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Riols walks
The Jaur Valley and Notre-Dame-de-Trédos
This circuit overlooks the Jaur valley and offers breathtaking views of the Somail massif and the Saut de Vezoles, before revealing the fabulous Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Trédos.
Sentier des 1000 Marches - Saut et Lac de Vezoles
This trail is a marvel exploring the Saut de Vezoles and its lake with spectacular amenities.
The Chemin des Légendes and its thousand steps
Above Riols, this trail takes you by the hand through the Somail mountains, explaining, marker after marker, schist and gneiss, menhirs and dolmens, and of course the legend of the Saut de Vézoles. A tough climb but well worth it. A magnificent hike.
The tour of Lake Vezoles
In a forest setting, peat bogs with remarkable wildlife punctuate this walk around Lake Vezoles.
Loop from Saint-Étienne d'Albagnan via Notre-Dame-de-Trédos and Prémian
The highlights of this hike are a visit to the Notre-Dame-de-Trédos chapel, the stone bridges at St-Étienne d'Albagnan and Prémian, and a few kilometres along the Passa Païs greenway between Bédarieux and Mazamet.This is the first Visorando hike linking Saint-Étienne d'Albagnan or Prémian to Notre-Dame-de-Trédos. This hike can be started from either Prémian or St-Étienne d'Albagnan.There is also a well-known and slightly more difficult loop starting from Riols towards Notre-Dame-de-Trédos.
Loop of the ridges in Pardailhan
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.
A Gallic bridge in the Somail Forest
A superb, shaded hike in the Monts du Somail, which is very pleasant in summer to enjoy the coolness of this beautiful forest. It does not present any particular difficulties. The trail is dotted with a few items of cultural heritage. The Moulin de Mathas, now in ruins, where you can still admire a superb water reservoir, made of stone, which was used to supply the mill. Further on, the Pont Gaulois (Gallic Bridge) next to a pretty waterfall.
From Gaillergues to Saint-Vincent-d'Olargues
Starting from the Passa Païs greenway in Gaillergues, the circuit follows tracks and paths climbing gently to the Church of the Commanderie des Chevaliers de St-Jean-de-Jérusalem. It offers ever-changing views of the Jaur valley and the peaks: Caroux-Espinouse, Col de Fontfroide, Somail, Avant-monts
The Cross of Saint Martin
This shaded route in the Monts du Somail National Forest ranges in altitude from 895 m to 1050 m and is ideal for summer cycling. It should be done clockwise to avoid the sunniest areas in the morning and enjoy the cool shade of the forest in the afternoon.
Les Planques Héraultaises
The planques are ancient footbridges built with huge stone slabs connected by metal staples and supported by dry stone walls and one or two large blocks serving as pillars.
This superb circuit takes you through the Haut Languedoc Natural Park, across fields in the middle of the Somail National Forest, to discover these famous planques spanning the Arn stream and the Chemin des Menhirs.
This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.
The Terrier Trail in Verreries-de-Moussans
This family-friendly hike offers a forest atmosphere. Along the way, you will come across drystone shelters and walls supporting terraces that were once cultivated. There is a lovely view of the Col d'Usclats and the Somail mountains. Halfway along the route, you can take a break near the River Thoré.
The Lac de Laouzas loop from Fraïsse-sur-Agout
This hike, which is quite long but not difficult, allows you to discover varied landscapes. It follows part of the GRP® des Monts du Haut-Languedoc and the GR®653, which is one of the variants of the Chemins de Compostelle. It runs along the southern edge of Lake Laouzas and part of the upper valley of the River Agoût
Olargues
One-day, fully signposted circular walk around Olargues.
Le Priou
Hike dominated by Le Caroux. Walk through vineyards and around mountains amid holm oaks and chestnut trees.
Pic de Naudech - Mézeilles circular
Half-day hike starting from the hamlet of Mézeilles (commune of Vieussan) to reach the Pic de Naudech (753m) and enjoy several viewpoints.
Around Barroubio
A loop starting from Saint-Jean-de-Minervois will take you across several streams and to the Church of Saint-Jean de Dieuvaille or the Church of the Trou. Along the way, you will alternate between old paths through the woods and Muscat vineyards. The route is dotted with beautiful views of the Barroubio cliffs. Depending on the season, you may see wild irises, broom, gorse, thyme and holm oaks.
