Le Masnau-Massuguiès walks

At the headwaters of the Dadou, the rugged terrain of the plateau vies with the forested gorges of the river and its tributaries; as the locals say, ‘Lo rec manjo la plano’ (the stream eats away at the plateau).

Starting from Saint-Michel de Léon, this ‘nature’ route alternates between forest and open sections, offering stunning views of the Dadou valley, following both its slopes. Apart from a few short sections, most of the route follows very gentle gradients, allowing walkers plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.

Alternating between peaks and the Gijou valley, during this walk hikers will discover some magnificent villages and hidden hamlets in the Tarn department, explore a region with a rich historical past and observe a varied and protected flora and fauna.

A beautiful hike that will take you from the Gijou valley, with the villages of Lacaze and Viane, to the heights of the small plateau above Carayon, from where you can see as far as the Pyrenees on a clear day. A brief foray into the Second World War with the two monuments before Le Sucail is a pleasant way to round off this beautiful day.

A pilgrimage in the footsteps of the young ‘Green Hussars of the Republic’, which will take you across the Dadou plateau and valley to Saint-Michel-de-Léon, a true haven of peace where you can cool off in the waters of its ‘Saut de la Truite’ waterfall.

Perched on a plateau at over 800m, Montfranc and the spire of its mountain-style church look out towards the Tarn and the Aveyron. A short, unpretentious walk, with lovely paths and views of the Monts de Lacaune.

A route leading from a valley spared from development to one of the department’s last remaining monuments dating from the year 1000. A beautiful walk starting from the Maison de la Vallée du Gijou, to discover one of the Tarn’s most unusual and mystical heritage sites: the Chapel of Saint-Jean Del Frech, first mentioned in 972.You’ll also enjoy stunning views in the heart of nature along the ridges overlooking this valley, which nearly disappeared forever due to a dam project.

This hike starts in the small village of Gijounet and leads first to the Roquenière viewpoint and orientation table, then to Puech de Montgros, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the landscape. There is no monotony on this very "natural" circuit, where forest passages alternate with ridge paths that allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding puechs and the Gijou valley.

In the Berlou region, the local woodland once provided charcoal for the villages, hamlets and farms of a land of livestock and crops. Today, on the Puech dels Carboniès, the shepherds’ huts bear witness to this history, set amongst conifer plantations…

A peaceful hike that first leads to the valley where the Gijou flows before climbing up to the plateau, where a rural landscape dotted with farms unfolds. Mostly in the undergrowth, the route nevertheless offers several open sections with views stretching over the hills and slopes, where meadows and cultivated land intermingle. A few sections on tarmac require caution but do not detract from the peaceful atmosphere that prevails throughout.

This hike will delight those who enjoy walking in the woods and listening to the murmur of streams. Starting from the village of Espérausses, it will take you through woods and small valleys to Puech Carbonniés, which boasts a beautiful coniferous forest and remarkable views. As an added bonus, you can discover "jasses" or dry stone shepherds' huts, reminders of a bygone pastoral era.

This hike takes you through valleys and plateaus, forests and viewpoints, passing through Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy, Notre-Dame-de-Tournadous and the Maison de la Vallée du Gijou. This hike alternates between ascents and descents, surrounded by nature, with beautiful views. Halfway along the route, you can discover the biodiversity trail at the Maison de la Vallée du Gijou.Don't leave the hamlet of Ganoubre without visiting the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Tournadous, with its cedar tree classified as a "remarkable tree".A long stretch of open countryside awaits you between Le Roucan and Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy.At the end of your hike, discover the14th-century polychrome statue of the Virgin and Child in the church of Saint-Pierre de Trivisy.

Starting from the small village of Pousthomy, this walk alternates between sections through woodland and along the ridge, where the view opens up to 360°. In terms of heritage, the Monastery of Notre-Dame d’Orient at the start of the route, three menhir statues along the way and a visit to Combret at its remarkable site will delight lovers of beautiful stonework and provide an excellent addition to this nature walk.

A refreshing hike that takes place mainly in the forest. From the Col de la Bassine, the route first leads to the Tourbière des Pansières and its discovery trail, then to Mont Roucous after a quick and easy climb. To finish in style, part of the "Sur les traces de l'Enfant Sauvage" trail allows you to enjoy interesting and entertaining information panels and exceptional undergrowth.

On the edge of the Sidobre, the Montagnol Forest is home to magnificent stands of deciduous trees and a rich variety of flora and fauna. This 300-hectare forest, home to the last of the Sidobre’s rocky outcrops before the Monts de Lacaune, also echoes with the terrible memories of the Wars of Religion.The information boards along the trails and the forest visitor centre will give you an insight into its diverse treasures.Botanical trail created by the National Forestry Commission.A short circular walk is also available (discovery trail): duration: 45 mins – distance: 2 km