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Montagne noire walks
                 La Montagne Noire via Cubserviès
                La Montagne Noire via Cubserviès            
            
         
        
        
                Exploring La Montagne Noire and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.            
            
            
    
                 La Chapelle la Capelette in Dourgne
                La Chapelle la Capelette in Dourgne            
            
         
        
        
                Breathtaking panoramic views steeped in history and legend.
 02/08/2023 Message from the moderator: Change to the route at point 11 to continue on thePR® and avoid En Crouzilles, which is private property.            
            
            
    
                 The footbridge from Hautpoul to Mazamet
                The footbridge from Hautpoul to Mazamet            
            
         
        
        
                Hike with elevation gain, marked in yellow at intervals, which will allow you to use the Hautpoul footbridge opened at the end of 2018 and cross the medieval village of the same name.
There is a tricky section between points (6) and (7) where recent tree felling has more or less destroyed the mapped paths and removed the markers.            
            
            
    
                 The Pic de Nore
                The Pic de Nore            
            
         
        
        
                Pic de Nore is the highest point of the Montagne Noire (1,211 m). The climb is fairly easy from the typical village of Pradelles Cabardès. It mainly takes you through beech forests with views of moorland offering superb panoramas to the south over the Pyrenees and to the north over the Espinouse.
In addition to the Pic de Nore, which offers a magnificent 360° view, this circuit allows you to visit the "Cabane d'Hélène" menhirs and the famous ice houses of Pradelles.            
            
            
    
                 Tour of Lac des Cammazes
                Tour of Lac des Cammazes            
            
         
        
        
                This hike is very easy to follow, but bring sunscreen and water if you're doing it in the middle of summer!            
            
            
    
                 Oppidum of Berniquaut
                Oppidum of Berniquaut            
            
         
        
        
                Circuit to Gallic ruins offering a 360° view of the Sorèze plain.            
            
            
    
                 The Three Bishops Fountain
                The Three Bishops Fountain            
            
         
        
        
                Circuit around the Sales Plateau, on the border of the Aude, Tarn and Hérault departments. With its varied landscapes, it will appeal to lovers of wild places with its many Occitan crosses and superb panoramic views of the Montagne Noire and the Minervois. View of the Pyrenees in good weather.            
            
            
    
                 The marble circuit in Caunes-Minervois
                The marble circuit in Caunes-Minervois            
            
         
        
        
                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)            
            
            
    
                 Oppidum of Berniquaut and Saint-Jammes Chapel
                Oppidum of Berniquaut and Saint-Jammes Chapel            
            
         
        
        
                On the western edge of the Montagne Noire, this hike harmoniously combines historical remains and beautiful views. The Oppidum de Berniquaut, the excavations of medieval dwellings on the same site, a large standing stone with cup marks and the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Jammes de Besauceles will delight history enthusiasts. Lovers of beautiful landscapes will also find something to satisfy them on this route, which overlooks the Sorèze plain from a height of over 300 metres.            
            
            
    
                 The channel through the Lac de Saint-Denis
                The channel through the Lac de Saint-Denis            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 Saint-Ferreol
                Saint-Ferreol            
            
         
        
        
                Section of the "sentier des sommets" trail, cut off from the link with Revel, reducing the total distance to 14 km.
No technical difficulties, with beautiful views of the Lauragais. The route ends with a shaded walk around the lake, where you can swim in season.            
            
            
    
                 Pas de l'Aube loop
                Pas de l'Aube loop            
            
         
        
        
                A loop trail to discover the sheepfolds of yesteryear and enjoy beautiful views of the Pyrenees, the Montagne Noire and the Pic de Nore.            
            
            
    
                 Loop of the ridges in Pardailhan
                Loop of the ridges in Pardailhan            
            
        
                Hike on the ridges of Pardailhan at an altitude of around 800m. Loop through pine and chestnut forests with superb views on clear stretches. There are several places on the way where you can stop for a picnic.            
            
            
    
                 Lampy, Lampiot, around the lake
                Lampy, Lampiot, around the lake            
            
         
        
        
                Three quarters of the hike is sheltered from the sun and wind by the beech forest (mainly). Wear good shoes as the trail is often muddy with some stream crossings that are more or less maintained. Foresters have cleared the trail, which creates some large puddles, but these can always be avoided by walking along the edges of the forest.            
            
