The hamlets of the foothills south of Mons-la-Trivalle

The hike starts at the Maison du Caroux car park located at the entrance to La Trivalle (municipality of Mons-la-Trivalle).

(S/E) Return to the entrance to the village and cross the bridge over the RD908. Turn right onto the RD14E22, which descends, winds its way, crosses the Jaur via a submersible bridge (give up if the bridge is cut off by flooding) and winds its way uphill again to the small hamlet of Ornac.

(1) Before entering the hamlet, take the Chemin du Paycière on the left without descending towards the Jaur, following the vineyards on the right. Continue to the Ruisseau de Fenouillède.

(2) Cross this stream and take the rocky path climbing to the right and winding for several kilometres. Pass the hamlet of Les Singles and reach Costeplane. Watch for the edge of the forest, and after a few metres, look for a cairn on the left, as the main path climbs steeply to the right.

(3) Take the path on the left that overlooks a dry stone wall, then descends towards the Toulé stream and heads back up the other way after crossing the stream. Follow the cairns that lead up the right-hand side of the slope. After a while, you will see a building on the hillside (which is actually an outdoor swimming pool). Climb up the main path above this pool, going around it on the left or right (the route goes around it on the right). Reach the hamlet of Courbou and cross the main path.

(4) Take a path between two houses that climbs uphill to the right. You will reach a crossroads with several tracks, including a concrete track downstream from Toulé.

(5) Take the concrete track opposite and watch out for the start of a narrow path descending to the right (MTB track 25) shortly after the track ends.

(6) Turn right and follow the path downhill through the forest (Mountain Bike Trail 25) until you reach the hamlet of Fenouillède.

(7) Enter the hamlet and then reach a clearing, after which you should turn right to rejoin the cement track.

(8) Take the hairpin bend to the left and continue until you are about a hundred metres before a hairpin bend.

(9) Take the shortcut on the left, following the VTT25 markings, then take the cement path on the left which leads back to Ornac.

(1) Follow the outward route in reverse to return to the car park (S/E).

The hike starts at the Minervois Tourist Office Maison des Montagnes Caroux.

https://www.herault-tourisme.com/fr/fiche/organismes-et-entreprises/office-de-tourisme-du-minervois-au-caroux-en-haut-languedoc-maison-des-montagnes-du-caroux-mons-la-trivalle_TFOORGLAR0340000151/

The hike can be shortened by more than a kilometre by leaving your vehicle in Ornac (1): however, parking spaces are limited.

There are no water sources along this short hike.
The route is unclear (only cairns) between points (3) and (4), but there are landmarks to help you find your way.

Avoid this hike during heavy flooding as the road between Mons-la-Trivalle and Ornac may be cut off and the submersible bridge over the Jaur river impassable.

Avoid this hike when mountain bike races are being held, as the second part of the circular route shares a section with mountain bike downhill trails: trails 7 and 25.

This hike runs along one side of the Pic de Naudech.

The Gorges d'Héric are nearby.