Riols walks

This trail is a marvel exploring the Saut de Vezoles and its lake with spectacular amenities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

View and passage through two villages isolated from the main roads, with beautiful stone houses. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This beautiful route climbs up the fabulous Orb Gorges to the village of Vieussan and then heads back into the thick scrubland that covers the western slope of the Ayrolle summit. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

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.

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.

Starting from Prades-sur-Vernazobre, this loop passes through the Col du Lac, approaching Berlou and Col de la Maurerie. This is an easy hike with no particular difficulties. There is some shade, but most of the route is on unshaded forest tracks. You will walk through vineyards offering beautiful views, particularly of the Caroux.

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.

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).

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.

This is the second day of the Haut Languedoc trip.Loop hike around the Montagne d'Aret.Depending on how much time you have, the hike can be shortened from (1) directly to (4). Updated by the author on 10 June 2025, as the OFB reports that after (6) it is a Caroux-Espinouse hunting and wildlife reserve. Unauthorised entry is a 4th class offence punishable by a €135 fine. The route and description have therefore been modified.

Access from the village of Douch to the plateau and Roc du Caroux, then a semi-climbing route along ledges to go around the peaks and enjoy a 360° view of the Héric Gorges below. Return via the plateau to the village. ⚠️ Poor mobile phone reception in the rocks of the peaks. The circuit is challenging, so make sure you tell your friends and family about your plans.

Walk on the Caroux plateau, which offers magnificent views of the Orb valley, the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees.

An exceptional circular walk above the torrent of Arles where you can discover a cave dwelling and a superb Cervennes collection in the hamlet of Fage.

This is a family-friendly round-trip hike offering splendid views of Lacaune and its surroundings from the famous Roc des Écus. More than half of the route follows a wide forest track, then a beautiful, easy trail that is shaded almost all the way.