Would you like to go hiking on your next camping vacation inAude? With over 200 km of marked footpaths, the Corbières Minervois region is an ideal destination for experienced hikers and Sunday walkers alike. Here are three ideas for walks in the Cathar countryside this summer. Dust off your hiking boots and let us guide you!
La Rando du géologue (Albas): a geological wonder in the heart of the Corbières mountains
If you’re feeling like a paleontologist, this is the hike for you! In the hills of the Hautes Corbières, the Geologist’s Hike invites you to step back in time. The tectonic folds surrounding the village of Albas are home to many geological curiosities, such as the coral reefs of Pech-Agut and the fossils of Serre d’Azeu. The interpretation trail is dotted with thematic panels tracing the geological history of the area. We learn that deposits of dinosaur eggs were discovered here in the 1960s! The route winds through wild garrigue to reach the gardens and village of Albas. A short detour along the ridge offers breathtaking views of Mont Saint Victor, Mont Tauch, the surrounding Corbières and the Languedoc village with its crenellated church.
– Departure south of the village, just beside the Serre de Ginoufre (35 minutes from the campsite) – distance: 9 km – duration: 3 h 30 -. Download the itinerary
The Combes circuit via the chapel (Boutenac): take to the scrubland on the Pinède massif
A lovely hike through pine forest, garrigue and vineyards to the chapel of Saint Siméon, on the eastern slope of the Pinède massif (273 m). From the ramparts of the Château de Boutenac, the path leads through the pine forest and then through the maquis, from sunken lanes to shady paths. After a few kilometers of walking, the route offers beautiful views of the Corbières and the wine-growing plain, Saint-André de Roquelongue, the Château des Ollieux, Montséret and the Fontfroide massif. Shortly afterwards, we descend the track that runs alongside the Coumbo Naurus ravine. Cool under the canopy of holm oaks, the last remnants of the primeval forest, the hiker then descends to the Saint Siméon chapel. Hidden among the pines, the building stands above the Fontsainte grotto, where Saint Simeon lived as a hermit in the 11th century.
– Start in front of the Boutenac washhouse (15 min from the campsite) – distance: 7.2 km – duration: 2 h 30 – Download the itinerary
The Pech Laurier trail (Argens): a hike on the heights of the Canal du Midi
This is a loop hike, with no major difficulties, which follows the towpath of the famous Canal du Midi alternating between garrigue and pine forest. From the small village of Argens-Minervois, take the path along the banks of the Canal du Midi. Leaving behind the ancient castle of the Archbishops of Narbonne, you walk to the Pech Laurier lock. A path leads up to the pine-wooded ridge, from where there is a beautiful view of the Canal, Lac des Aiguilles and the village ofArgens below. The path then ventures into the pine forest, enhanced by oak, box and juniper trees, adding an extra touch to this natural setting with the scent of Mediterranean garrigue. Further upstream, the landscape gives way to the arid desert of the “Badlands”, clay soils gullied by erosion. To get back to fresh air, continue on to Lac des Aiguilles. This 25-hectare oasis is home to a wide variety of aquatic fauna. After a passage through the forest, you descend towards the Canal du Midi. The route then returns to the village.
– Departure from Argens town hall square (10 min from campsite) – distance: 5 km – duration: 2 h -. Download the itinerary
Did you know ?
In summer, the camping La Pinède organizes walks around Lézignan-Corbières. An opportunity for our campers to explore the magnificent landscapes of the Cathar countryside, and to discover the virtues of the aromatic, edible and medicinal plants of the garrigue. Meet in front of the refreshment stand, every Tuesday from 10 am.