Calmels-et-le-Viala walks

In the heart of the Rougier, the village of Viala du Dourdou, in a dominant position, offers easy hiking and surprising views in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park.

In the heart of the Rougier de Camarès and crossed by the Dourdou, the medieval village of Saint-Izaire welcomes us with its imposing suspension bridge, its red sandstone church and its 14th-century castle (former residence of the bishops of Vabres l'Abbaye). You will be charmed by this delightful village, where the sun gives the red stone facades a flamboyant appearance.

In fine weather, the views from Caylus Rock are superb. The walk ends with a tour of the town centre.

A lovely walk that presents no difficulties other than its length and a significant elevation gain. It takes you past six dolmens, including the two most impressive in the region. Passing through a succession of cultivated fields, forests and heaths, the route also takes you past the beautiful site of the Chapel of Saint-Martin de Boussac (ideal for a picnic) and the Rocher de Caylus, which overlooks the village of Saint-Affrique. In Saint-Affrique itself: the Pont Vieux, the cathedral, the old narrow streets...

This route alternates between climbs (sometimes steep...), descents (just as steep...!), narrow paths and tracks, and a bit of road too. You pass through steep-sided valleys and very pretty hilltop villages, and most of the time you walk along a balcony-like path above the Tarn, a river with emerald-green waters (well, almost...).

Perched on a rocky promontory, at the confluence of the Tarn and Alrance rivers, the magnificent small village of Brousse-le-Château is noted for its exceptional location.

Very interesting hike as much for the landscapes (Rance valley, Rougier de Camarès) as for the culture (village of Combret, Notre-Dame d'Orient, numerous crosses). Some portions on tarmac, but with the magnificence of the small paths and the beauty of the landscape, you'll quickly forget them.

This route, set amid stone landscapes and valleys, allows you to discover the Occitan crosses that mark the entire route around Coupiac and its castle. A patchwork of hills and valleys along the route will delight the eye.

This hike, mostly in tree-shade, takes you through coombs and valleys to the south of Saint-Sernin-sur-Rance. Beautiful paths, some of them forgotten or seldom used, add a pleasant touch of wilderness. A breath of fresh air in absolute calm, in an unspoilt natural setting, not forgetting the two menhir statues at Pousthomy, which add a touch of historical interest to this walk.

Overhanging path offering magnificent views of the Tarn valley, Brousse-le-Château and the Lévézou. Yellow markings along the entire route.

A beautiful hike starting from Ayssènes in the little-known Tarn region, culminating at the Notre-Dame-du-Désert chapel. Beautiful panoramic views of the Gorges du Tarn and the Lévézou hills. Despite numerous shaded sections, avoid doing this hike in the heat of the day or in wet weather due to the significant elevation gain.

In the shade of the pink sandstone collegiate church and the surrounding woods, a peaceful escape on bushy paths, mills and hamlets, forest trails wind their way along the river Rance. Yellow markings and a ford on the Rance. ⚠️To be avoided in periods of heavy rain, otherwise one passes at ease by taking off one's shoes.

A contrasting walk, between panoramic views from a historic hilltop site and the shores of Lake Villefranche, with its footpath passing through the green landscapes typical of the Lévézou. Moderator's note problem with the passage between (9) and (10), see the notice dated 14/07/2022, and the description between (8) and (9).

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.

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

Discover an ancient silver mining village and troglodyte dwellings. This walk immerses us in history and heritage. Take the time to make a detour to the hamlet of Le Minier, which was once famous for its silver mines. Yellow markings.

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.

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.