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Montagne noire walks
La Montagne Noire via Cubserviès
Visorando Member
9.93 mi
+2,123 ft
-2,100 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Roquefère (Aude)
Exploring La Montagne Noire and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.
La Chapelle la Capelette in Dourgne
8.47 mi
+1,539 ft
-1,558 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Dourgne (Tarn)
Breathtaking panoramic views steeped in history and legend.
02/08/2023 Message from the moderator: Change to the route at point 11 to continue on thePR® and avoid En Crouzilles, which is private property.
The footbridge from Hautpoul to Mazamet
7.86 mi
+2,083 ft
-2,083 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Mazamet (Tarn)
Hike with elevation gain, marked in yellow at intervals, which will allow you to use the Hautpoul footbridge opened at the end of 2018 and cross the medieval village of the same name.
There is a tricky section between points (6) and (7) where recent tree felling has more or less destroyed the mapped paths and removed the markers.
The Pic de Nore
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.26 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,601 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Pradelles-Cabardès (Aude)
Pic de Nore is the highest point of the Montagne Noire (1,211 m). The climb is fairly easy from the typical village of Pradelles Cabardès. It mainly takes you through beech forests with views of moorland offering superb panoramas to the south over the Pyrenees and to the north over the Espinouse.
In addition to the Pic de Nore, which offers a magnificent 360° view, this circuit allows you to visit the "Cabane d'Hélène" menhirs and the famous ice houses of Pradelles.
The Three Bishops Fountain
8.61 mi
+1,096 ft
-1,073 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Lacabarède (Tarn)
Circuit around the Sales Plateau, on the border of the Aude, Tarn and Hérault departments. With its varied landscapes, it will appeal to lovers of wild places with its many Occitan crosses and superb panoramic views of the Montagne Noire and the Minervois. View of the Pyrenees in good weather.
Oppidum of Berniquaut
4.86 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,037 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sorèze (Tarn)
Circuit to Gallic ruins offering a 360° view of the Sorèze plain.
Tour of Lac des Cammazes
10.02 mi
+568 ft
-587 ft
5h 05
Easy
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
This hike is very easy to follow, but bring sunscreen and water if you're doing it in the middle of summer!
The marble circuit in Caunes-Minervois
7.68 mi
+1,686 ft
-1,696 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Caunes-Minervois (Aude)
From Notre-Dame du Cros (Caunes-Minervois), a route takes you to former marble quarries, with a picnic stop at the renovated Ventajou refuge, near the ruins of the castle of the old village that has disappeared. On the way back, you pass by the Moulin de Biot, a former witness to a technique of using wind energy for sawing marble.
Warning from the author of the route in the "practical information" tab (2/11/2021)
Oppidum of Berniquaut and Saint-Jammes Chapel
9.57 mi
+1,621 ft
-1,608 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Sorèze (Tarn)
On the western edge of the Montagne Noire, this hike harmoniously combines historical remains and beautiful views. The Oppidum de Berniquaut, the excavations of medieval dwellings on the same site, a large standing stone with cup marks and the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Jammes de Besauceles will delight history enthusiasts. Lovers of beautiful landscapes will also find something to satisfy them on this route, which overlooks the Sorèze plain from a height of over 300 metres.
Saint-Ferreol
8.81 mi
+988 ft
-997 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Revel (Haute-Garonne)
Section of the "sentier des sommets" trail, cut off from the link with Revel, reducing the total distance to 14 km.
No technical difficulties, with beautiful views of the Lauragais. The route ends with a shaded walk around the lake, where you can swim in season.
The channel through the Lac de Saint-Denis
4.51 mi
+161 ft
-161 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saissac (Aude)
This is an easy hike, sheltered from the sun for 90% of the route. The hike can be done in either direction. You will be better sheltered from the sun if you follow the directions given here.
Pas de l'Aube loop
6.17 mi
+1,447 ft
-1,417 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Cabrespine (Aude)
A loop trail to discover the sheepfolds of yesteryear and enjoy beautiful views of the Pyrenees, the Montagne Noire and the Pic de Nore.
Loop of the ridges in Pardailhan
6.13 mi
+1,004 ft
-1,027 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Pardailhan (Hérault)
Hike on the ridges of Pardailhan at an altitude of around 800m. Loop through pine and chestnut forests with superb views on clear stretches. There are several places on the way where you can stop for a picnic.
