Saint-Hilaire (Aude) walks

Lake Cavayère is the place to visit in Carcassonne when the sun is out. The path around the lake is laid out clearly and is very easy to follow even with children (over ten years). The ever present lake provides a very pleasant setting.

Nature trail along the Aude river and urban trail through the villages of Campagne-sur-Aude and Espéraza.

You'll be amazed by the well-preserved state of the Visigoths' tombs found along the way. You can explore the cemetery, made up of fifteen or so graves, at the corner of a path in the middle of shrub land.

Despite its modest altitude, Mont Major (541 m), the highest point of the Serre de Blanes, offers a magnificent 360° panorama that takes in the Montagne d'Alaric, the Carcassonne plain and, on a clear day, the peaks of the Ariège Pyrenees and Canigou. The climb, starting from the village of Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, takes place in a landscape typical of the Corbières region, with small isolated vineyards, pine trees and heath where holm oaks reign supreme. A breath of fresh air and peace and quiet guaranteed.

This is a relatively short, intense loop route at altitude, climbing Pech du Bugarach from the village via La Fenêtre.

It's not the most interesting route in the massif, but it's the shortest way to quickly reach the summit of the famous site that became legendary in 2012, the Pech de Bugarach, the mysterious highest point of the Corbières massif, a foothill of the Pyrenees and a landmark for griffon vultures, which you're sure to spot.

This short hike takes you up to a vantage point where you can admire the village of Lagrasse and its listed abbey. The name "fesses de Charlemagne" (Charlemagne's buttocks) comes from a legend which tells how Charlemagne's horse stumbled, throwing him onto the hill where he landed on his backside.

This hike, a little longer than Charlemagne's buttocks, takes you to a chapel and a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area, all surrounded by wild vegetation.

This is a great walk in the heart of the Alaric massif, where you can explore deep valleys and forests of holm oaks and Austrian black pines. Legend has it that the Visigoth king Alaric, passing through the region, gave the mountain its name, and some say that his treasure is hidden here. A trip to the summit offers views of the entire Aude plain, the Corbières, the Eastern Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea if the weather is clear enough.

In the Laure-Minervois area, drystone shelters known as capitelles bear witness to the history and work of the rural world. This route, marked in yellow, will take you to around thirty capitelles that have been restored by the villagers.

Walk along the Greenway and to the Calvary.

This moderately difficult route starts at the old Chalabre railway station on the line that used to connect Mirepoix to Lavelanet, now a greenway. It follows the Hers river, which feeds the Lac de Montbel, crossing two dams before returning to the old Chalabre station after passing through some woodland. It offers views of the Pyrenees and the Lac de Montbel.

At the gates of Carcassonne, the Montagne d'Alaric offers a superb viewpoint over the Pyrenees and the Aude plain. The ruins of the priories of Saint-Pierre d'Alaric and Saint-Michel de Nahuze, as well as those of the Métairie de Vidal, encourage us to reflect on the history of this mountain and the life that must have once animated it. Finally, the return journey through the vineyards of the Corbières region is an invitation to end this day's walk with a well-deserved wine tasting.

This challenging hike involves four successive ascents and descents in the foothills of the Montagne Noire. It offers a wide variety of places and views throughout the day. To complete this loop, we have cleared a path through broom and holm oak trees. The GPX track is essential for following this section, which is approximately 400 m long, from the point (10). The rest of the hike is on well-marked trails. Note the crossing of the Ruisseau de La Grave (at an altitude of 397 m), which can be tricky if the flow is strong.

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.

Exploring La Montagne Noire and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

A hike from a pretty little village on the Sentier Cathare GR®367, the GR®36, and the GRP® Tour des Fenouillèdes.A sense of direction is required. The reward comes at the summit, with its 360° panorama.On the way back, a visit to a large and beautiful cave is very interesting.

If you enjoy walking among junipers, gorse and rockroses on a very stony but not particularly difficult path, you will love this short hike, which will take you to the quarry where the red marble columns of the Palace of Versailles were quarried.

In this remote corner, two hours from the nearest village, families dedicated to farming lived just a few decades ago.

To complete a loop in the Montagne Noire on unmarked, poorly marked and rarely used paths, we have opened up a few sections of trail that allowed us to enjoy an unusual experience in a little-known area. If you like adventure, don't forget to take the GPX track with you!

Loop, on little-known trails or ones we create, reserved for experienced walkers who are willing to follow the GPX track and are not afraid to take poorly marked trails, most of which are unmarked.

Very nice circuit that will take you over grazing areas that are still used. The last part of the circuit overhangs the gorges of Galamus.

A lovely, varied hike with alternating limestone and schist formations and many beautiful views (as far as the Pyrenees).

A lovely little walk from the Bassin de Saint-Denis to the Prise Alzeau and back along the stream.

A loop trail to discover the sheepfolds of yesteryear and enjoy beautiful views of the Pyrenees, the Montagne Noire and the Pic de Nore.

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.

A magnificent walk through the Corbières heath with panoramic views of the nearby Pyrenees and the Château de Queribus, sentinel between the Aude and the Eastern Pyrenees.

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)

A 16 km loop that passes under the walls of Peyrepertuse Castle, with views of Quéribus Castle and the Quille Massif. Most of the hike is in the woods. Finally, the Verdouble Gorges with their pools and waterfalls offer a refreshing and relaxing break.

When the valley was unsafe, the men would retreat to the heights. The hills surrounding the Boulzane and Agly valleys are dotted with prestigious strongholds (Puylaurens, Fenouillet, Quéribus, etc.). And getting there was no easy task, as the Gorges de Saint-Jaume demonstrate.

A magnificent hike in the hills above Féline-Minervois. Our footsteps echo on the marble that lies just below the surface of the heath. Sumptuous views of the Minervois. And medieval ruins to admire.

From the village, a climb to the foot of the Château de Quéribus on well-marked paths. See: practical information. The descent is quite steep, after waypoint (5). It's quite possible to do this circuit the other way round, and climb from waypoint (6) to (5).

An exceptional hike, but: - the 6 km ridge walk from Grau de Maury to La Quille. - the route passes close to steep cliffs and includes a section of rock climbing, so it is strongly advised against for people who are prone to vertigo. Only experienced hikers in good physical condition and accustomed to rocky terrain can complete this hike safely. GPX track essential. Be prepared to turn back if necessary.

From Padern, climb up to the castle, cross the Pas de Massac and the Pas de la Serre.Then there is a superb passage along the ridge to reach the Roc de la Capéliane. Next, follow the tracks, with beautiful scenery, to descend to a discreet path that climbs back up along the Ruisseau de Grazels. Back at the crossroads of the two loops, cross the Pas de la Goutine to return to the village.This circuit may be considered quite difficult by some people.The GPX track is necessary at various points to confirm your position, particularly at (12) and (13).It is possible to do only part of this circuit. *