The heights of Taïchac in Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet

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At the meeting point of the African-Iberian and European tectonic plates, this interpretive trail offers many geological, natural and scenic attractions through vineyards, fir trees and heathland.

Technical sheet

n°1490377
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.46 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 226 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 231 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 634 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 410 m
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Photos

What a view!
Sky after the storm
At the viewpoint
From the ridge, before the viewpoint

Description of the walk

Departure from the village square in Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet.

(S/E) At the top of the village square, climb the cobbled street on the left towards the west (GR® 36), red and white markings.

(1) After the reservoir, take the small dirt track that passes above the cooperative winery.
Cross the D7 and continue through a very shady oak grove until you reach a signposted crossroads (502m). Turn left and you will reach a disused sheepfold (1st geological marker)

(2) Turn right (north-west) onto the path that passes between the Saint-Martin vineyards (leaving theGR®36). Continue climbing until you reach the ruins of an old enclosure and a second sheepfold. Continue climbing until you reach the ridge.

(3) At the ridge, turn right. The heath gives way to the Moyen-Agly National Forest (holm oaks). The path winds its way... Keep going in this direction until you reach a secure viewpoint.

(4) The secure viewpoint is located a few metres to the left of the path (orientation table; view of the Fenouillet syncline and its surroundings). Return to the path and continue eastwards.

(5) The trail turns right (south), leaves the forest and crosses the ridge. Begin the descent.

(6) Pass the picnic area and continue along the path towards the south-west, passing the Source de la Mort to join the D7.

(7) Cross the D7, cross the Vignasse valley and continue along the D7A to the village square (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 425 m - Village square
  2. 1 : km 0.2 - alt. 450 m - Reservoir
  3. 2 : km 1.33 - alt. 520 m - Disused sheepfold
  4. 3 : km 2.62 - alt. 614 m - Ridge line
  5. 4 : km 3.64 - alt. 634 m - Secure viewpoint
  6. 5 : km 4.68 - alt. 559 m - On the right as you leave the forest
  7. 6 : km 5.26 - alt. 504 m - Picnic area
  8. 7 : km 5.98 - alt. 438 m - Crossing the D7
  9. S/E : km 6.46 - alt. 425 m - Village square

In the nearby area

(4): Secure viewpoint located a few metres to the left of the trail (orientation table; view of the Fenouillet syncline and its surroundings).

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Hermione Goury
Hermione Goury

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice route, mostly shaded, offering beautiful views of the valley. Recommended starting point is the village car park. For those who are apprehensive about the descent, walking sticks are recommended.

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ahourcade64
ahourcade64

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Route taken in mid-season (April), the views from the ridge are truly beautiful. The first forest is pleasant, as is the final descent.
The start should be moved to the car park at the entrance to the village, as the streets are very narrow (by the time you realise that it's impossible to park near the start, you'll have worked up a sweat in your car).

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marie font
marie font

Hike completed on 10 July 2024.
A beautiful hike, often shaded and welcome in hot weather.
At times, do not rely on the yellow markings and follow your GPS if you have one.

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Nigloo
Nigloo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

There is a small car park at the entrance to the village. I recommend
Parking there, as the village streets are very narrow.
The hike itself offers superb views and is easy. The route is very well marked and easy to follow. The ground is a little stony towards the end, but with a little caution, everything is fine. This hike is best done in summer as there is plenty of shade
Pure bliss.

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Nigloo
Nigloo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hike. Superb view. The descent is a little difficult for people who are not used to it.
Parking is available at the edge of the village. I recommend this hike.

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Patrice09
Patrice09

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

After a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Mas Peyre, this walk was just what we needed to digest. Shady, easy, beautiful views. Easy to follow, parking at the cemetery along the route. It took us 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a break.

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neimad42
neimad42

Hello and thank you for your feedback! Have a great week!

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Salomé11
Salomé11

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The route was a bit challenging for me at times, as I'm just coming out of a few weeks in hospital and am taking things slowly, but it's suitable for children, with magnificent views and a little spot where you can sit and have a quiet lunch. Worth doing again and again.

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Shiwi
Shiwi

We had a wonderful hike with our family and dogs. We loved this place and the magical views from the lovely trails, but good walking shoes are a must.
Thank you, Visorando, for this route.

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Belgastyl
Belgastyl

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

It was my first hike, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Much of the route is shaded by oak trees, which is very pleasant. The view from the ridge is superb, and I was lucky enough to be visited by a group of vultures... right above my head, it was magical 🙂.

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Shiwi
Shiwi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A lovely route for this beautiful hike, with stunning views and a few slightly technical sections that are fairly easy to navigate. We only encountered two cyclists along the way. I would highly recommend this hike.

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Kulelu
Kulelu

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A pleasant route, mostly through forest but very pretty. Suitable for those prone to vertigo. Enjoy your walk!

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Hilary Appleton
Hilary Appleton

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 27, 2012
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The correct title includes the word "geological", which is in fact the most important aspect of the walk. Great picnic spot, filled with the sounds of nightingales singing. Fabulous views from the top.

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AlexandreB
AlexandreB

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A pleasant hike for the whole family, but keep an eye on the children as you approach the viewpoint.

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alain de f
alain de f

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful trail on the way up, with varied landscapes typical of the region. However, the descent is steep and rocky, with a risk of slipping all the way down to the Source de la Mort (dry). Welcoming picnic area.

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