By mountain bike, bicycle or scooter!

Discover the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park in a different way!

Descend the Caroux, the Somail, the Espinouse and the foremountains or walk on the Green Way. In a Mediterranean climate, mountain biking is combined all year round with gentle family itinerancy or sports practice for thrill-seekers.

Our ATV space is labeled by the FFC since 2013
- Centre N° 217 Caroux en Haut-Languedoc

N°1 Berlou - Vignobles de Berlou

Distance: 7.5 km
Difficulty: blue - easy
Elevation gain: 120 m
Description: Not a difficult route through the Berlou vineyard. Country road and vineyard paths. Departure from the tasting cellar. Do not hesitate to take the time to describe the presentation panels of the vineyard and why not make a stop at the orientation table .
To discover on the way:
- Vignoble du Saint-Chinianais
- Wine cellars of harvesting owners and Berlou winery
- Paleontological Museum (Cambrian House)
Departure: Berlou - Village car park (Place du pont)

N°2 Berlou – Autour du Pic de Naudech

Distance : 27 km
Elevation gain: 730 m
Difficulty: Red - Hard
Description: Physical and long circuit, but descent very user-friendly and relatively accessible technically.
To discover on the way:
- Albières Castle
- Possibility to go to the Naudech belvedere (360° view on the Caroux, the Jaur valley and the Orb valley).
- Saint-Chinianais vineyards
- Wine cellars of harvesting owners
- Wine tasting vault of Berlou
Departure: Berlou - Village car park (Place du pont)

N°3 Berlou – Les Albières

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 495 m
Difficulty: Very difficult - black
Description: Discovery of the hamlets. Beautiful views over the plain and the sea on the slopes. Beautiful monotraces trails in the second part of the circuit.
To discover on the way:
- Saint-Chinian vineyards
- Wine cellars of vineyard owners
- Wine tasting vault of Berlou
- Castle of Albières
- Treille farm (goat cheese)
Departure: Berlou - Village car park (Place du pont)

N°4 Ferrière Poussarou - Perrio

Distance: 11.5 km
Elevation gain: 280 m
Difficulty: blue - medium difficulty
Description: Mainly wide, easy-to-pedal tracks. Small sections of country roads.
To discover on the way:
- The Dourque Chapel,
- Viala Cave,
- Hamlet of Ferrières
- Church of La Fraise (lauze roof)
- The Cambrian Palaeontological Museum
Departure: The hamlet of La Fraise or the Dourque Chapel

N°5 Mons - Colombières - Au pied du Caroux

Distance: 12 km
Elevation: 260 m
Difficulty: blue - easy
Description: Complete panorama of the foot of the south face of the Caroux. Return by the green way
To discover on the way:
- Colombières Gorges (bathing possibility)
- Heric Gorges (bathing possibility)
- Hamlet of Colombières
- Beautiful views on the Caroux
- Hamlet of La Pomarede
- Hamlet of La Coste
Departure: Tourist office in Mons-La-Trivalle (avenue de la gare) or departure from the war memorial of Colombières (exit of the village).
Parking: Behind the tourist office in Mons or if starting from Colombières, car park near the war memorial.

N°6 Mons-Verdier

Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: green - very easy
Elevation gain: 120 m
Description: Family tour around Mons la Trivalle. Magnificent views over the Gorges d'Héric and the south face of the Caroux.
To discover on the way:
- Heric Gorges (bathing possibility)
- Overview of the Caroux plateau
Departure: Tourist Office in Mons-La Trivalle (Avenue de la Gare)
Parking: Behind the tourist office in Mons

N°7 Mons - Drouille - Col de la Bacoulette

Distance: 22.5 km
Elevation gain: 680 m
Difficulty: Red - Hard
Description: Long uphill, but the descent is beautiful via the pass of Bacoulette and La Fenouillède.
To discover on the way:
- The Orb valley
- Village of Courbou
- Passing near the Heric Gorges (bathing possibility)
- Suspension bridge of Tarassac
Departure: Tourist Office in Mons-La Trivalle (Avenue de la gare)
Parking: Behind the tourist office in Mons

