Cessière (rivière) - Affluent de la Cesse walks

A short circuit starting from the hamlet of Paguignan will take you through vineyards and woods, passing successively through the hamlets of Cailhol and Vialanove. On the return circuit, there is a protected cave where bats nest. Please note! We recommend using the Visorando app for navigation, and above all, downloading the map before you leave home, as the area will remain a white zone until at least the end of 2022...

Discover the famous Muscat vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. This circuit moves out of the hamlet of Paguignan leading onto the plateau of Saint John and then descends to the Cesse Valley to join Agel and its Castle, which is listed as a Historical Monument. The route then continues in the direction of Cassidy and then reaches the starting point.

A short, easy walk. It is partly marked in blue and, in places, in yellow and red. Warning! In summer, temperatures (in the shade) can exceed 35°C and the route is largely exposed. Remember to take plenty of water and apply sun cream. Also, from 15 August onwards, check that a driven hunt is not taking place.

Between 55 and 45 million years ago, a warm, shallow sea flooded the older terrain forming the Montagne Noire, covering it with limestone rich in foraminifera (microscopic organisms encased in a calcareous shell). This limestone forms the Causses du Minervois. Rivers flowing down from the Montagne Noire cross these plateaus and carve out narrow valleys: the canyons. This network of canyons is home to numerous karstic caves and caves harbouring ancient traces of human presence and rare animal species. Bats, which inhabit the Grotte de l’Aldène in the Cesse Gorges, the peregrine falcon, the Montagu’s harrier and the red-backed shrike all contribute to the biodiversity of this site. This walk remains on the limestone plateau, amongst vineyards and valleys, and offers an exceptional view of the Brahunal Gorges, a stream that joins the Cessière. See warning in the practical information tab