Among the vines: heart-shaped serapias

A bucolic walk in the heart of the Fronton AOP. You will go from valley to valley through vineyards and forests. You will enjoy magnificent views of the Girou valley with the Pyrenees as a backdrop and a panoramic view of the Tarn valley from Rabastens to Montauban.
The circuit is marked by 13 scent markers featuring the aromas of Fronton wines. Can you recognise them all?

Details

445545
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.01 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 152 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 153 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 228 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 144 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Vacquiers (31340)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.778261° / E 1.479293°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2142O
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Start/car park: Vacquiers Town Hall.

(S/E) From the town hall, turn right onto Rue de la Saint Martin, then right again onto Rue de l'Église until you reach the Esplanade du 11 Novembre (church) at the top of the village.

(1) From the esplanade, turn left onto Chemin de la Garrosse, pass a turning on the left and at the next fork, take the left-hand road. Cross the Ruisseau de Castenet and you will reach another fork.

(2) Turn right onto Chemin de Gabachou, pass this hamlet where you will have a view of the church and arrive at a crossroads.

(3) Continue straight ahead on Chemin de Blanchardy, heading north-west until you reach the D30.

(4) Cross the D30, follow the Chemin des Quatre Carolles and continue straight ahead towards La Baraque. Pass the water tower and continue right onto the Chemin du Château d'Eau.

(5) Before reaching the D30, turn left onto Chemin des Bois, then take Chemin Royal and continue through the woods. At the exit, follow the vineyard until you reach the D63, Route de Fronton, and turn right onto this road for about 100 metres.

(6) Turn left into the vineyards until you reach Chemin des Barthes, then turn left.

(7) At the horse farm, turn right onto the path. At the end, turn left and follow the path through the vineyards (yellow markers).

(8) Cross the small stream, turn left after the large embankment and continue to the Raygades road. Turn right and continue for about 500 metres.

(9) Turn left onto Chemin du Ritou. Before the narrower section, turn right and follow the field for a few metres, then turn left. Go over the embankment and cross the small wood to join Chemin des Chantres. Turn right and follow the road to Villematier for 150 metres.

(10) Turn left onto the dirt track towards Les Pradelles and follow the signs. Join the D32a, Route de la Magdeleine, and follow it to the right for about 100 metres.

(11) Turn left onto Chemin de Pouchigue, then right onto Chemin de l'Escalère, passing the water treatment plant. Follow Chemin de Cap Nègre on the right and you will arrive at the D32a.

(12) Turn left towards the cemetery. After passing it, turn left onto Chemin Samounet.

(13) When you reach the wash house, follow Chemin de la Fontaine to the right. At the top of the hill (Statue of Joan of Arc), take Rue de la Saint-Martin opposite to reach the town hall (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 200 m - Vacquiers Town Hall
  2. 1 : km 0.44 - alt. 222 m - On the left, Chemin de la Garrosse
  3. 2 : km 1.4 - alt. 184 m - On the right, Chemin de Gabachou
  4. 3 : km 2.44 - alt. 196 m - Straight ahead, Chemin de Blanchardy
  5. 4 : km 3.42 - alt. 197 m - Crossing the D30
  6. 5 : km 4.3 - alt. 212 m - On the left, Chemin des Bois
  7. 6 : km 5.21 - alt. 199 m - Turn left into the vineyards.
  8. 7 : km 6.02 - alt. 169 m - Turn right at the horse farm.
  9. 8 : km 7.09 - alt. 155 m - Crossing the stream
  10. 9 : km 8.2 - alt. 162 m - Path through the vineyards, on the left.
  11. 10 : km 9.11 - alt. 155 m - Passage through the vineyards of the Domaine des Pradelles
  12. 11 : km 10.34 - alt. 160 m - On the left, Chemin de Pouchigue
  13. 12 : km 11.29 - alt. 174 m - Turn left towards the cemetery.
  14. 13 : km 11.78 - alt. 179 m - Straight ahead towards the statue of Joan of Arc.
  15. S/E : km 12.01 - alt. 200 m - Vacquiers Town Hall

Notes

Hike marked according to French Hiking Federation standards: yellow markings on urban structures (stickers) or natural features (eco-friendly paint).
Danger signs inform hikers when crossing departmental roads.