            
    
                 Lac de Laprade via the peat bogs
                Lac de Laprade via the peat bogs            
            
         
        
        
                Here is a variation on the "Lac de Laprade, around the lake" hike. This variation avoids the climb up the paved road to the village of Laprade Basse. It allows you to visit the Laprade peat bogs and enjoy a pleasant walk on pontoons.            
            
            
    
                 Mas-Cabardès - The four villages circuit
                Mas-Cabardès - The four villages circuit            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 The Chemin des Amoureux
                The Chemin des Amoureux            
            
         
        
        
                The Chemin des Amoureux (Lovers' Path) takes you up the Laudot valley toward Cammazes. You return on the GR7.            
            
            
    
                 The Megaliths of Minerve
                The Megaliths of Minerve            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 Alzeau water intake
                Alzeau water intake            
            
         
        
        
                A lovely little walk from the Bassin de Saint-Denis to the Prise Alzeau and back along the stream.            
            
            
    
                 The Pic de Nore
                The Pic de Nore            
            
         
        
        
                The Pic de Nore is the highest point and iconic summit of the Montagne Noire, with its transmitter visible for dozens of kilometres around. The circuit described here allows you to make the ascent without any difficulty, passing by several exceptional viewpoints over the Pyrenees. Two menhirs along the way and a visit to the old ice houses in Pradelles-Cabardès are a pleasant addition to this varied hike at medium altitude.            
            
            
    
                 From Sainte-Scholastique to the Quatre Saints
                From Sainte-Scholastique to the Quatre Saints            
            
         
        
        
                A beautiful, undulating route that passes through four places dedicated to the four saints of Dourgne:
Saint-Macaire and his healing spring, Saint-Stapin the giant, Saint-Chipoli or Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Ferréol and his Capelette.            
            
            
    
                 Short walk around Lake Lampy
                Short walk around Lake Lampy            
            
         
        
        
                The proximity of the lake for cooling off, the deciduous forest for a shaded walk and the very passable paths, despite a few fords along the route, ensure a very pleasant time even with children.            
            
            
    
                 Walk in Hautpoul via the Mazamet footbridge
                Walk in Hautpoul via the Mazamet footbridge            
            
         
        
        
                This is a round trip to visit the hilltop village of Hautpoul, discovering the Mazamet footbridge that leads there. The footbridge offers breathtaking views of the Arnette valley.
This route takes you along the Chemin de la Jamarié, an old salt road and Roman road, until you reach the footbridge.            
            
            
    
                 Between the forest and the Montagne Noire drainage ditch
                Between the forest and the Montagne Noire drainage ditch            
            
         
        
        
                A refreshing walk in the Montagne Noire from the small village of Lacombe (11310) to the Ramondens national forest (Tarn) with a picnic stop near the retaining dyke of the St-Denis basin.
Return via the right bank of the Alzeau and passage at the Prise d'Alzeau, source of the Canal du Midi, before climbing back up to Lacombe.
Walk checked on 18/06/23. A few details have been added by the author            
            
            
    
                 Caves, chasm and rock on the heights of Cabrespine
                Caves, chasm and rock on the heights of Cabrespine            
            
         
        
        
                A lovely, varied hike with alternating limestone and schist formations and many beautiful views (as far as the Pyrenees).            
            
            
    
                 La Capelette via the Taurou Gorges
                La Capelette via the Taurou Gorges            
            
         
        
        
                A lovely climb up a steep gorge leads to the dry grasslands of the Désert de Saint-Ferréol, where La Capelette stands proudly overlooking a vast landscape.            
            
            
    
                 The Roquefort Tower in Les Cammazes
                The Roquefort Tower in Les Cammazes            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 Roquerlan loop
                Roquerlan loop            
            
         
        
        
                An easy hike, ideal for those who love peace and quiet and walking in the forest, offering a gentle introduction to the Montagne Noire and the Massif de Nore. The route combines sunken paths lined with beautiful hawthorn and holly hedges, clearings, pastures and large forest areas where spruce trees grow alongside deciduous trees. A breath of fresh air on the outskirts of Mazamet.            
            
