The 8 most beautiful walks around Carcassonne

Sur les crêtes d'Alaric

Hiking around Carcassonne allows you to go beyond the ramparts of France’s most famous medieval city and discover the beautiful Carcassès countryside, away from the sometimes invasive tourist crowds…

Carcassonne, living up to its reputation, attracts a lot of people: if you’re staying here, once you’ve appreciated the charms of the Unesco-listed medieval city, it’s time to put on your hiking boots and explore the surrounding area on foot. The terrain is ideal, with sun-drenched Occitan landscapes and little-traveled paths leading to the Montagne Noire, the Corbières or the Aude valley…

Hiking around Carcassonne takes on the accents of the South-West, and its generous weather: the season is ideal for walking from early spring, before the summer heat, but also afterwards, with the return of the mild autumn weather in the Aude. In summer, you’ll be looking for more shade on the trails. You’ll need to bring plenty of water with you: be careful, as heatstroke can sometimes strike without warning.

Whether you’re looking for an easy family stroll or a more strenuous day out, Carcassonne has something for everyone.

1. Lastours castles

Les châteaux de Lastours

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Running time: approx. 1H40
  • Distance: 5.3 km
  • Difference in altitude: 240 m
  • Difficulty: easy
  • See the route

Just 22 minutes away by car, Lastours is the perfect short drive from Carcassonne, adding to the historical tour and discovery of the Black Mountain heritage. The castles of Lastours, destined for Unesco World Heritage listing, will be at the heart of this itinerary.

Meet us directly in the village to start the walk: a pleasant loop, with no significant difficulty and suitable for children, takes you downstream of the little Grésilhou stream to the Lastours castles lookout: a compulsory break to admire the breathtaking view of the four ancient Cathar fortresses.

At the end of the hike, take advantage of this outing to visit the castles in greater depth, and discover the charming medieval village of Lastours, for a full day.

2. Roquefère in the Black Mountain

randonnées Carcassonne

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 4h30
  • Distance: 14.2 km
  • Difference in altitude: 660 m
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • See the route

A little further up the Montagne Noire (35-minute drive), this new hike around Carcassonne also takes as its starting point a medieval village typical of the region: Roquefère. See the schist buildings, the castle, the wash-house, the old houses…

The aim of this itinerary is to make a superb loop around the village and reach the Cubserviès waterfall: at 90 meters high, it’s one of the highest in Europe, and certainly one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Montagne Noire massif.

This is a rather demanding hike, with more technical and steep passages in places, so don’t set off lightly, and bring good shoes, poles, plenty of energy and a water reserve to ensure a great day’s walking.

3. Walk around Cavayère lake

lac de la cavayere

Photo credit: Grand Carcassonne Tourisme / Vincent Photographie

  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Distance: 7.7 km
  • Height difference: 139 m
  • Difficulty: easy
  • See the route

A short hike around Carcassonne, especially for younger children, to get some fresh air and why not cool off in the calm waters of Lac de la Cavayère: a perfect outing when the mercury rises in Carcassonne!

Only a 15-minute drive away, this lake has been converted into a leisure center, offering beach and other activities in addition to walking. The route takes in not only the lake itself (plenty of shady spots for picnics), but also the quiet surrounding countryside, through woods, fields and vineyards. Some lovely viewpoints along the way.

4. On the crests of Alaric

randonnées Carcassonne

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 2h15
  • Distance: 6.8 km
  • Difference in altitude: 358 m
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • See the route

Alaric, an ancient Visigoth king, has left his name all over this small mountain range south of Moux, a 30-minute drive from Carcassonne. A place where you’re sure to enjoy a leisurely hike along a signposted trail, while taking in the beautiful views of the Aude countryside.

A loop itinerary, this hike around Carcassonne has a small elevation gain, but doesn’t extend too far: plan your equipment accordingly. On the way back, you’ll pass the ruins of the Château d’Alaric, before returning to your starting point. Ideally a half-day’s walk.

5. Mayronnes Sculpture Trail

SENTIER DE MAYRONNES OEUVRE Old man Traveler - ARTISTE Joe big big - credit Klaus Neundorf

Photo credit: Klaus Neundorf

  • Running time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Distance: 5.1 km
  • Height difference: 214 m
  • Difficulty: easy
  • See the route

A 40-minute drive from Carcassonne, this pretty hike takes you up to the Corbières hills, where you’ll be immersed in a landscape of woods, vines and garrigue: the perfect terrain for hiking, and soaking up the South!

Departure is from Mayronnes, famous for its Sculpture Trail. This free trail is full of surprises from start to finish: sculptures and contemporary works of art punctuate the itinerary, blending effortlessly into the surrounding scenery.

The loop is easy to access and suitable for the whole family.

6. The loop of the Cabrespine chasm

cabrespine

Photo credit: Grand Carcassonne Tourisme

  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Distance: 5.6 km
  • Difference in altitude: 337 m
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • See the route

With its gigantic dimensions, the Gouffre de Cabrespine is one of Europe’s most beautiful caves to visit (fee payable). For walkers, it’s also the starting point for a superb hike around Carcassonne, around 30 minutes’ drive from the medieval town.

Stroll at your own pace along this hilly route, which climbs then descends through the foothills of the Montagne Noire. A good dose of wilderness and scents, before returning to civilization at the end of the loop, at the entrance to the Cabrespine chasm.

7. From Trèbes to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

canal du midi-

Photo credit: Mairie de Trèbes

  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • Distance: 12.2 km
  • Difference in altitude: 171 m
  • Difficulty: easy
  • See the route

Trèbes is just a 15-minute drive from Carcassonne, and also sees the course of the Aude and the Canal du Midi: this impressive structure, listed in its entirety as a Unesco World Heritage site, will be the focus of this easy yet exotic hike around Carcassonne.

The idea is simple: you follow the Canal du Midi, with its pedestrian and cycle paths, all the way to Carcassonne, skirting the calm waters, crossing the various locks along the way, and passing a few barges. A green, shady walk in many places, where you can take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet.

8. The Bois des Canonges hike

randonnées Carcassonne

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Distance: 7.2 km
  • Ascent: 215 m
  • Difficulty: easy
  • See the route

Villasavary, a peaceful village in the Aude region, is the starting point for several pleasant hikes around Carcassonne, including the GR7 and several well-marked loops. The Bois des Canonges hike is one of these.

This is an easy route back to the starting point, so take the time to immerse yourself in the surrounding countryside and enjoy the various views over the Lauragais region: the Pyrenees are already on the horizon, to complete the picture!