Mas-Cabardès - The four villages circuit

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.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 16.75 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 858 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 850 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 797 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 304 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the small car park on the banks of the Orbiel, on the right coming from Saint-Pierre-de-Vals or on the left coming from Roquefère or Lastours.

(S/E) Leave the car park, follow the D101 to the right for about 30 metres, then turn right to cross the bridge over the Orbiel. Follow the narrow street and cross another bridge at the end of the village.

Yellow and green signposts - old and sporadic

(1) Cross the D101 (take great care as this is on a bend) and climb up opposite, at the corner of the house, onto a small stony path. After 100 metres, turn right and continue along the path which runs alongside pretty dry stone walls and eventually joins the D9. Follow the road to the left, taking all necessary precautions, until you reach a fork marked with a metal cross (car park for hikers on the other side of the road).

Yellow signposting

(2) Leave the road and take the path on the left. After about 200 metres, ignore a path that climbs up to the left (wooden barriers) and continue to a small tarmac road at the entrance to the village of Roquefère.
You will then have a beautiful view of the castle.

No signposts

Turn right, then immediately left onto the D9. Cross the bridge and, just before the church, climb the stairs on the left. Go under a stone archway and downhill to a small stone bridge, which you cross. Continue a few metres to the right to the small wash house, then turn back and take the small paved road that climbs steeply to the right. This road gives way to a path that quickly joins the road to Saint-Julien.

Yellow signposting

(3) Cross and take the small path opposite, marked by a sign saying "Saint-Julien" on a slate.

(4) At the fork, follow the yellow markings and turn left. Continue straight ahead to reach the wide, partially paved road that serves Les Houstals Nauts and follow it to the left until the next intersection.

(5) Turn right (signposted Cubserviès). The path crosses a beautiful, airy woodland, making several more or less pronounced bends, then turns sharply to the right and climbs up a short grassy slope to the Ventajou dolmen.

(6) Stop here to enjoy the view of the Pyrenees and the Corbières. Continue along the marked path until you reach a fork that is not shown on the IGN map. Turn right and follow a wide, stable track until you reach a large crossroads.

(7) Turn left (sign for Cubserviès) and follow the track to the Plo Saint-Martin crossroads (statue of the Virgin Mary on the right, somewhat hidden by the surrounding trees).

Yellow + yellow and green markings, both old and fairly sparse

Continue straight ahead, following the double markings and the sign for "La Tourette par Miraval" to reach a new crossroads at an elevation of 797 metres.

(8) Turn left, then, at the first bend marked on the right, leave the track and take a wide grassy path on the left. Pass an unattractive building and continue for about 500 metres until you reach the track. Follow it to the left until you reach a large star-shaped crossroads.

(9) Ignore the paths to the left and right and continue straight ahead. At a place called Le Carnier, when the path turns right uphill, turn left downhill (signpost "La Tourette par Miraval" in poor condition).

(10) At the fork, continue left on the path that descends steeply at first and then levels out before reaching Miraval. Once on the tarmac, continue towards the village, cross the bridge on the left and head to the foot of the Notre-Dame de la Lauze church.

(11) Take the flight of steps on the right, pass in front of the church entrance (closed when I passed by) and follow the narrow path that climbs steeply into the forest.

(12) At the intersection, turn right (the path coming from the right before this junction and shown on the IGN map does not exist on the ground). At the top of a steep slope (elevation 536), do not continue climbing to the right but turn slightly left downhill. Be careful as there are no visible markings at this point. Continue to the road (D9).

(13) Follow this road to the right, taking care as there is no hard shoulder, and you will reach the central square of La Tourette. Continue to the right, pass the church on the hill (not open to visitors as it is undergoing restoration) and take the first steeply ascending tarmac road on the right, which then gives way to a wide grassy track.

Go up a path on the right, continue through the woods along a large clearing on your left and you will reach a large crossroads.

Yellow and green signposts

(14) Turn left, join the D9, cross (with caution) and continue straight ahead to reach an area whose sides have just been cleared, about a hundred metres further on.

Follow the yellow markings for about 100 metres, then there are no markings

(15) Leave the wide track and the yellow markings and continue straight ahead, turning left onto a downhill path. At the next junction, go straight ahead and continue for about 100 metres until you reach a low point with a barely visible fork in the path (be careful not to miss it).

(16) Leave the wide path climbing up to the right and turn left onto the trail, which is quite difficult to spot at first. The trail widens and begins to descend quite steeply, crossing several thick layers of dead leaves that require caution as they hide stones on the ground and can cause sprains.