Worth a visit

Things to see along the route: church (panoramic view and orientation table), view of the Girou valley and the Pyrenees, panoramic view of the Tarn valley, wash house, Domaine des Pradelles, Domaine Plaisance-Penavayre, protected orchid: heart-shaped serapias (depending on the season).

Nearby: Château Monplaisir.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 58 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Vouvounet
Vouvounet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did the hike in the opposite direction to the one indicated, but that wasn't a problem because the finish offers a beautiful view of the church, and the landscape is more hilly at the end, which is nicer. An easy hike, completed in 30 minutes less than expected, taking our time. Despite the recent rain, the ground wasn't too muddy. A nice hike less than 30 minutes from Toulouse.

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La Gerve
La Gerve
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This hike would be perfect with fewer roads, although they are not very busy.

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Effde
Effde

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy hike, completed on 7 April on a beautiful spring day when the rapeseed fields lit up the countryside with their bright yellow colour. There are some interesting scent markers along the way, and it must also be very beautiful in the season when the vines turn red! There are a few sections on the road, but most of the hike is on grassy paths.

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DANIEL CAPRA
DANIEL CAPRA

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

FUN AND EASY CIRCUIT

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Fa54
Fa54

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Vineyards, horses and woods... A varied and enjoyable route. Moderate terrain but little chance of getting lost.

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MEB31
MEB31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, very pleasant hike. I do it often. Climb at the beginning towards the church, then ups and downs, quiet road, woods, vineyards. If it rains, it can be slippery at the entrance to the woods. Some sections are on roads, but most are not very busy.

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AmandineV
AmandineV

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short hike under beautiful autumn sunshine. At a brisk pace, the loop takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. A very beautiful walk, mostly flat and surrounded by greenery. The sections on tarmac aren't unpleasant either, as the roads are very quiet. I highly recommend this route!

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Meb262
Meb262

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk with gentle ascents and descents. Very well signposted with yellow markers and scent boxes. Busy road just at the end when returning to the village.

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Baikonour
Baikonour

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike with views: valley, village
Various landscapes including the beautiful "royal forest" and the vineyards of Fronton
The scent boxes are a real bonus!
Thanks to the trail markers
Best done during the flowering and grape harvest seasons

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Farce
Farce

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike with many scenic viewpoints.

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emmathena
emmathena

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great route with fairly sunny weather and a good mix of paths and roads that were very well signposted. We really enjoyed the aroma boxes placed along the route, which allowed us to discover the aromas of local wines. Very easy, no difficulty at all.

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Grizipi
Grizipi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk through the countryside, woods and vineyards; best done in autumn when the vineyards and forests are at their most colourful.
The scent markers are a lovely idea.

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Sonia82
Sonia82

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, varied hike with stunning views. Additional internet with scent terminals, if they are still providing scents.

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MAMISS
MAMISS

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, very interesting scent trail! Beautiful view of the Pyrenees, route through varied landscapes. Superb!

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Ishe Kha
Ishe Kha

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk with no particular difficulties and well signposted.
Be careful if you do this walk during the hot months, as much of it is in direct sunlight and there is quite a lot of tarmac to walk on.
The section in the woods is very pleasant but unfortunately too short. There is an alternative route that allows you to enjoy the woods for longer.
There are a few points where you may hesitate, particularly at point 9, where you have to cross a large embankment to reach the woods... it's not really a wood. Once you reach the embankment, don't go past it, turn right and head back up towards the Chemin des Chantres.
At point 11, be careful at the end as the Chemin de Pouchigue is quickly reached on your left... you can only see the sign once you have passed it, but don't worry, even if you go straight ahead, you will rejoin the Chemin de Cap Nègres on your right.

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