Lampy, Lampiot, around the lake
4.34 mi
+220 ft
-220 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saissac (Aude)
Three quarters of the hike is sheltered from the sun and wind by the beech forest (mainly). Wear good shoes as the trail is often muddy with some stream crossings that are more or less maintained. Foresters have cleared the trail, which creates some large puddles, but these can always be avoided by walking along the edges of the forest.
Lac de Laprade via the peat bogs
4.05 mi
+138 ft
-167 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Cuxac-Cabardès (Aude)
Here is a variation on the "Lac de Laprade, around the lake" hike. This variation avoids the climb up the paved road to the village of Laprade Basse. It allows you to visit the Laprade peat bogs and enjoy a pleasant walk on pontoons.
Mas-Cabardès - The four villages circuit
10.41 mi
+2,815 ft
-2,789 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Mas-Cabardès (Aude)
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.
Alzeau water intake
5.19 mi
+482 ft
-482 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Aude
A lovely little walk from the Bassin de Saint-Denis to the Prise Alzeau and back along the stream.
From Sainte-Scholastique to the Quatre Saints
9.88 mi
+1,755 ft
-1,732 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Dourgne (Tarn)
A beautiful, undulating route that passes through four places dedicated to the four saints of Dourgne:
Saint-Macaire and his healing spring, Saint-Stapin the giant, Saint-Chipoli or Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Ferréol and his Capelette.
The Megaliths of Minerve
7.87 mi
+1,473 ft
-1,457 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Caunette (Hérault)
This hike, at the start of La Caunette, will take you above Minerva and will let you discover the megaliths scattered along the route. You'll criss-cross vines, scrubland composed of gorse, thyme, brush, evergreen oak trees and the odd wood.
The Pic de Nore
10.75 mi
+2,185 ft
-2,178 ft
6h 50
Moderate
Departure from Pradelles-Cabardès (Aude)
The Pic de Nore is the highest point and iconic summit of the Montagne Noire, with its transmitter visible for dozens of kilometres around. The circuit described here allows you to make the ascent without any difficulty, passing by several exceptional viewpoints over the Pyrenees. Two menhirs along the way and a visit to the old ice houses in Pradelles-Cabardès are a pleasant addition to this varied hike at medium altitude.
Walk in Hautpoul via the Mazamet footbridge
1.52 mi
+1,076 ft
-1,056 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Mazamet (Tarn)
This is a round trip to visit the hilltop village of Hautpoul, discovering the Mazamet footbridge that leads there. The footbridge offers breathtaking views of the Arnette valley.
This route takes you along the Chemin de la Jamarié, an old salt road and Roman road, until you reach the footbridge.
Caves, chasm and rock on the heights of Cabrespine
7.29 mi
+2,165 ft
-2,146 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Cabrespine (Aude)
A lovely, varied hike with alternating limestone and schist formations and many beautiful views (as far as the Pyrenees).
Short walk around Lake Lampy
3.07 mi
+128 ft
-128 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Saissac (Aude)
The proximity of the lake for cooling off, the deciduous forest for a shaded walk and the very passable paths, despite a few fords along the route, ensure a very pleasant time even with children.
Between the forest and the Montagne Noire drainage ditch
7.58 mi
+774 ft
-784 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Lacombe (Aude)
A refreshing walk in the Montagne Noire from the small village of Lacombe (11310) to the Ramondens national forest (Tarn) with a picnic stop near the retaining dyke of the St-Denis basin.
Return via the right bank of the Alzeau and passage at the Prise d'Alzeau, source of the Canal du Midi, before climbing back up to Lacombe.
Walk checked on 18/06/23. A few details have been added by the author
La Capelette via the Taurou Gorges
5.84 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,145 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Dourgne (Tarn)
A lovely climb up a steep gorge leads to the dry grasslands of the Désert de Saint-Ferréol, where La Capelette stands proudly overlooking a vast landscape.
La Capelette from Dourgne
7.33 mi
+1,594 ft
-1,591 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Dourgne (Tarn)
Route through the Montagne Noire, with superb panoramic views of the Lauragais, the village of Dourgne and Sainte-Scholastique, places of worship (Quatre Saints) and magnificent pine forests.
Roquerlan loop
7.21 mi
+1,109 ft
-1,093 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Mazamet (Tarn)
An easy hike, ideal for those who love peace and quiet and walking in the forest, offering a gentle introduction to the Montagne Noire and the Massif de Nore. The route combines sunken paths lined with beautiful hawthorn and holly hedges, clearings, pastures and large forest areas where spruce trees grow alongside deciduous trees. A breath of fresh air on the outskirts of Mazamet.
