Vauban Trail from Rouze to Aunat

(S/E) From the village square, head towards the ‘Ponts Vauban’ road sign. At the next junction, turn left. Climb the steps and follow Rue de la Buraliste to the right. Walk past the church, then continue along the main street until you reach the wooden sign indicating the Pont Vauban.

(1) Turn left, rejoin the GR®7 a few metres further on, and cross the remarkably restored Vauban Bridge. Continue along the path until you reach a small tarmac road where there is a sign for the Chemin Vauban.

(2) Turn left and continue along the GR®7. Follow this path, which gradually leads into the woodland, until you reach a Fork in the road.

(3) Head downhill to the right, continuing along the GR®7 towards Campagna-de-Sault until you reach another junction.

(4) Stay on the GR®7 towards Campagna-de-Sault. The path, which remains pleasant, winds through the woodland before reaching a farm; please make sure to close the gates behind you. Cross a stream marking the boundary between the departments of Ariège and Aude, where there is a restored mill open to visitors, before coming out onto a road.

(5) Take the GR®7 path, which starts at the bend in the road, then head uphill to the village of Campagna-de-Sault. At the junction, pass the Town Hall square on your right and, at the next junction, turn right onto Rue Vauban and head towards the church.

(6) Walk past the church and follow the GR®7 along the balcony path until you reach a junction.

(7) Leave the GR®7, which climbs to the left, and continue straight ahead towards Fontanès, following the yellow signposting.
Further on, enjoy a view of Usson Castle, accompanied by an information board. Continue on to another heritage signpost detailing the Château des Dournes and the Tunnel des Dournes, which you pass through before reaching another junction.

(8) Take the climb on the left towards the Col de la Clause. Follow the track as it gradually ascends via three hairpin bends, then rejoin the red and white markings of the GR®7.

(9) Continue to the right towards the Col de la Clause. Further on, pass the ‘Le Menier’ information board, then carry on along the GR®7 until you reach another junction, marked by a ‘Route Vauban’ sign.

(10) Turn left towards the Col de la Clause.

(11) From the pass, take the track on the right, then start the descent on the right. Continue until you reach a sign marking the Chemin Vauban.

(12) Ignore the sign pointing left, as the path is not maintained further on. Continue to the right until you reach another junction at a hairpin bend.

(13) Continue to the left and stay on the track at all times, ignoring any side paths. This track leads further on to the D20. Continue to the right to reach the village square in Aunat and complete this magnificent heritage trail (E).