Labastide-Esparbairenque walks

Exploring La Montagne Noire and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

On the border between the Tarn and Aude departments, this circuit allows you to discover four authentic villages preserved in their green setting: Mas-Cabardès, which is the starting point, Roquefère and its castle, Miraval and La Tourette. Although mostly in the woods, the first part of the hike offers magnificent views of the Carcassonne plain, the Corbières and the Pyrenees in the background.

A circular route starting from the village of Les Ilhes-Cabardès. A few demanding climbs allow you to discover the unspoilt nature and mountain ranges in this area, which was occupied by the Maquis during the Second World War.

The Pic de Nore is the highest point and iconic summit of the Montagne Noire, with its transmitter visible for dozens of kilometres around. The circuit described here allows you to make the ascent without any difficulty, passing by several exceptional viewpoints over the Pyrenees. Two menhirs along the way and a visit to the old ice houses in Pradelles-Cabardès are a pleasant addition to this varied hike at medium altitude.

Starting from the small village of Les Ilhes-Cabardès, this circular walk takes you past two villages in the Cabardès region, each boasting churches as striking as the next – the main attractions of these small communities, somewhat tucked away in the corners of the Montagne Noire. 

This challenging hike involves four successive ascents and descents in the foothills of the Montagne Noire. It offers a wide variety of places and views throughout the day. To complete this loop, we have cleared a path through broom and holm oak trees. The GPX track is essential for following this section, which is approximately 400 m long, from the point (10). The rest of the hike is on well-marked trails. Note the crossing of the Ruisseau de La Grave (at an altitude of 397 m), which can be tricky if the flow is strong.

A circular route through the Nore National Forest, passing through the Nore gate and the Pic de Nore, also known as the little Ventoux for its climate and its red and white telecommunications tower. The climb through the conifer and beech forests is gentle, but the descent to Pradelles-Cabardès is steep! In winter, it is possible to do all or part of the route on snowshoes, depending on snow conditions. Be careful, there is a ford to cross!

Loop, on little-known trails or ones we create, reserved for experienced walkers who are willing to follow the GPX track and are not afraid to take poorly marked trails, most of which are unmarked.

To complete a loop in the Montagne Noire on unmarked, poorly marked and rarely used paths, we have opened up a few sections of trail that allowed us to enjoy an unusual experience in a little-known area. If you like adventure, don't forget to take the GPX track with you!

Hike on wide, often passable paths. We are in the low mountains with views of the Pyrenees and various villages in the Montagne Noire.

Facing the Pic de Nore, which saw the Tour de France pass through in 2018, the wind turbines installed on Mont Sarrat and spread across the municipalities of Pradelles-Cabardès and Cabrespine immediately catch the eye. TheGR®36, coming from Pic de Nore, winds its way at the foot of the masts before plunging towards Carcassonne via the Pas de Montsarrat, an ancient "Roman" communication route. The short length of the route offers the opportunity to extend the hike along the lake (see practical information).

A fantastic hike starting from Lake Pradelles-Cabardès leading to Pic de Nore, the highest peak of the Montagne Noire, with its breathtaking 360° view stretching from Hérault to Tarn via Aude, Pyrénées Orientales, Ariège and Haute Garonne.

This hike is best done in spring in good weather to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pyrenees, the Carcassonne plain and the Mazametain. You will also have the opportunity to see an ice house and small menhirs. The vegetation is varied: sometimes Mediterranean, sometimes more mountainous. This hike is partially marked with a yellow line, a green line and a yellow dot.

A short hike on the slopes of the Montagne Noire, very pleasant on snowshoes… and in any season.

On the western slopes of the Pic de Nore lies a block of gneiss, the Roc de Nouret, isolated on this windswept moorland, where broom and thorn bushes share the space. Higher up, the Bois de Combe Escure, which overlooks the ravine of the same name – the border between the Aude and Tarn departments – marks the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. A leisurely return to the village via the Bayours forest track.

Pic de Nore is the highest point of the Montagne Noire (1,211 m). The climb is fairly easy from the typical village of Pradelles Cabardès. It mainly takes you through beech forests with views of moorland offering superb panoramas to the south over the Pyrenees and to the north over the Espinouse. In addition to the Pic de Nore, which offers a magnificent 360° view, this circuit allows you to visit the "Cabane d'Hélène" menhirs and the famous ice houses of Pradelles.

Magnificent landscapes on the border between Haut-Cabardès and Minervois for a circular route that follows the GR®36 on the way back from the foot of Pradelles-Cabardès, taking an old Roman road. Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, except for the Tramontane wind.

On a clear day, the scenery is magnificent. Although the climb may be tough for some, the reward is at the summit.

This hike in the Cabardès initially follows the ‘path of remembrance’ leading to the Grotte du Maquis de Trassanel, infamous for the number of Resistance fighters killed there by the occupying forces on 8 August 1944. On a lighter note, the route continues past the two remarkable viewpoints of Roc d’Agnel and Roc de l’Aigle before returning along the ridges, crossing a Natura 2000 protected area. A harmonious blend of history and unspoilt nature on the borders of the Montagne Noire and the Minervois. Several informative panels, rich in insights into the area’s geology and biosphere, are well worth a closer look.

⚠️ THERE IS AN ENTRANCE FEE TO VISIT THE SITE. See reviews. An enjoyable cultural visit combining walking and discovery, history and a journey into the past: visit the Cathar castles of Lastours. Four castrums on the same route: Quertinheux, Surdespine, Tour Régine, Cabaret. Suitable for families with motivated children. There are a large number of steps, which will give your psoas and quadriceps a good workout.