Termes (Aude) walks

The pretty village of Termes is surrounded by two lovely walks. You can do them separately or in one go, offering the option of walks for three different fitness levels. As the northern section and the circular walk combining both walks have already been published on Visorando, I am adding the section that runs south of the village. If you follow the suggested route, it is suitable for average walkers, but you should be careful on the descent between points (4) and (7), as a few fairly steep sections may prove challenging for some. However, there are no insurmountable difficulties, but it is best to be forewarned.

A very beautiful hike along excellent, well-marked trails (GR® and PR®) to the south and north of Termes, a small village in the Hautes Corbières where you can visit the castle (pick up tickets at the Tourist Office before setting off on the hike). Classified as moderate, it nevertheless requires a good level of fitness as it includes a few steep sections along the route as well as some fairly steep descents.

This route in the heart of the Hautes Corbières offers superb panoramic views, an escape to a place that is as attractive for its beauty as it is for its rich history, as well as a great place to swim and cool off before visiting the ruins of the impregnable castle.

Starting from the small medieval village of Villerouge-Termenès, this route offers a wide variety of views over the vineyards of the plain, the scrubland, the woods and the wild canyons of the Hautes Corbières. At an altitude of 500 metres, you can see the Montagne Noire and the magnificent Pyrenees mountain range in the distance.

The second stage between Villerouge-Termenès and Lagrasse begins on the heights of the Corbières and then descends gradually towards the superb medieval village of Lagrasse and its abbey.

A beautiful, bucolic hike along a river with a few tributary streams. Three-quarters of the route is shaded, easy for beginners but with some steep sections. Trail marked in yellow.

Hike around Maryonnes with beautiful views of the Corbières. The trail climbs steeply in the first part through the undergrowth.

Despite its modest altitude, Mont Major (542 m), the highest point of the Serre de Blanes, offers a magnificent, almost 360° panorama encompassing the Montagne d’Alaric, the Carcassonne plain and, on a clear day, the peaks of the Ariège Pyrenees and the Canigou. The ascent, starting from the village of Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, takes place amidst a landscape typical of the Corbières, with small, isolated vineyards, pine trees and heath where holm oaks reign supreme. A breath of fresh air in a setting where peace and quiet are guaranteed.

A large, gentle hill that is easily accessible, Milobre de Bouisse nevertheless rises to an altitude of 878 m and offers a magnificent view of the Corbières, the Canigou massif, Pech de Bugarach and the Ariège Pyrenees. After an open first section dominated by pastures, the route continues through charming valleys where conifers grow alongside numerous deciduous species before returning to the meadows for a final panoramic view.

In Taurize, you may see the "bull" on the church wall and perhaps also the ancient pagan altar dedicated to the cult of Mithra on the hill overlooking the village. Some say there are mitounes fairies!

A beautiful hike spanning the Neolithic and Medieval periods, in unspoilt countryside.

Less well-known than its namesake further north, this plateau at an altitude of over 500 m offers a striking contrast to the traditional vineyards for which the Corbières region is renowned. Dernacueillette, with its charming square lined with plane trees and a small waterfall, makes for a pleasant and refreshing stop before heading up to the isolated, sparsely vegetated expanses of the plateau, which offer stunning views of the Montagne de Tauch in particular. Absolute peace and quiet guaranteed.

The Gourg Goutonnier, an enormous giant’s kettle carved out over millennia in the bed of the Nielle, is the destination of this hike. You reach it after a charming walk through vineyards and heath. The return route takes you past the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Lère, which stands in a secluded spot amidst a sea of vines over which it seems to watch jealously. All the charm of the Corbières in a relatively short route, ideal for a half-day outing.

The route is shaped like a leaf, in reference to the vineyard it crosses. It leads from Serviès-en-Val to Rieux-en-Val and then to Villemagne. Follow the well-marked "Chemin des Six Sens" (Path of the Six Senses) and return to Serviès-en-Val by following the yellow markings.

The distinctive shape of Mont Tauch makes it easily recognisable during hikes, whether from the Catalan Pyrenees, the Caroux or various peaks in the Corbières. It catches the eye to such an extent that it makes you want to explore it. From the village of Maisons, a gentle, steady climb takes you up the 555 metres to this plateau, which is interesting for its geographical position as it offers spectacular views of the Pyrenees, from the Albères to the Madrès massif, via the Corbières hills to the highest peaks of Capcir. Whilst the first part of this hike presents no difficulties, the descent on the other side of the plateau is best left to seasoned hikers capable of navigating using the Visorando GPX track.

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.

The Lacamp plateau overlooking the Val de Dagne offers numerous viewpoints. Heath, communal forest (beech and oak) and state-owned forest (fir and cedar). This trail passes two orientation tables that provide information about the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees. It led to Bouisse, a day's walk across the Lacamp plateau. On the village square, next to the fountain and at the corner of the old town hall, a sign describing the trail was installed in 2010. Since 2020, the old public toilets have become the smallest museum in the world!

A hike in the heights of the Corbières, in a rather rugged natural environment where the hand of man is still visible. Beautiful views along the way, mining heritage, and a still-thriving wine industry.

A walk in the hills above Tournissan, surrounded by pine trees, vineyards and heath. Geology enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the section through the Terres Rouges, where you follow part of the Sentier Francis Lastenouse trail, which is full of informative signs. Not to mention the magnificent natural surroundings, rich in striking colour contrasts, which are sure to delight other walkers.