Historic trail of Laurac-le-Grand

The stronghold of the powerful lords who gave their name to the Lauragais, the ancient fortified village of Laurac has retained its dominant position, its medieval silhouette and its authentic stone buildings. The route reveals breathtaking panoramas and allows you to observe the village and nature from the surrounding hills. The information panels along the route tell its eventful history, from the Cathars to the religious wars of the Renaissance.

Yellow markings

Details

12036850
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.51 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 164 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 155 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 415 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 250 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Laurac (11270)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.227959° / E 1.975168°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2245O
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park at the entrance to the village, Place des Mares, near the medieval gate or in thesecond car park 300 metres away at the end of the street on the right.

Yellow markings

(S/E) From the village entrance and its medieval gate, head towards the cemetery, pass the town hall and the old public weighbridge and climb up opposite, skirting the cemetery on your right. Head south until you reach the first crossroads.

(1) At the top, turn right at the crossroads, follow this path for 400 m, then take the D15 to the right and take the grassy path on the left.

(2) Turn right at the hairpin bend to climb to the top of the hill. At the highest point, marked by an antenna (Le Puy Faucher at an altitude of 415 m), enjoy the view stretching all the way to the Pyrenees. Then return to the path that descends to the left.

(3) Cross the D15 to take the path that runs along the edge of the Pierre Levée plateau and offers a beautiful view of the village of Laurac.

(4) After viewing the Pierre Levée stele, descend to the right along the path that cuts across the bend in the road leading down to Laurac. Follow this small road for 100 metres and take the first path on the left. At the fork, keep to the right to descend more directly to Laurac (5 km marked route).

(5) At the cross, turn right. Continue for 100 metres before leaving the main path and taking the narrow path that branches off to the right and passes between the bushes. Descend this wooded section for about 400 metres and climb back up to the right along the path that runs alongside a large garden towards the village. Then turn onto the path on the left that climbs up to the village. When you reach Rue de l'Hôpital, go up Place de l'Église, down the steps and across Place Guiraude to return to the starting point through the medieval gate (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 277 m - Place des Mares near the medieval gate
  2. 1 : km 0.76 - alt. 358 m - Fork to the right
  3. 2 : km 1.5 - alt. 404 m - Hairpin trail
  4. 3 : km 2.24 - alt. 390 m - Crossing the D15
  5. 4 : km 2.69 - alt. 382 m - Stèle de la Pierre Levée
  6. 5 : km 3.54 - alt. 302 m - Carrefour de la Croix
  7. S/E : km 4.5 - alt. 278 m - Place des Mares near the medieval gate

Notes

- At the start: information board, map of the route.

Worth a visit

Bring binoculars to observe nature and the landscape:
- birds thrive in the open terrain of this Natura 2000 special protection area, "Piège et collines du Lauragais". This SPA is home to 26 species, including 19 that nest here year-round, 5 that winter here and 2 that migrate here.
- the tall grasslands are dotted with orchids, much to the delight of butterflies and dragonflies.
- the view stretches far across these open hills: towards the agricultural plain of Lauragais with the village of Laurac in the foreground, the hills of La Piège where meadows, fields and woods coexist, with the Pyrenees mountain range in the background.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 21281758

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent walk with a 360-degree view.

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OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our trails in our region.
Kind regards

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Lionel11410
Lionel11410

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk between the Pyrenees and the hills of Lauragais, allowing you to discover the history of Laurac and its connection to the Cathars. It was very windy during my outing. The landscapes are magnificent. No particular difficulties

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OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular trails in our region.
Kind regards

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asker
asker

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Short route but superb views.
360° panorama and interesting history.
Some muddy sections in winter.
Easy to follow, village always visible.

Machine-translated

OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular trails in our region.
Kind regards

Machine-translated

les 2D
les 2D

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Circuit with historical information along the route and incredible views.
To be repeated in spring

Machine-translated

OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular trails in our region.
Kind regards

Machine-translated

75marianne
75marianne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant, beautiful views, well signposted and difficulty level accurately assessed

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OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular hiking trails in the Piège Lauragais Malepère region.
See you soon!

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am_igon
am_igon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb, very interesting and informative walk with information boards recounting the main events in the village's history. It's fascinating, especially for people like me who are very interested in history.
Beautiful panoramic views.
Best avoided in strong winds and hot weather.
A lovely, easy walk that I highly recommend.

Machine-translated

am_igon
am_igon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk punctuated with information boards about the history of the village, which is very interesting and informative for people like me who are very interested in history. Beautiful views.
Highly recommended.
Best avoided in windy or very hot weather.

Machine-translated

OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular hiking trails in the Piège Lauragais Malepère region.
See you soon!

Machine-translated

Marisud
Marisud

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, well marked, with several information boards about the history of the area. In spring, wild orchids grow everywhere, including bee orchids. After a short, slightly steep climb, the walk continues almost entirely along the ridges, offering beautiful views. However, there is little or no shade. Best avoided during periods of strong sunshine.

Machine-translated

OT Cœur des Collines Cathares
OT Cœur des Collines Cathares

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our circular hiking trails in the Piège Lauragais Malepère region.
See you soon!

Machine-translated

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