Loop south of Hautpoul
7.51 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,611 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Mazamet (Tarn)
This trail runs south of Hautpoul through varied landscapes, a forest with multiple species and ever-changing flora. Your efforts to reach its heart will be rewarded by the discovery of this magnificent and picturesque little medieval village. At the foot of the Virgin perched on her rock, you will have access to a superb panorama. There are several historical sites, in particular Saint-Pierre des Plots.
See warning at the beginning of the description
The Roquefort Tower in Les Cammazes
7.46 mi
+1,109 ft
-1,135 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
There are no signs indicating this remnant of a powerful Cathar fortress where three hundred Cathar perfects took refuge in 1209. All that remains is a tower and an intact Romanesque gate marking the entrance to the castrum. This walk along the Rigole de la Montagne and Sor rivers will reveal the entrance to the hidden path.
The Pic de Nore
7.11 mi
+1,430 ft
-1,430 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Pradelles-Cabardès (Aude)
A fantastic hike starting from Lake Pradelles-Cabardès leading to Pic de Nore, the highest peak of the Montagne Noire, with its breathtaking 360° view stretching from Hérault to Tarn via Aude, Pyrénées Orientales, Ariège and Haute Garonne.
Above Les Cammazes via the pre-Romanesque chapel
9.17 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,142 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
This hike alternates between beech, oak and chestnut forests and cattle pastures on the hillsides. The elevation gain is gentle, but the beautiful descent through the woods after Le Montagnet can be difficult in wet weather. Spring and late autumn are the best times to enjoy this route.
Circular forest starting from Lac de Laprade Basse
10.05 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,060 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Cuxac-Cabardès (Aude)
From Lac de Laprade Basse in the commune of Cuxac-Cabardès, "Let's go for a walk in the woods to see if the wolf is there!"
In fact, let's set off to explore the Loubatière National Forest, from the Dure River, which feeds the lake, to the Linon Stream, which joins it upstream from Montolieu. Beneath centuries-old trees stand the ruins of an old Carthusian monastery abandoned long before the Revolution, due, among other things, to wolves... which have since been replaced by deer.
Roc d'Agnel, Coroluna Caves, Roc de l'Aigle, Col de la Coussièro
9.22 mi
+2,904 ft
-2,910 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Cabrespine (Aude)
A magnificent circular hike around Cabrespine offering beautiful 360° views, walks through fragrant heath scrubland in bloom (especially in spring), surprising caves (best visited with a head torch) and historical remains (a Roman road, a castle, etc.).
Old barns - Croix de Montalric
5.35 mi
+535 ft
-515 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Arfons (Tarn)
Semi-shaded route in the Montagne Noire, with beautiful views of the Revel and Puylaurens valley and the Pyrenees. Forest of fir, pine and beech trees, moors of ferns and ash trees. Little elevation gain.
Most of this hike follows unmarked paths, even if you come across some markings. Only take these into account when they are mentioned in the description.
Between forests and ditches, in the footsteps of P.P. Riquet
9.94 mi
+741 ft
-758 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saissac (Aude)
On the watershed between the Aude and Tarn rivers, we follow in the footsteps of P.P. Riquet once again, discovering other water resources that enabled this self-taught engineer to demonstrate to the experts sent by Colbert the merits of his project to supply his Canal des Deux Mers. However, the forest remains present on this easy route, and Arfons, with its slate roofs, is a picturesque little village in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park.
Le Pas de Montsarrat
8.00 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,024 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Pradelles-Cabardès (Aude)
Facing the Pic de Nore, which saw the Tour de France pass through in 2018, the wind turbines installed on Mont Sarrat and spread across the municipalities of Pradelles-Cabardès and Cabrespine immediately catch the eye. TheGR®36, coming from Pic de Nore, winds its way at the foot of the masts before plunging towards Carcassonne via the Pas de Montsarrat, an ancient "Roman" communication route.
The short length of the route offers the opportunity to extend the hike along the lake (see practical information).
The Aiguille des Cammazes Forest
5.31 mi
+837 ft
-850 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
A shaded hike through a beautiful forest that once provided charcoal.
A few pits, or charcoal pits, remain as evidence of this.
The Heights of Gravette
6.42 mi
+1,027 ft
-1,027 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
From the dam, head towards the Montagne Noire Natural Park for a hike in the forest and along the river.
After a short wet crossing and a final easy climb, the arrival point reveals a magnificent view of the dam.
