, pass a picnic table and reach a small tributary of the Sou (the Nougairole stream).

(2) Cross this tributary and begin the ascent, which includes a few steep sections that can be quite challenging at times. Note the passage over a natural bridge, with a drop-off to the left at the Caune Pont Gorges and a chasm to the right. (Some remarkable views of the gorges). Arrive at a path junction.

(3) Ignore the path heading south-southeast and turn right, continuing to follow the red-and-white marked GR® trail. One final climb leads to a grassy plateau, which was in full bloom that day (elevation 577m). At the next junction, walk about a hundred metres there and back to reach a viewpoint overlooking the Corbières hills and the village of Mouthoumet.

(4) Return to the path and head left to join a track. Begin a gentle, steady descent and arrive at a junction of paths.

Yellow markings

(5) Leave the GR® leading to Mouthoumet on the left (sign) and turn right, now following the yellow markings of the PR®. You will soon go round a farm bordered by a wire fence, coming out onto a stony track. Further down, with Termes Castle in view, perched on a rounded spur, ignore the yellow-marked turn-off to the right which leads back to the village. Continue along the track to the foot of the castle and reach a junction of several tracks (avoid entering the site if you have not purchased tickets in advance, as you may be fined).

(6) Turn left onto the path that descends westwards then north-north-west, leading to the tarmac road (D40) which passes through two tunnels on the right before reaching Termes. Do not go there, however, but cross the road.

(7) Climb over the crash barrier to take a path running parallel to the road which, if you head left, allows you to descend safely to the next hairpin bend. Descend to the right along this good path which, after a few hairpin bends, leads to the edge of the stream. Cross it via a wide concrete bridge, then head back up the track on the right bank.

(8) At the junction with a path climbing up to the left, head towards the stream and use the metal handrails to reach it (a lovely spot for a picnic by the water, at the top of a waterfall).

(9) Return to the previous fork.

(8) Take the path on the right, climb towards the Bergerie Jean Savour to reach the junction with the GR®.

(10) Ignore the GR® for the time being and climb up to a viewpoint offering views of the northern part of the Corbières and overlooking the ruins of Durfort Castle. Continue along this path and rejoin the GR® 36 trail just before the Col de la Gardie (elevation 452m).

Red and white markings

(11) The climb continues. At the next junction, take the short path on the right to reach a lovely viewpoint.

(12) Enjoy the bird’s-eye view of the Gorges du Terminet. Head back and continue to the right towards the Serre de Coste Raste, descending steadily towards the village of Termes.

(13) At the junction of the GR®36 and GR®36A trails, continue to the right towards the village. A stroll through the pretty narrow streets lined with stone houses is a must. Then head back up the D40 to the original fork.

(1) Continue along this road and take the concrete path on the right, following the stream back to the car park (S/E).