            
    
                 Loop south of Hautpoul
                Loop south of Hautpoul            
            
         
        
        
                This trail runs south of Hautpoul through varied landscapes, a forest with multiple species and ever-changing flora. Your efforts to reach its heart will be rewarded by the discovery of this magnificent and picturesque little medieval village. At the foot of the Virgin perched on her rock, you will have access to a superb panorama. There are several historical sites, in particular Saint-Pierre des Plots.
See warning at the beginning of the description            
            
            
    
                 La Capelette from Dourgne
                La Capelette from Dourgne            
            
         
        
        
                Route through the Montagne Noire, with superb panoramic views of the Lauragais, the village of Dourgne and Sainte-Scholastique, places of worship (Quatre Saints) and magnificent pine forests.            
            
            
    
                 Above Les Cammazes via the pre-Romanesque chapel
                Above Les Cammazes via the pre-Romanesque chapel            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 Circular forest starting from Lac de Laprade Basse
                Circular forest starting from Lac de Laprade Basse            
            
        
                From Lac de Laprade Basse in the commune of Cuxac-Cabardès, "Let's go for a walk in the woods to see if the wolf is there!"
In fact, let's set off to explore the Loubatière National Forest, from the Dure River, which feeds the lake, to the Linon Stream, which joins it upstream from Montolieu. Beneath centuries-old trees stand the ruins of an old Carthusian monastery abandoned long before the Revolution, due, among other things, to wolves... which have since been replaced by deer.            
            
            
    
                 The Pic de Nore
                The Pic de Nore            
            
         
        
        
                A fantastic hike starting from Lake Pradelles-Cabardès leading to Pic de Nore, the highest peak of the Montagne Noire, with its breathtaking 360° view stretching from Hérault to Tarn via Aude, Pyrénées Orientales, Ariège and Haute Garonne.            
            
            
    
                 Roc d'Agnel, Coroluna Caves, Roc de l'Aigle, Col de la Coussièro
                Roc d'Agnel, Coroluna Caves, Roc de l'Aigle, Col de la Coussièro            
            
         
        
        
                A magnificent circular hike around Cabrespine offering beautiful 360° views, walks through fragrant heath scrubland in bloom (especially in spring), surprising caves (best visited with a head torch) and historical remains (a Roman road, a castle, etc.).            
            
            
    
                 Between forests and ditches, in the footsteps of P.P. Riquet
                Between forests and ditches, in the footsteps of P.P. Riquet            
            
         
        
        
                On the watershed between the Aude and Tarn rivers, we follow in the footsteps of P.P. Riquet once again, discovering other water resources that enabled this self-taught engineer to demonstrate to the experts sent by Colbert the merits of his project to supply his Canal des Deux Mers. However, the forest remains present on this easy route, and Arfons, with its slate roofs, is a picturesque little village in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park.            
            
            
    
                 Le Pas de Montsarrat
                Le Pas de Montsarrat            
            
         
        
        
                Facing the Pic de Nore, which saw the Tour de France pass through in 2018, the wind turbines installed on Mont Sarrat and spread across the municipalities of Pradelles-Cabardès and Cabrespine immediately catch the eye. TheGR®36, coming from Pic de Nore, winds its way at the foot of the masts before plunging towards Carcassonne via the Pas de Montsarrat, an ancient "Roman" communication route.
The short length of the route offers the opportunity to extend the hike along the lake (see practical information).            
            
            
    
                 The Three Streams Trail in Dourgne
                The Three Streams Trail in Dourgne            
            
         
        
        
                A beautiful, easy walk between the plains and the mountains, in the bocage at the foot of the Montagne Noire, with superb views of the plains.
See practical information.            
            
            
    
                 Vineyards and heath in Villeneuve-Minervois
                Vineyards and heath in Villeneuve-Minervois            
            
         
        
        
                Many points of interest along the route: arboretum, lime kilns, dolmen, legend, remarkable tree...            
            