Vineyards and heath in Villeneuve-Minervois
9.64 mi
+1,667 ft
-1,667 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Villeneuve-Minervois (Aude)
Many points of interest along the route: arboretum, lime kilns, dolmen, legend, remarkable tree...
The Croix de Fangasse in Arfons
6.15 mi
+640 ft
-640 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Arfons (Tarn)
A circular route on the plateau above Arfons via the Croix des Fangasses, the Croix de Montalric and the Montalric orientation table. Magnificent view over the entire Revelois and Puylaurentais plains as well as the Pyrenees.
GPS essential for this hike.
The sources of the Clamoux
8.33 mi
+1,781 ft
-1,775 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Castans (Aude)
The Clamoux, a small river and tributary of the Orbiel, rises on the slopes of Pic de Nore, the iconic peak of the Montagne Noire, where a Tour de France relay station stands. Following forest tracks, with climbs of varying difficulty, you arrive near the source of the Clamoux, a small stream at the start, which you follow on the right bank, off the marked trail, descending into the Soulanes de Nore National Forest to Laviale, which, along with six other hamlets, makes up the village of Castans.
Ventajou
13.56 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,998 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Félines-Minervois (Hérault)
Starting from Félines-Minervois, this hike leads primarily to the ruins of Ventajou, which offer a magnificent view of the Corbières and the Pyrenees. But there are many other places of interest along the route: the pretty hamlet of Auberadou, the Planette dolmen, the stone apiaries and the old marble quarries of Planette, Castillou and Escaliers, a cistern carved into the rock, not to mention the Cubitus Cave, which is worth a short detour. Finally, a walk through a magnificent pine forest filled with wonderful scents will bring this journey to a harmonious conclusion.
Between forests and peat bogs (alternative route)
5.54 mi
+354 ft
-344 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Cuxac-Cabardès (Aude)
Very pleasant trail between water and forest followed by a themed trail on the peat bog with explanatory panels. Ideal in hot weather, very shady trail (except for the dyke).
The two sides of Durfort via the Gravette Dam on Lake Cammazes
11.90 mi
+1,942 ft
-1,952 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Durfort (Tarn) (Tarn)
A very beautiful route, almost entirely on footpaths and often through woodland.
It will allow you to discover the different facets of the two sides of Durfort up to the Gravette dam on Lake Cammazes.
Walk to Roc de Peyremaux
6.70 mi
+1,978 ft
-1,978 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Albine (Tarn)
This hike includes a beautiful 600 m climb that is a little steep at the beginning. After about 1½ hours, you will arrive at the Aviators' Memorial with a beautiful, sweeping view of the valley. An hour later, you will reach Roc de Peyremaux with a magnificent view of Minervois, the sea, Canigou, Carlit and the mountains around Andorra.
Chemin des Passes and Mazamet Footbridge
5.20 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,486 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Mazamet (Tarn)
This is a circular route that takes you over the Mazamet footbridge, avoiding the crowds. At the end of the hike, there will be a few people around the Maison du Bois et du Jouet, where the activities will be greatly appreciated by young and old alike.
Circular of the Saint-Ferréol Basin from Revel
6.19 mi
+581 ft
-597 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Revel (Haute-Garonne)
A route off the beaten track to discover the Saint-Ferréol Basin, its winding paths, its famous waterfall, its cascades and, above all, its park with magnificent trees (pines, spruces, cedars, oaks, plane trees, maples, etc.). What's more, you'll discover Revel from above!
Circular of Saint-Ferréol Lake via Cammazes Lake
11.85 mi
+1,663 ft
-1,637 ft
6h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sorèze (Tarn)
Circular between Lake Saint-Ferréol and Lake Cammazes for a short day's hike.
Lovely views of the lakes, very pleasant sections in the forest, chance to spot deer, visit the Voûte de Vauban or enjoy a gourmet break in the village of Les Cammazes.
Lac des Cammazes and the Gravette Dam
3.52 mi
+748 ft
-748 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Les Cammazes (Tarn)
A very pleasant walk, almost entirely through forest. Wide, easily passable paths and superb views of the lake and dam.
La Montagnole, land of renewable energy
9.56 mi
+614 ft
-633 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Les Martys (Aude)
Forest hike to the Cuxac-Cabardès wind farm, above the Dure valley, and almost complete tour of Lake Laprade Basse via the recently constructed path that avoids the D101 between the hamlet and the dam dyke (see info).