We all have a good pair of sneakers at home, we all have the desire to get some fresh air. To hike with complete peace of mind, the recipe remains unchanged: set off and let yourself be guided by the beauty of the landscapes, the simplicity of the encounters and this conviction that every corner of nature is a treasure to be preserved.
NOTICE TO THE CURIOUS
The Cordes Heritage Trail
Departure at the foot of the centuries-old alleys of Cordes sur Ciel. Under the gaze of the Gothic facades, we will return for a gentle warm-up, the upper part of the City is worth it! From Cabannes to Vindrac-Alayrac, we explore the Cordaises countryside and its small architectural treasures. From an old railway to a medieval bridge in the middle of nature to a Merovingian necropolis, we unfold the setting of a film that goes back in time! Over 15 km across the causse, we don't forget to take short breaks to refresh ourselves and admire the views of the city of Cordes sur Ciel which reveals itself from all angles. Before setting off on other adventures, why not enjoy once again exploring the city in complete tranquility, and visit its artisans ?
EASY – 15 km / Duration approx. 4h50
Life in Green
The Coteaux trail from Cestayrols
We never stop finding good reasons to embark on this walk. The route is easy, accessible to all, so we embark without fear the minis and grandmas. All that remains is to convince them to attack the walk because the village of Cestayrols has something to hold hikers back. Nicknamed the snail village, it plays the rebel in this region of fortified towns and has the particularity of winding its way in a snail's shape to its church. Once on the trail, the parade of landscapes can begin: sometimes undergrowth, sometimes vineyards and meadows in a soft shade of green. On the stone side, we remain humble and admiring within the magnificent buildings that we come across on the way. When it's time for a break, opt for the coolness of a washhouse or the shade of a dovecote.
EASY – 9.5 km / Duration approx. 3h30
Good idea: extend the walk by stopping at Château Lacroux in Lincarque, right next door. Bruno, the winemaker, is very friendly and shares all his secrets about Gaillac wine. Then grab a glass and enjoy it while enjoying the extraordinary panorama from the terrace of the estate.
Between earth and stones
The Heritage Trail in Puycelsi
Meet at the grounds of Departmental Conservatory Orchard to start the walk. More than 800 varieties of fruit are pampered here: we don't touch these of course, but we hope you've slipped a few in your bag as a snack... Banana or apple? In any case, you'll need to be energetic to walk this sporty trail. Around you, the valleys play with the difference in altitude. Concentrate on the landscapes to forget the effort. Spot the rocks of Puycelsi, treat yourself to a refreshing moment near the Audoulou waterfalls and admire the Grésigne forest, the largest forest in the Tarn and the largest oak grove in the south of France.
MEDIUM – 12 km (7km variant) / Duration approx. 4h
Our little tip: return to Puycelsi at the end of the day and wait for the sky to ignite for an unforgettable sunset from this medieval rooftop!
In the vineyards
The Vineyard & Castles Trail in Cahuzac-sur-Vère
This hike offers walkers a concentrated taste of Gaillac. On the hillsides of this thousand-year-old vineyard, the path winds between vines, groves, moors and valleys. An opportunity to remember the specificities of this terroir rocked between Mediterranean and oceanic influences and dried by the Autan wind. From the hillsides, let your gaze travel between the vast forest massif of Gresigne and the Tarn Valley. Peaks on the horizon, typical Gaillac dovecotes stand out, as well as Mas, wine-growing estates whose property is often decorated with umbrella pines. Other styles, other stages, the castles that mark the route: with their towers and surrounding walls, the castles of Mauriac and Salettes may seem impregnable, but they welcome visitors for beautiful historical interludes.
DIFFICULT – 17,5 km / Duration approx. 4h30
In forest
The Penne Suquets Trail
From the village, we start on the tarmac to quickly join a small path. From here, the view of Penne Fortress is only disturbed by the passage of a few sheep in their meadow. Magnificent! After taking a few minutes to enjoy, we continue the journey which leads into the woods. On the way, we cross hamlets and a small stone bridge, then we slip into a landscape with Mediterranean atmospheres. Here the path rises but the misfortune of the calves makes the happiness of the eyes! Guaranteed change of scenery when arriving at the summit to take a well-deserved break. We then begin the descent. A few cables from the finish, it takes the road which adjoins the Pic cheese factory. The opportunity to fill your bag with good goat cheese, before going back up towards Penne, going around its fortress.
EASY – 11 km / Duration approx. 3h15
Of all the colors
The Bonnan Valley
Close to Milhars, a path that advances between the slopes of the Bonnan valley, we see all the colors! On the heights all around, dry slopes recall Mediterranean landscapes. Below, in the wetland, flows a peaceful stream that reveals a rich flora and green meadows alternating with undergrowth. A long time ago, this place was inhabited. Agriculture and crafts were practiced there. The ruins that you will encounter along your route are the remains, today strewn with vegetation. We would almost want to look for the fantastic creatures that could be hiding there... If you find them, call us! For our part, we are content to admire the colors of the valley that unfold before our eyes and which shine when autumn comes.
Our tip: in the heart of the valley flows a beautiful waterfall. To admire it, walk along the path in autumn or winter!
MODERATE – 11 km / Duration approx. 3h15
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