The Saint-Peyre Chapel and the Pierre Trouée
A walk that leads to the ruins of the Saint-Peyre Chapel and then to a curious stone with a hole in it hidden in the heath.
(Moderator's note) Please note that there are reported difficulties at the end of the route. See the three comments left since February 2022.
Lake Laouzas
A short walk along the shores of Lake Laouzas in the Haut-Languedoc park.
From Mons to Douch via Héric
This is the first day of the Haut Languedoc trip. It will take at least 5 hours to reach Douch. The climb to the Col de la Maure is unmarked but follows a well-marked, safe path. See § Practical information (¹).The access to the Col du Bardou is beautiful. The descent to the Ruisseau d'Héric and the climb back up to Douch via the hamlet of Héric are very varied.
The Bardou and Héric Circuit
View and passage through two villages isolated from the main roads, featuring beautiful stone houses.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Saint-Chinian mill
From the Moulin de Saint-Chinian to Fonjun.
Le Montahut and the Chapel of Saint-Martin-du-Froid
Starting from Bardou (a small but charming private hamlet), the route joins the Tour du Montahut, where the view is simply magnificent! It then passes by the little Chapelle Saint-Martin-du-Froid, which offers a sumptuous view, and ends with a descent with a view of the splendid Caroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.
Notre-Dame de Nazareth, drystone shelters and the mill
This peaceful walk through the vineyards of Saint-Chinian offers magnificent views of the village and the Grage beyond. Drystone shelters with evocative names, educational panels, Notre-Dame de Nazareth and, in the background, the Avants-Monts ridge and the silhouette of the Caroux massif: it's all here.
From Les Barralets to Les Guitardes
Between Saint-Chinian and Assignan, this route follows a GR® de Pays trail to explore woods and vineyards. On the way back, the Combelongue valley offers the chance to discover a "village" of drystone shelters and a plaster mill, now used for grain, which dates from 1854 and was originally used to grind gypsum.
The Caroux plateau via the Refuge de Font Salesse and the Gorges d'Héric
This 14 km loop takes you past the main points of interest in the area: the Gorges d'Héric, the Refuge de Font Salesse, the Caroux plateau and its orientation table, and the very charming village of Héric.
The ten hairpin bends of La Taillade in Tarassac
This short circular walk offers beautiful views uphill to the north over the Caroux massif and downhill to the south over the Orb valley. This walk is particularly pleasant in spring or autumn.
Circulate the Muscat vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois
Discover the famous Muscat vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. This circuit moves out of the hamlet of Paguignan leading onto the plateau of Saint John and then descends to the Cesse Valley to join Agel and its Castle, which is listed as a Historical Monument. The route then continues in the direction of Cassidy and then reaches the starting point.
Pont de Daniel and Pont du Moulin via Minerve
A short hike around the town of Minerve along trails that are rarely used. They offer magnificent views, but be careful if you are afraid of heights on the edges of the Brian Canyon.
The Tsaquarello thermal springs and the Payrac trail
Walk along the trail and discover reconstructed stone markers: cairns, drystone shelters and more. You will have a magnificent view of the Monts de Lacaune. From May to September, you can linger at the Maison de Payrac, a 19th-century farmhouse that has been restored in keeping with the lifestyle and objects of yesteryear.
Loop on the heights of Vialanove
A short circuit starting from the hamlet of Paguignan will take you through vineyards and woods, passing successively through the hamlets of Cailhol and Vialanove. On the return circuit, there is a protected cave where bats nest.
Please note! We recommend using the Visorando app for navigation, and above all, downloading the map before you leave home, as the area will remain a white zone until at least the end of 2022...
The Bois des Gardes in Ferrals-les-Montagnes
Here, sheltered by deciduous and coniferous forests, you can take the time to enjoy the hike in the cool air.Here you will find the Cesse, the Minervois' iconic river, which has its source here (to be discovered off the trail).
Minerve, La Cesse and Brian
This tour around Minerve has it all! The natural bridges of the Cesse, the heath, the aerial passages of the Gorges du Brian and, of course, the cobbled streets of the town.
31/05/2024 hike modified at point (4): Follow the concrete track (yellow markings) and NOT the PR® marked on the IGN base map, which is now a prohibited PRIVATE PROPERTY where wood has been felled.
This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.
More walks in Riols
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