Brusque walks

A short family hike in the upper Dourdou valley, in southern Aveyron, where water meets stone and the slopes are stony. But above all, it is the village of Brusque, from ‘bruscas’ (heather), crowned by the ruins of its9th-century castle on its rocky outcrop, with its winding alleyways.

Through a coniferous forest, we discover the Russian Orthodox Chapel nestled in the heart of the woods, in an idyllic green setting. Time to pause and meditate on this magical place. Superb views. The trail is mainly woodland, which is pleasant in hot weather.

If you love the countryside, beautiful views, discovering unusual sites, walking up and down hills; in short, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the peace and quiet, this hike is sure to satisfy you.

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.

A lovely climb through holm oaks, kermes oaks and broom.

A short walk in the Rougier de Camarès at the foot of the village of Gissac and its castle. We are in the heart of the famous Rougier de Camarès, which has featured in television reports on several occasions. In fine weather, the scenery is beautiful and the tranquillity here is restful. Don’t be surprised to come across sheep; you are on their territory here.

Another way to explore the Terres Rouges of the Rougier de Camarès.

Pleasant walk starting from the centre of Camarès (you can also start from the leisure centre car park) along the Dourdou river, passing through Camarès "Ville haute" (upper town), the ruins of the old fortified town, the castle currently being restored, the rose garden, and enjoy the panoramic view from the old bell tower.

The walk is mainly in the shade of the forest. Very pleasant to do during hot weather.

A superb circular route starting from Castanet-le-Haut: can be done in one day or over two days with a stopover at the bivouac in Caissenols-le-Haut. Ascent to the Plo des Brus plateau via the Razigade ridge, passing through the Col de l'Ourtigas, then descent to the abandoned hamlet of Caissenols-le-Haut. Continue towards the Roquandouire gate, heading towards Saint-Gervais along the ridge, before joining the GRP® de la Mare trail and following it upstream along the river towards Andabre and then Castanet-le-Haut.

This hike in the Roc d'Orque massif takes place largely on the south side, which is pleasant at this time of year. It is a beautiful route at the foot of high limestone cliffs, passing close to a large waterfall at the foot of one of them. A resurgence causes the water that has passed through the mountain from the catchment area formed by the plateau above the cliffs to gush out. It's a sight worth seeing. See Practical Information.

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.

In the heart of the Monts de Lacaune, a family hike from the village of Murat-sur-Vèbre through the grazing lands of the Lacaune sheep, whose milk is used to make Roquefort cheese, the first French cheese to receive an appellation d'origine. With a break in a restored sheepfold, a walk through a typical hamlet (where traditional sheep's cheese is sold directly) and the return to Murat via Le Castelas and its old village.

Starting from the Andabre sports complex, opposite the cemetery, this is a lovely walk in a corner of the Hérault that once lived off coal mining. Although mining ceased in the early 1990s, it has left a lasting impression on the local community. This walk gives you an insight into another type of activity, still practised today, namely agriculture, specifically chestnut farming.

A very beautiful hike where you will find a dolmen and a menhir statue, flower-lined paths, and views of the Murat countryside, Camarès and the slopes of Espinouse. Part of this route follows the ancient Roman road which became the Via Tolosana in the Middle Ages, the route from Arles to Santiago de Compostela.