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Start from the abbey car park.
(S/R) Facing the abbey, turn right onto the track that follows the Combe du Moulin and climbs up the hillside. This track is blocked by a metal gate; the ‘no entry’ signs apply to motorised vehicles, which are strictly prohibited in this mountain range with its protected Mediterranean flora.
(1) At a crossroads where you’ll find a standing stone on your left, take the track on the left for a return trip to a medieval tower built of red sandstone which overlooks the abbey and its valley. Stunning view!
(2) Back at the crossroads with the standing stone, take the track on the left which continues to climb.
(3) On your right, you’ll catch a superb view of the Feudal Castle of Saint-Martin (it’s not open to visitors as it’s still inhabited).
(4) Continue climbing along the track; a pylon perched on the next hillock serves as a landmark.
(5) At the next junction, take the path on the left which passes beneath the pylon and follow this DFCI track to a semi-buried reservoir. On your right, you’ll see the track that goes round the hillock and leads to the pylon.
Carry on straight ahead until you reach a three-way junction; both paths lead to the same spot (the one on the right is slightly steeper, whilst the one on the left goes round the hill).
From there, the track passes through a superb pine forest to reach the ruins of the Bergerie de l’Aragnon.
(6) You can spot it from a distance as it is shaded by tall cedars.
NB: At this point, there is an alternative route to shorten this walk; level with the buildings, a DFCI track branches off to your left and heads downhill, allowing you to shorten the route to reach point 8.
After passing the buildings, continue along the same DFCI track which heads straight into the pine forest; the path is bordered by a low dry-stone wall.
(7) At the next junction, take the track on the left which climbs slightly; after a few metres, you will see a metal gate on your right blocking access to vehicles. Do not go through the gate, but follow the track on the left which winds along the hillside. The sheepfold you passed earlier will then come into view on the other side of the valley on your left.
(8) You’ll reach the point where the ‘shortcut’ route joins your track. Carry on along this track, passing a red and white gate.
(9) Just after this, a path branches off to your right and climbs up the hill; don’t hesitate to leave the track – the 360° view is magnificent. From up there, you’ll be able to take in the Aude coastline, Port-la-Nouvelle, the Pyrenees mountain range, the Albères mountains plunging into the sea via the Canigou and beyond, before returning to the Corbières massif, the Montagne Noire, the Minervois and the Monts du Caroux. In short, an exceptional landscape!
Head back down from this point to rejoin the track towards Pech Rascas, which you saw from above. Note the old lime kiln opposite the farm.
Carry on to the Col de Pech Rascas, then turn left, ignoring the path on the right which leads to the houses. Head down into the Combe Saint-Jean and pass a rusty old wind turbine.
Carry on along the same track, taking the one on the right when the path starts to climb again.
(10) There, as you round a bend, the Croix de Fontfroide will come into view, overlooking the abbey.
Carry on along the track, which winds round a small hill where the remains of dwellings and fortifications can still be seen at the summit.
(11) When you come within sight of a triangular olive grove, take the track on the left, which will lead you to the abbey via the church. All you have to do now is follow the path, which will take you past the shop, the wine cellar and the restaurant-bar.
If you’re feeling up to it, don’t hesitate to climb up to the Croix de Fontfroide to enjoy the view over the abbey valley – a different vantage point to that seen from the medieval tower (S/E).
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