You will reach Mas-Cabardès at a paved road. Turn left, cross the car park and then turn right onto Rue du Colombin, which leads to the D101. The car park is about 100 metres on the right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 312 m - Parking, Place François Mittterand
  2. 1 : km 0.31 - alt. 309 m - D101, cross, turn left at the corner of the house - Orbiel (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 1.55 - alt. 306 m - Cross, turn left - Rieutord (cours d'eau) - Affluent de l'Orbiel
  4. 3 : km 2.21 - alt. 362 m - Road, cross and take the path opposite
  5. 4 : km 2.88 - alt. 480 m - At the fork, turn left
  6. 5 : km 3.47 - alt. 587 m - At the intersection, turn right
  7. 6 : km 4.9 - alt. 747 m - Dolmen de Ventajou, viewpoint
  8. 7 : km 5.63 - alt. 775 m - Crossroads, on the left
  9. 8 : km 6.79 - alt. 797 m - Crossroads, on the left
  10. 9 : km 8.17 - alt. 734 m - At the star-shaped crossroads, go straight ahead
  11. 10 : km 8.65 - alt. 646 m - At the fork, turn left
  12. 11 : km 10.53 - alt. 390 m - Miraval Church, take the steps on the right
  13. 12 : km 11.19 - alt. 507 m - At the intersection, turn right
  14. 13 : km 11.79 - alt. 459 m - D9, on the right
  15. 14 : km 13.66 - alt. 601 m - At the crossroads, turn left
  16. 15 : km 14.28 - alt. 566 m - At the fork, turn left
  17. 16 : km 15.06 - alt. 486 m - Low point, fork not very visible, on the left
  18. S/E : km 16.75 - alt. 313 m - Parking, Place François Mitterand

Notes

Hiking boots are recommended as there are many stony sections. Walking sticks are a good idea, especially on the descents, which can be quite steep.

There are no water sources along the hike. Bring plenty of water, especially as some of the steep climbs will make you work up a sweat.

There is a refreshment point in Roquefère, just after the bridge over the Rieutort (drinks, chips, sandwiches, etc.).

Three very shady benches next to the Roquefère wash house would be an excellent place for a picnic, but they come up too early in the hike.

Between points (8) and (9), when I passed through (June 2016), a fallen tree completely blocked the path after the Trescombelles building. However, it was easy to get through between the branches on the right.

Signposting
The main markings are yellow and green. There are also yellow markings on part of the route. Both types of markings are old, often faded and very irregular, making them difficult to spot. Sometimes on the ground, sometimes on trees, they are mainly found before intersections and changes of direction. It is advisable to follow the route description carefully instead of constantly looking for these problematic markings. The paths are generally obvious and there is little risk of getting lost.

This hike is suitable for all seasons, even in summer, as most of the route is in the woods and therefore in the shade.

Worth a visit

In the first part of the circuit, you can enjoy several magnificent views of the Carcassonne plain, the towers of Lastours Castle, the Corbières and the Pyrenees. Don't miss the view from the Ventajou dolmen (6).

The four villages

Mas-Cabardès: the Church of Saint-Etienne, which was listed as a Historic Monument on 17 February 1926.

Roquefère: its castle and the Church of Sainte-Foy, which houses a thorn from the crown of Christ.

Miraval-Cabardès: the Church of Notre-Dame de la Lauze and the ruins of the castle.

La Tourette-Cabardès: the Church of Sainte-Anne (currently undergoing restoration) and the Cross of La Tourette.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 30 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
hc31
hc31

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

A beautiful hike in lovely (and warm) weather. The trails are often shaded, which is appreciated in hot weather. We encountered no difficulties between 14 and 15 (very clear trail), contrary to the review dated 20 May 2025. However, the trail is a little crumbling on the descent to Miraval, but it is possible to pass without difficulty by being careful. The trails are often overgrown, especially between Miraval and La Tourette de Cabardès. As mentioned in other reviews, the signage is variable and sometimes non-existent. At the exit of La Tourette, take a small road on the right that goes uphill (yellow-green signage). If you see the wash house on the road below, you have gone too far....

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jlcut3
jlcut3

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This is the second time I've done this hike. A very pleasant route with plenty of shade, which is nice when it's hot. Beautiful views from the heights. You can see the plains of Carcassonne, Minervois, Alaric and Corbières. Difficulties: the distance of 17 km at the start quickly turned into 19 km due to unmaintained sections that forced us to retrace our steps and find other routes, particularly between points 14 and 15. Brambles had overgrown the path, making it impassable. There were also a few errors due to the description sometimes lacking precision or the signage disappearing (yellow markings, signs). Otherwise, it was a beautiful hike in the unique natural environment of Cabardès. A real treat.

