La Montagne D'Alaric - Roc De L'Aigle

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.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 16.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 690 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 691 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 596 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 112 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access

In the centre of Moux, look out for the start of the small road on the right coming from Carcassonne, or on the left coming from Lézignan-Corbières (signposted "Tombe d'Henri Bataille"). Go under the Autoroute des Deux Mers (A61) and you will soon reach a crossroads. Park on the right, at the entrance to a track, in a small area that can accommodate two or three vehicles (hiking signs).

White and redGR® markings

(S/E) Take the wide track that runs alongside the old sheepfold of the Four à Chaux, a beautiful, lovingly restored stone building. In a small pine wood, leave a wide path on your left and continue right on the marked trail, which quickly gains height before levelling out.

(1) Take a short detour to the left to visit the ruins of the Priory (Castle?) of Saint-Pierre d'Alaric, of which only a vertical section of wall remains. Enjoy the view of the Aude plain and the Corbières vineyards below.

Back on the path, continue to the left, pass the imposing ruins of the Vidal dairy farm and arrive at a fork (double sign: Signal d'Alaric +GR®77).

(2) Turn right onto a narrower path that enters a wood dominated by box trees and joins a wide track.

(3) Follow this track to the right for about 20 metres, then leave it and take the well-marked path on the left (Signal d'Alaric sign). The slope becomes steep several times, then levels out as the path emerges at the top of the Signal d'Alaric, recognisable by its telecommunications antenna and watchtower.

At the crossroads opposite the installations (cairn), leave theGR® for a short while and turn left. When you reach the wide track leading to the summit, follow it to the left, slightly downhill, to reach the start of a path on the left, marked by a sign for "Lagrasse par leGR®36- Saint-Michel-de-Nahuze".

(4) Leave the track and take this path. There are several routes, but they all follow the same direction. Follow the escarpments on your left to quickly reach the Roc de l'Aigle, which is quite difficult to spot on the long flat ridge.

(5) Enjoy the magnificent view of the Pyrenees, dominated by Canigou on the left and the high peaks of the Ariège opposite. Don't forget the Aude plain below, covered with vineyards, which is home to several small wine-growing villages in the Corbières.

Continue straight ahead towards the south-west. Once you are directly above the ruins of the Priory of Saint-Michel-de-Nahuze, leave theGR® for a short while and follow a small path on the right which quickly leads to the ruins.

(6) Take the time to contemplate the ravages of time, which have not, however, completely destroyed the Romanesque structure, as evidenced by two magnificent semi-circular arches.

Return to theGR® via the same path, turn right and continue downhill towards the D114, which can be seen below.

(7) Turn left. The last hundred metres, over small stones that roll underfoot, are particularly steep and difficult.

(8) Once you reach the road, turn left. Follow this road, keeping to the right to stay on the grassy shoulder and avoid the tarmac. Leave a small road on your right.

No signposts

(9) At the entrance to a beautiful vineyard (monumental gate), cross the road and take a wide path on the left that runs alongside a vineyard on the right. Pass a turning on the left and continue along the path, which winds pleasantly through a small valley planted here and there with a few vineyards. The IGN map is incorrect and the numerous paths on either side no longer exist.

(10) When you see a water reservoir, turn left to follow it and turn right at the next fork.

(11) Leave a path that climbs up to the left (sign: Roc Fendu) and continue to the right to rejoin the tarmac and reach a crossroads of vineyard paths at the end of a long straight stretch. Turn left at a right angle, cross a small road (calvary on the right) and continue to a wide track that comes from the right, opposite a green metal gate.

PR® signposting: old yellow, faded and very irregularly spaced

(12) Turn left to follow this track. At a ruin, ignore another track coming from the right and continue on the left. The track quickly becomes narrow, stony and unsuitable for vehicles. At a fork (visible on the map only when zoomed in), leave a path on the right marked by a red arrow on the ground and continue to the left.

The path crosses the heath heading north, goes up and down, takes your breath away a little, then settles down before coming out onto a wide track suitable for vehicles.

There are no signposts

(13) Follow this track to the left and, a few metres before a metal barrier, leave it and take a narrower path downhill on the right. Continue straight ahead until you come to a small tarmac road (only visible when zoomed in).

(14) Follow the road to the left and continue straight ahead. Cross a stony ford and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 141 m
  2. 1 : km 1.32 - alt. 287 m - Ruins of the Priory of Saint-Pierre d'Alaric
  3. 2 : km 2.27 - alt. 327 m - Fork in the road, directional signs, right
  4. 3 : km 2.86 - alt. 384 m - Track, right then immediately left
  5. 4 : km 4.09 - alt. 593 m - Fork in the road, directional signs, left
  6. 5 : km 5.01 - alt. 515 m - Roc de l'Aigle
  7. 6 : km 6.28 - alt. 434 m - Ruins of Saint-Michel de Nahuze
  8. 7 : km 7.31 - alt. 215 m - Fork in the road, left
  9. 8 : km 7.54 - alt. 131 m - D114, left
  10. 9 : km 8.71 - alt. 112 m - Leave the D114 and take the path on the left.
  11. 10 : km 9.61 - alt. 139 m - Turn slightly left.
  12. 11 : km 10.35 - alt. 152 m - At the fork, continue right.
  13. 12 : km 11.36 - alt. 142 m - Yellow signpost junction, on the left
  14. 13 : km 13.76 - alt. 293 m - Track, on the left
  15. 14 : km 15.44 - alt. 168 m - Tarmac road, on the left
  16. S/E : km 16.55 - alt. 141 m

Notes

There are no water sources on the circuit. Bring plenty of water with you.