N°8 Mons-Bardou

Distance: 15 km
Elevation: 620m
Difficulty: Black - Very difficult
Description: Very technical. reserved for experienced riders. Magnificent descent from the Col de Bardou on a cobbled path, a real gem for fans of muscular mountain biking!
To discover on the way:
- Hamlet of Bardou
- Heric Gorges (bathing possibility)
Departure: Tourist Office in Mons-La Trivalle (Avenue de la Gare)
Parking: Behind the tourist office in Mons

N°9 Olargues –Le Tour du Monde

Distance: 4 km
Elevation gain: 70 m
Difficulty: Green - Easy
Description: Easy family tour on a cemented track with short sections of trail. Beautiful views on the Caroux.
To discover on the way:
- Pleasant shaded portion along the Jaur.
- Possibility to stop by the river
Departure: Former Olargues Tourist Office (avenue de la gare)
Parking: Esplanade de la Gare (below the avenue de la gare)

N°10 Olargues-Le Cros

Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 180m
Difficulty: blue - easy
Description: Country roads and forest tracks, without great difficulty. Return by the Greenway after a very small portage to get there.
Departure: Former Olargues Tourist Office (avenue de la gare)
Parking: Esplanade de la Gare (below the avenue de la gare)

N°11 Olargues - La Salle

Distance: 15.5 km
Elevation gain: 640m
Difficulty: Black - Very difficult
Description: Rather severe and regular climb. Magnificent technical descent. Distrustful in wet weather.
To discover on the way:
- Medieval village of Olargues, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France
- The petroglyphs of Olargues : Peyro escrito
Departure: Olargues - Esplanade de la Gare
Greenway and college car park
N12 Autour de Vieussan
Distance : 29 km
Difficulty : red - hard
Elevation gain : 1000m
Description: You are on one of the portions of the Epic Enduro that is to say what awaits you. 400 D- in 2 kilometres
N°13 Roquebrun - Au coeur des Schistes

Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: green - very easy
Elevation gain: 115 m
Description: Beautiful trip without technical difficulty. Crossing the D14 (be careful with children)
To discover on the way:
- The Mediterranean Garden of Roquebrun
- Village of Roquebrun (alleys, mills, fountain...),
- The wines of Roquebrun (cooperative cellar and cellars of harvesting producers)
- The banks of the Orb (bathing possibility - unsupervised)
Departure: Former Tourist Office - Avenue des Orangers. Parking nearby

N°14 Roquebrun - Laurenque

Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: red - hard
Elevation gain: 420 m
Description: Quiet ascent to the Hamlet of Laurenque and final decent of the Garrigas. Don't forget the gloves
To discover on the way:
- The Mediterranean Garden of Roquebrun
- Village of Roquebrun (alleys, mills, fountain...),
- The wines of Roquebrun (cooperative cellar and cellars of harvesting producers)
- The banks of the Orb (bathing possibility - unsupervised)
Departure: Former Tourist Office - Avenue des Orangers. Parking nearby

N°15 Notre Dame de Trédos
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: red - hard
Elevation gain: 550m
Departure: Prémian village centre
Description: Relatively demanding and with no downtime on the way up or down. Stop at Notre Dame de Tredos
To discover on the way:
- Medieval village of Olargues, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France
- The petroglyphs of Olargues : Peyro escrito

POINT HOME Base VTT FFC Caroux Haut-Languedoc
Relais des Gorges Heric / Cycling Caroux Haut Languedoc
RD908
34390 - Mons-La Trivalle
Tel. : 33 (0) 4 67 97 64 42

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Open all year

INFO POINT
Caroux Tourist Office Haut-Languedoc
34390 Mons-La Trivalle
33 (0) 4 67 23 02 21

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Open all year

Charte du pratiquant VTT
The basic principles to follow before setting off on the paths and trails.
I remain courteous with the other users and I remain discreet
I control my speed in all circumstances
I carefully overtake hikers and horse-riders, who always have priority.
I respect nature and private property
I forbid myself to enter undergrowth and regeneration plots.
I inform other people of my itinerary and I never go alone
I am taking a repair kit, a first aid kit and a map of the course.
I am aware in advance of the difficulties and the distance of the chosen route.
I find out about the weather forecasts before going to the mountains.
I observe the Traffic Regulations in all places and circumstances.
I always wear a helmet.