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micheltlse
micheltlse

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

FFRandonnée trail markers superimposed on other mountain bike and trail markers.
Forest roads in poor condition.
Natural space is shrinking.

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81randosergio
81randosergio

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very interesting route, the villages you pass through are superb and well worth stopping at. I pushed on to the Cubservies waterfall, which is well worth a detour, and on arrival I climbed up to the ruins of MAS CABARDES castle.
I was already familiar with much of the route, having travelled it on various occasions, but the area is still as attractive as ever, offering some beautiful climbs that make for a challenging hike if you set a good pace.
I only used the GPX track and maps to guide me.

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michto31
michto31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great hike with beautiful weather but not the right season..

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Bajt
Bajt

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On the day I did this hike, I didn't come across any other hikers, but the paths seemed to be fairly well used. I extended the route beyond point 15, staying on the ridge along a section of road, as indicated on the IGN map, which made it about 19 km in total, with no problems finding my way. The explanations are very helpful, as some places are unclear, so thank you to the writer.

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Pidu
Pidu

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike along the Roquefère section to the Ventajou dolmen. A beautiful 1 hour 45 minute climb through holm oak trees and across the plateau, with sweeping panoramic views of the mountains. On the way down, a path marked "Roquefère" on the right and shown as a dotted line on the IGN 1:25,000 map allows you to make a loop back to the village.

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Promeneurs
Promeneurs
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route with magnificent views, lots of shaded areas, and famous villages appearing along the way... simply fantastic!
Route tracked by GPS (GPX track)
Start at 8 a.m., the first part is a tough climb, rated 2+1 dog. (Bring plenty of water.)
The view from the highest point is spectacular!
On the way down, we arrived at 12:00 p.m. and had a picnic in Miraval at the foot of the village by the river, with our feet in the water, in the shade and with a view of a small stone bridge.
The collapsed section (just before arriving at Miraval) is passable but it is a bit tense and not very reassuring (50 cm of the trail is hanging over a 20 m drop). Once at the bottom, there is a barrier preventing anyone from climbing back up the trail.
The restart behind the church is picturesque and surprising.
We didn't meet anyone, but it must be said that it was very hot in the afternoon and at the end too 🥵. Furthermore, the paths seem poorly maintained and little used..

The hike is very beautiful, we are very happy to have made this selection and a big thank you to those who open and document this site 👍👏

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jamrozik
jamrozik

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We loved it, very few people and, above all, immersion in the picturesque Black Forest landscape, which feels like the end of the world. The churches in the four small villages are very pretty. You are immersed in the ancient world of the Cathars' struggle against the Catholics.
We took our time and stopped along the way, spending six hours in total. A really lovely trip.
thank you

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jftarn
jftarn

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

WARNING

between points 10 and 11 on the route, the path has collapsed over a 50-metre stretch before the hairpin bend leading to Miraval.Therefore, do not follow the route at the place called Mervilles on the IGN map, but follow the signposts on the left, which will take you back to the route 300 metres before Miraval.

Otherwise, it's a superb walk with beautiful landscapes, history and heritage.

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alain11800
alain11800

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice route, to be enjoyed without restraint

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martieau
martieau

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, a little long and unfortunately wet that day.

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TROUVE Jean-Jacques
TROUVE Jean-Jacques ★

Thank you very much for clarifying that. I will see if a variation is possible.

JJ TROUVÉ

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jpps
jpps

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Be sure to park carefully or leave the Francois Mitterrand car park, as there are plenty of other car parks coming from Carcassonne. Once you've found the start, the route is easy to follow. It's very interesting, even when it's hot, as it's always in the shade and along pleasant paths and trails. I think it's a good idea to start from Roquefère, where there's a charming inn. Be careful when you arrive at Miraval, as there has been a landslide that has washed away the path for 100 or 200 metres, and I don't know if it will be passable for very long, especially as there are already barrier tape and a sign from the mayor prohibiting access, as you have to walk very close to the rock face. you may therefore need to plan an alternative route, even if it means taking a longer route via the D101 to Miraval

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jean claude Penot
jean claude Penot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Please note: the trail is blocked just before Mireval due to a major landslide. Passage is prohibited, but it is possible to descend with difficulty on the right, skirting the scree through the forest to rejoin the trail at the entrance to the village.

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