The only shelter in case of bad weather is the small wooden hut at the water reservoir (10). However, it is in a precarious condition.

Between (5) and (8), the path is made up of small stones that roll easily underfoot and can cause falls. The slope is very steep in places, making progress difficult. I therefore recommend wearing good hiking boots that provide good ankle support. For the same reasons, walking sticks will prove very useful.

(7) Alternative: to avoid the particularly difficult end of the descent, turn right and come out onto the D114 upstream. Follow this road to the left to rejoin the (8) and resume the circuit.

Worth a visit

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 59 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
valoumat
valoumat

We did it today. It wasn't warm and it was windy, but that's normal. It's always a pleasure to climb via Moux. Beautiful unobstructed views of the snow-capped Pyrenees and even the Mediterranean. We didn't meet anyone.

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Christine Caïos Baixauli
Christine Caïos Baixauli

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed under unusual circumstances. I undertook this hike following the fire that broke out in Moux and was unaware that access to the mountain range was prohibited. However, I have no regrets, as it is important to demonstrate to everyone the consequences of such an incident

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Christine Caïos Baixauli
Christine Caïos Baixauli

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed under unusual circumstances. I undertook this hike following the fire that broke out in Moux and was unaware that access to the mountain range was prohibited. However, I have no regrets, as it is important to demonstrate to everyone the consequences of such an incident

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Philippe3478
Philippe3478
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Top hike
Well, the climb is a bit steep and the descent isn't bad either. But the view from up there is amazing!
Best done when it's not too hot, and make sure you've got good shoes.

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francis 31460
francis 31460
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike that started in the early morning.
When we reached the summit, the sky was clear and we were able to enjoy the 360° panoramic view.
We could see the Pyrenees, still covered in snow.
The descent just before reaching the road was quite technical.
The return journey took us through the Aude vineyards.
I highly recommend this hike.

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Xtian90
Xtian90
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good morning, once again the Montagne d'Alaric has delighted us.
At 8 a.m. on 1 March, the weather was fine, with an ambient temperature of 3°C and a cool breeze from the north, so it was too cold for anything other than a jacket and windbreaker.
Nothing to add to the various visual descriptions, even the Mediterranean was there, highlighting the horizon in the distance with a bright line. The views and surrounding landscapes were as magnificent as ever.
One downside, however: about 500 metres after point 9 on the farm track, the trail veers off to the right behind the field. Avoid this if you're wearing shorts, or you'll end up with scratched legs. Even if you're wearing long trousers, be careful with any delicate clothing. The path disappears into the undergrowth, sometimes almost invisible, and clearly only exists thanks to the occasional passage of hunters. It is better to continue on the farm track that leads to the same place, the reservoir, without extending the route. The reservoir is not very full, but it is a welcome shelter from the icy Cers wind.
This hike is for experienced walkers, so wear suitable footwear.
Thank you for this suggestion.

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Jean.Taverne
Jean.Taverne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route that we would have preferred to do in the opposite direction (a long walk to the summit is more enjoyable than a long walk back!). The description is very clear, but be careful at point 7 to leave the GR for the shortcut on the left. Between 12 and 13 there are a few tricky junctions (first follow the red arrow and then turn left at the next junction). After 13, there is no longer a metal barrier to mark the path that descends to the right.

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cgiaco
cgiaco

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Excellent route but very challenging. Breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the Aude. You can even see the sea! Be warned though, it's 17 km, not 16, and the sun beats down hard. Of the 17 km, 7 km are really very difficult! But it's worth it.

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domaniale
domaniale

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike already completed, best done in winter or spring if possible, without wind!!!

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loperation
loperation

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A circuit with beautiful views and a slightly technical descent. Don't forget to take something to drink as it gets very hot in the heath.

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Frank B
Frank B

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

My first attempt at trail running. A great run despite the awful weather.

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marc senouque
marc senouque

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

A very beautiful walk with a wealth of flora.

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trantole
trantole

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with some elevation gain, climbing at the start and a little at the end.
It's very windy on the plateau, but then again, we are in the Aude region, where there's hardly any wind
The vineyards are magnificent in their autumn colours
For the route after point 9, there is no marked path, the trails are not clear and visible, you need to use GPS to get to the lake and even make a small detour because it is impassable, unmaintained, with hoes, trees, etc.
Be careful on the descent from the plateau as it can be slippery with stones.
Beautiful route and lovely hike, completed in 5 hours (including breaks).

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Benben_31
Benben_31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Thanks for this information. Very reliable.

Bring plenty of water as there are no places to refill along the way. Walking sticks are recommended.
Length with the alternative route: 17.3 km; walking time: 4 hours 45 minutes

The climb to the "Signal d'Alaric" is not particularly difficult except for a few steeper sections. But the passes and the summit are well worth the effort.
The view is exceptional, with a 360° panorama.

The section between the summit and the Roc de l'Aigle could be called "the domain of Aeolus", but if you don't like wind, don't go to the Corbières. Enjoy the view of the Canigou and the Ariège mountains.

At point 7, it is advisable to follow the alternative route via the GR. It is much less dangerous. The detour does not add much distance and allows you to recover on the flat.

Point 10, at the edge of the water's edge, is the ideal place for a lunch break.

The end of the route is like a roller coaster, in a less shady setting sheltered from the wind.

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Mick88
Mick88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

As I was travelling in a camper van, I started at Camping d'Aude and completed the entire hike. It was a very beautiful hike. I took the normal route at point 7 and found that the descent was indeed difficult. It is therefore preferable to take the alternative route indicated.

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