GREEN NETWORK ®
"Arranged and maintained by the Department, the Network Vert® crosses the Hérault from East to West. It offers you walk, mountain bike or on horseback, 500 km of marked and secured paths on 19 steps of about 30 km. Security tags every 500 m, terminals direction and distance, information boards , plans, games easier and decorate your hike. You find many relays, shelters or bivouac areas to rest. "
Download 4 records that pass through our territory:
Find all 19 records on http://www.herault.fr/sports-loisirs/publication/reseau-vert

Canyoning is a combination of white water walking, swimming, abseiling, slides, etc. It is a fun way to follow the bed of a river in amazing and beautiful places, almost inaccessible otherwise.
The different routes proposed by the professionals meet all desires and all levels: whether you are in family, sport lovers, strong sensations seekers... and even "night" birds, with night time canyoning!

The Canyon of the Vialais

The Canyon of the Vialais is a classic for thrills. After 15 minutes of car from Mons la Trivalle in the direction of Bardou, you'll find a parking, above the old lake of L'airette. Then, direction Bardou and the col de Bardou, for 20 minutes, at least. You still have to go up the Vialais valley, passing near the Baou Filipi, a magnificent rocky peak, planted at an altitude of 500metres. Splendid view. There, try spotting the Hameau d'Héric ! For the start of the Canyon, count on another 20 minutes of walking on a well marked path.

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The Canyon of the Grand Rec

Another great classic: the big rec and its slide ! Jumps, slides, abseiling, everything is there.
To get there, there is a private parking lot near the start of the canyon (5 minutes walk downhill, in the direction of the former Airette dam). Count 5 €/car. Prefer car-sharing.
The access road is narrow, you will not be able to park on the side of the road. There is another parking lot in the direction of Bardou (after the paying one), but it is small and quickly saturated.
The canyon has a short version, from where you exit on your left after a steep abseil to reach the road by a very steep path.
For the longer option, continue until you reach the Montahut power station. The walk back along the road will last about 45 minutes.

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Canyon of the Saut de Vesoles

It starts a few metres under the dam. The abseils are numerous and represent the main interest of this well equipped canyon. When you reach the footbridge it's the end ! This canyon is made for those who like to do the watered abseils...at the beginning of the season.

The Canyon of Albine

In a magnificent setting on the south side of the Caroux. Arrival at the foot of the Square Tower of Colombières.

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The Voie Verte "Passa Païs" of the Haut-Languedoc

What is it ?

Named « Passapaïs » (pronounced « Passopaïs »), which, in Occitan, means « Passe-Pays », the Voie Verte of the Haut-Languedoc. It crosses the watershed between Courniou-les-Grottes (Hérault) and Labastide-Rouairoux (Tarn), at the Col de la Fenille, its highest point.
It is a transition from the Tarn to the Hérault department, from an Atlantic to a Mediterranean climate, in the heart of the Occitanie Region.

It is located on the former Mazamet/Bédarieux railway line.
Over a distance of about 75kilometres (46.6 miles), it offers a protected area for cycling, running, walking, horseback riding or accompanied by a pack donkey.

The must-sees of the Voie Verte: Enjoy the view!

The Greenway follows more or less 3 valleys, those of the Thoré, Jaur and Orb... and thus crosses the mosaic of landscapes that characterises the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park.

Bordered by ash trees and oaks in its Tarn part, the route crosses hedged farmland dominated to the south by the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) and to the north by the Anglès plateau.
In the Hérault department, chestnut groves, holm oak forests, garrigue and vineyards take over... all the way to the palm trees of Lamalou-les-Bains!
Pass close to the foot of the Montagnes de l'Espinouse, then the aiguilles du Caroux, this "mountain of light" having the shape of a lying down woman.

