Greffeil walks

Lake Cavayère is the place to visit in Carcassonne when the sun is out. The path around the lake is laid out clearly and is very easy to follow even with children (over ten years). The ever present lake provides a very pleasant setting.

Despite its modest altitude, Mont Major (541 m), the highest point of the Serre de Blanes, offers a magnificent 360° panorama that takes in the Montagne d'Alaric, the Carcassonne plain and, on a clear day, the peaks of the Ariège Pyrenees and Canigou. The climb, starting from the village of Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, takes place in a landscape typical of the Corbières region, with small isolated vineyards, pine trees and heath where holm oaks reign supreme. A breath of fresh air and peace and quiet guaranteed.

This short hike takes you up to a vantage point where you can admire the village of Lagrasse and its listed abbey. The name "fesses de Charlemagne" (Charlemagne's buttocks) comes from a legend which tells how Charlemagne's horse stumbled, throwing him onto the hill where he landed on his backside.

This hike, a little longer than Charlemagne's buttocks, takes you to a chapel and a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area, all surrounded by wild vegetation.

This is a great walk in the heart of the Alaric massif, where you can explore deep valleys and forests of holm oaks and Austrian black pines. Legend has it that the Visigoth king Alaric, passing through the region, gave the mountain its name, and some say that his treasure is hidden here. A trip to the summit offers views of the entire Aude plain, the Corbières, the Eastern Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea if the weather is clear enough.

It's not the most interesting route in the massif, but it's the shortest way to quickly reach the summit of the famous site that became legendary in 2012, the Pech de Bugarach, the mysterious highest point of the Corbières massif, a foothill of the Pyrenees and a landmark for griffon vultures, which you're sure to spot.

Nature trail along the Aude river and urban trail through the villages of Campagne-sur-Aude and Espéraza.

This is a relatively short, intense loop route at altitude, climbing Pech du Bugarach from the village via La Fenêtre.

You'll be amazed by the well-preserved state of the Visigoths' tombs found along the way. You can explore the cemetery, made up of fifteen or so graves, at the corner of a path in the middle of shrub land.

At the gates of Carcassonne, the Montagne d'Alaric offers a superb viewpoint over the Pyrenees and the Aude plain. The ruins of the priories of Saint-Pierre d'Alaric and Saint-Michel de Nahuze, as well as those of the Métairie de Vidal, encourage us to reflect on the history of this mountain and the life that must have once animated it. Finally, the return journey through the vineyards of the Corbières region is an invitation to end this day's walk with a well-deserved wine tasting.

In the Laure-Minervois area, drystone shelters known as capitelles bear witness to the history and work of the rural world. This route, marked in yellow, will take you to around thirty capitelles that have been restored by the villagers.

A magnificent walk through the Corbières heath with panoramic views of the nearby Pyrenees and the Château de Queribus, sentinel between the Aude and the Eastern Pyrenees.

A 16 km loop that passes under the walls of Peyrepertuse Castle, with views of Quéribus Castle and the Quille Massif. Most of the hike is in the woods. Finally, the Verdouble Gorges with their pools and waterfalls offer a refreshing and relaxing break.

Very nice circuit that will take you over grazing areas that are still used. The last part of the circuit overhangs the gorges of Galamus.

If you enjoy walking among junipers, gorse and rockroses on a very stony but not particularly difficult path, you will love this short hike, which will take you to the quarry where the red marble columns of the Palace of Versailles were quarried.

From the village, a climb to the foot of the Château de Quéribus on well-marked paths. See: practical information. The descent is quite steep, after waypoint (5). It's quite possible to do this circuit the other way round, and climb from waypoint (6) to (5).

From Padern, climb up to the castle, cross the Pas de Massac and the Pas de la Serre.Then there is a superb passage along the ridge to reach the Roc de la Capéliane. Next, follow the tracks, with beautiful scenery, to descend to a discreet path that climbs back up along the Ruisseau de Grazels. Back at the crossroads of the two loops, cross the Pas de la Goutine to return to the village.This circuit may be considered quite difficult by some people.The GPX track is necessary at various points to confirm your position, particularly at (12) and (13).It is possible to do only part of this circuit. *

An exceptional hike, but: - the 6 km ridge walk from Grau de Maury to La Quille. - the route passes close to steep cliffs and includes a section of rock climbing, so it is strongly advised against for people who are prone to vertigo. Only experienced hikers in good physical condition and accustomed to rocky terrain can complete this hike safely. GPX track essential. Be prepared to turn back if necessary.