Villeneuve-la-Comptal walks

part2 of the "Les Collines du Vent" route:The exceptional views amply reward the effort of climbing the pechs (hills in Occitan). The Collines du Vent route then takes on its full spectacular dimension: the pechs are swept by winds blowing alternately from the Mediterranean (the autan or marin) and the Atlantic (cers). There are few trees on the hills, which also means that there is little shade in summer, so the sun beats down hard on the hills. A spectacular and iconic 48.2 km online route in the Lauragais region, the "Collines du Vent" connects Avignonet-Lauragais and Fanjeaux. Numerous windmills are dotted across these first hills of La Piège, taking advantage of the generous winds that blow alternately from the Mediterranean (the Autan or marine wind) and the Atlantic (the Cers). The view stretches far beyond the hills to the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Eleven information panels provide details about the area's heritage. Yellow and blue markings

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

Learn to draw while walking and observing the landscapes of the Piège hills, in unusual places such as the Serre des Enchantées or among the sheep on a wild hilltop. This is an original hike between the unspoilt villages of Cazalrenoux and Génerville. Yellow markings + 7 wooden easels

A very pretty little circuit, without any difficulty, offering superb views of the Lac de la Ganguise, the hillsides and the Pyrenees. There is very little tarmac, with most of the route following wide, clean paths. The starting point offers a chance to discover the magnificent little castle of Belflou.

A challenging forest circuit on hilly paths with sweeping views over the first hills of the Piège. It is an ideal training ground for keeping fit or preparing your legs for the mountains. Mont Carrière, the highlight of the walk, has four orientation tables, but it is not the only panoramic viewpoint on this circuit, which offers many beautiful sights.

The wild orchid discovery trail winds its way from the slopes of Mont Carrière to those of Les Canonges, offering a succession of hills and valleys where undergrowth, forests, cultivated areas, short, dry grasslands on limestone soil and wetlands alternate. Wild orchids have made their home in this setting. However, few walkers pay attention to these sometimes tiny flowers, which rarely grow taller than 20 centimetres, in the early days of spring. Some are very concentrated, others much rarer, growing alone or scattered. Picto Yellow Flower Markings

Half of this route follows theGR® 653, which runs alongside the Canal du Midi, synonymous with tranquillity, shade and coolness.

Landscapes of the Lauragais region starting from Saint-Paulet. Long shaded stretch along the Rigole de la Plaine, Lake Lenclas with picnic facilities, the Cathar memorial at Les Cassés, view of the exterior of the castle and the Pyrenees.

A circular that will allow you to discover the Lauragais countryside and the Rigole de la Plaine, which feeds the Canal du Midi

In the Aude Cathar Country, the unspoilt village of Fanjeaux, perched on a hill (pech in Occitan), offers spectacular views of the countryside. The undulating route winds its way over the hills, dotted with numerous viewpoints, including Mont Carrière with its four orientation tables. Red markings and "Circular de la Hille" sign.

Set off on the path once taken by Saint Dominic to reach the first monastery he founded in Prouille. Crossing the hills, the route reveals the wine-growing village of Lasserre-de-Prouille, a small "circulade" with a remarkable heritage. This is a shortened version of the long route linking Fanjeaux to Montréal (30 km) via the GR® 78, the Piedmont route of the legendary pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Yellow markings

A spectacular and iconic 48.2 km online route through the Lauragais region, the "Collines du Vent" (Windy Hills) connect Avignonet-Lauragais and Fanjeaux. Numerous windmills are dotted across these first hills of the Piège, taking advantage of the generous winds that blow alternately from the Mediterranean (the autan or marin) and the Atlantic (the cers). The view stretches far beyond the hills to the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Eleven information panels provide details about the local heritage. Yellow and blue markingsPlease note: follow the yellow and pink markings (those of the Tour de Lauragais) from Laurac to Fanjeaux.

From the Lac de Lenclas site, it is worth making a short detour to visit the pretty village of Saint-Félix-Lauragais. Most of the hike is on roads.

Discover the different landscapes of the Lauragais. Along the route, which is not difficult but hilly, you will find dirt tracks, historical remains and sites, and charming villages. This hike requires a little navigation, so an IGN map will be a great help.

Starting from Laserre-de-Prouille, set off along the paths through the vineyards of the Malepère appellation to discover four villages perched on their hills: Brézilhac, Ferran, Mazerolles-du-Razès and Lasserre-de-Prouille. Several panoramic views provide an insight into the landscape, which is marked by a wide variety of agricultural activities. Yellow markings

A shaded hike through a beautiful forest that once provided charcoal. A few pits, or charcoal pits, remain as evidence of this.

This hike alternates between beech, oak and chestnut forests and cattle pastures on the hillsides. The elevation gain is gentle, but the beautiful descent through the woods after Le Montagnet can be difficult in wet weather. Spring and late autumn are the best times to enjoy this route.

This hike is very easy to follow, but bring sunscreen and water if you're doing it in the middle of summer!

There are no signs indicating this remnant of a powerful Cathar fortress where three hundred Cathar perfects took refuge in 1209. All that remains is a tower and an intact Romanesque gate marking the entrance to the castrum. This walk along the Rigole de la Montagne and Sor rivers will reveal the entrance to the hidden path.

The Chemin des Amoureux (Lovers' Path) takes you up the Laudot valley toward Cammazes. You return on the GR7.

From the dam, head towards the Montagne Noire Natural Park for a hike in the forest and along the river. After a short wet crossing and a final easy climb, the arrival point reveals a magnificent view of the dam.