Walking
The Minervois has so many fabulous walking routes and paths it could take a lifetime to do them. But to help out we have added a few favourites here to get you started!
PLEASE TAKE CARE: It can be very hot here in summer, please carry: water, sunscreen, hats and cover for arms. Have fun but be prepared.
We have developed a few routes from our own exploration, we use Visorando to record our routes. It’s a great walking guide for this region. The map images below link to a parking spot near the walk start, the gpx files download from the button
Recent walk
Time: 2.15 hours | Length: 6.83 kms
We recently enjoyed a lovely walk starting in Villarzel Cabardés, 26 min drive from the house. A small quiet village in the region of Laure Minervois.
The walk passes the beautiful Chateau de Villarlong, a ruined 9th Century chapel and an amazing Visigoth cemetery. The walk is on easy farm tracks. There are lovely views of the area and the Pyrenees.
NOTE: There is a lot of open walking so be aware of the heat in summer.
Routes from the house
The Barrage loop
Time: 1.5 hours | Length: XX kms
Leave the gite and head to the main road, turn right and into the hamlet. The route takes you on a hillside descent to the barrage (where you can wild swim). There is a small scramble to pass the dam please take care. Then the valley path and the last climb back to Camplong.
Mad Max loop
Time: 1.5 hours | Length: 4 kms
A nice loop to the ridge above us, offering great views of the region. The route is open to all (don’t be put off by signs) however, please respect our neighbours privacy and tranquility. There are also nesting birds in this area, it is possible to see buzzards and eagles now and then.
Camplong to Felines and back
Time: 2.5 hours | Length: 5.9 kms
A nice route to the village and back, with a mix of tracks and road. Keep a keen eye on the gpx route as it is possible to go wrong in the descent into the wood aea. There are some drops on route so take care. The return is uphill but not steep, just take it easy.
Walks, 10 to 20 min drive away
Saint Frichoux
Time: 2 hours | Length: XX kms
A lovely track that wanders the small wooded hill outcrops, the vineyard paths and the irrigation channels of the ‘terre de Laure’. Starts and returns to Saint Frichoux.
Tourouzelle
Time: 1.5 hours | Length: 8.94 kms
The route loops up into the hills behind Tourazelle, offering views of the Corbiers hills. The track pases some old stone settlements and a chapel then returns to the village.
Minerve (short)
Time: 2.5/3 hours | Length: 7.9 kms
The route covers a route that decends from the village to the Cesse valley floor, climbs to the garrigue covered hillsides and returns to the village. Parts involve heights and some climbs.
Azille
Time: 2 hours | Length: 6.75 kms
Leave Azille on a lovely cobbled road. The road moves between the vines, with a gentle winding climb to the wood trail. Follow the ridge line with views south and north. Return to Azille and stop for drink in the cafe or bar.
Villarzel Cabardes
Time:2.15 hours | Length: 6.83 kms
A loop passing the beautiful Chateau de Villarlong, a ruined 9thC chapel and a amazing Visigoths cemetery. There are lovely views of the “Terre de Laure’ and the Pyreneees. NOTE: There is a lot of open walking so be aware of the heat in summer.
Keep checking back, we will be adding more… asap