            
    
                 The Croix de Fangasse in Arfons
                The Croix de Fangasse in Arfons            
            
        
                A circular route on the plateau above Arfons via the Croix des Fangasses, the Croix de Montalric and the Montalric orientation table. Magnificent view over the entire Revelois and Puylaurentais plains as well as the Pyrenees.
 GPS essential for this hike.            
            
            
    
                 The Heights of Gravette
                The Heights of Gravette            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 The sources of the Clamoux
                The sources of the Clamoux            
            
         
        
        
                The Clamoux, a small river and tributary of the Orbiel, rises on the slopes of Pic de Nore, the iconic peak of the Montagne Noire, where a Tour de France relay station stands. Following forest tracks, with climbs of varying difficulty, you arrive near the source of the Clamoux, a small stream at the start, which you follow on the right bank, off the marked trail, descending into the Soulanes de Nore National Forest to Laviale, which, along with six other hamlets, makes up the village of Castans.            
            
            
    
                 Old barns - Croix de Montalric
                Old barns - Croix de Montalric            
            
         
        
        
                Semi-shaded route in the Montagne Noire, with beautiful views of the Revel and Puylaurens valley and the Pyrenees. Forest of fir, pine and beech trees, moors of ferns and ash trees. Little elevation gain.
Most of this hike follows unmarked paths, even if you come across some markings. Only take these into account when they are mentioned in the description.            
            
            
    
                 The Aiguille des Cammazes Forest
                The Aiguille des Cammazes Forest            
            
         
        
        
                A shaded hike through a beautiful forest that once provided charcoal.
A few pits, or charcoal pits, remain as evidence of this.            
            
            
    
                 The Moulin de Biot and the marble quarries via Ventajou
                The Moulin de Biot and the marble quarries via Ventajou            
            
         
        
        
                This hike, partly off the marked trails, allows you to see the hamlet of Biot, its quarry and its mill. As you pass the marble quarries (you will cross four during the hike), you will understand the titanic work carried out by our ancestors during the last century. The hike ends with a long, safe cliff-top path offering spectacular views of the Minervois plain and, beyond, the Corbières massif. In good weather, you can see the Pyrenees in the distance.            
            
            
    
                 The Terrier Trail in Verreries-de-Moussans
                The Terrier Trail in Verreries-de-Moussans            
            
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 Steep ridges in the Soulanes de Nore Forest south of the Montagne Noire.
                Steep ridges in the Soulanes de Nore Forest south of the Montagne Noire.            
            
         
        
        
                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.            
            
            
    
                 The Bois des Gardes in Ferrals-les-Montagnes
                The Bois des Gardes in Ferrals-les-Montagnes            
            
        
                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).            
            
            
    
                 In the Loubatière National Forest
                In the Loubatière National Forest            
            
        
                Nestled between Lake Galaube and Lake Laprade Basse, the Loubatière State Forest covers 450 hectares. It is located in the western part of the vast forest that covers the southern slope of the Montagne Noire in the Aude department. A single, completely wooded area, this forest, which ranges in altitude from 660 to 885 metres, forms the headwaters of the Linon stream. In autumn, it offers a dream setting for hikers in search of mushrooms and chestnuts, with the golden colours of oak, beech, birch and chestnut leaves carpeting the ground. This is the ideal playground for an easy walk starting from the hamlet of Cals Haut, part of the commune of Lacombe, between Saissac and Les Martys.            
            
            
    
                 Circular Soulanes de Nore and Pas de Montsarrat starting from Limousis
                Circular Soulanes de Nore and Pas de Montsarrat starting from Limousis            
            
         
        
        
                Magnificent landscapes on the border between Haut-Cabardès and Minervois for a circular route that follows the GR®36 on the way back from the foot of Pradelles-Cabardès, taking an old Roman road. Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, except for the Tramontane wind.            
            
            
    
                 Cabrespine circular via Trassanel and the Pas de Monsarrat
                Cabrespine circular via Trassanel and the Pas de Monsarrat            
            
         
        
        
                Between rocks, caves and passes, this hike starting from the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine offers beautiful views of the Minervois plain, the Corbières massif and, weather permitting, the Pyrenees mountain range.            
            
            
     
                 
         
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