Passa Pais Gilles Delerue 3 fe4c3
It passes very close to heritage sites such as the bell museum in Hérépian or the textile museum in Labastide-Rouairoux, the remarkable natural site of the Gorges d'Héric in Mons-la-Trivalle, crosses the Eiffel-type bridge and makes a stop at Olargues, the medieval town labelled one of the "Most beautiful villages in France".

Passa Pais Gilles Delerue 8 1 d8ff5

On the Eiffel-type bridge of Olargues

Along the way, discover the source of the Fréjo, in Olargues:

Domaine du Frejo E Brendle 2 5c5a2

Many sites are easily accessible, such as the Palais de la Fileuse de Verre (Cave of the Glass Spinner) in Courniou or the cathedral and the museum of regional prehistory in Saint-Pons-de-Thomières.

grotte

7 good reasons to try the Voie Verte:

1- Former railway line, the Voie Verte Passa Païs allows for cycling with a limited difference in height. The highest point is about 450m above sea level (Col de la Fenille), 26km (16.1 miles) from the start in Mazamet, which is situated at 250m above sea level. A very gentle climb... Be careful however, near Olargues, the former railway line had to be bypassed and the slope can be surprising!

2 - Secure itinerary, outside the road network. However, be careful when crossing the departmental road, which might happen several times.
3 - The good width of the track allows two or even three people to cycle side by side. An appreciable comfort to enjoy the trip!

4 - A road covered of special compacted sand, which is very pleasant.
5 - The departure and arrival points allow you to arrive by train! Ask the SNCF for more information.
6 - Tunnels that light up as you pass through. Enjoy the coolness when it's hot!
7- The landscapes! Varied and changing with the seasons, they are full of fabulous views and panoramas. Often exceptional engineering structures (Eiffel-type bridge, etc.).

(Crédits photos : E. Brendle et G.Delerue, M.Barral, Fileuse de Verre)

Useful Information:

BROCHURES
ITINERARY:
Download the map and the discovery guide of the Voie Verte
These documents are available for free in the reception areas of the tourist offices.
To find out more about the Voie Verte, visit the Nature Park website: http://www.voiesvertes-hautlanguedoc.fr/ .
The professionals of the greenway network created an app to download on http://www.voieverte-passapais.pro/ . It contains the GPS track of the route and will guide you throughout your journey on the Voie Verte Passa Païs: water points, tourist stops, accommodation, opening hours... all the information you need are on your smartphone.
SLEEP/EAT :
Download the list of accommodation and restaurants between Mazamet and Bédarieux.
Find more details (photos, prices...) in the "WHERE TO STAY" section of our website.
BUS:
You can take the Voie Verte in any direction and return to your starting point by bus.
(Bike pictogram on the timetable).

Bikes are accepted in the hold (maximum 2 bikes per bus and luggage priority!).
Download the timetables:
- Bus + Bike - Summer
  From July 4th to the end of September 2020. Every day of the week, including Sundays, the coaches of line 682 will be equipped with bicycle racks. Pick-up and drop-off of bikes will be possible at the stops:
  Ø Saint Pons de Thomières / Foirail
  Ø Olargues / Mairie
  Ø Bédarieux / Gare SNCF
  Ø Lamalou les Bains / Casino
- 4 return trips per day (2 on Sundays)
Hérault : Bédarieux -> St Pons de Thomières
Ligne Bus 663-685 St Pons Montpellier
: St Pons de Thomières -> Mazamet -> Castres
Ligne de Bus Tarn - Castres St Pons
: Castres -> Valras (even week-ends)

Plan your road : https://www.mestrajets.lio.laregion.fr/

LUGGAGES, BAGS, PEOPLE:
New in 2020!
Transport for up to 8 people and/or bicycles and/or luggage for cyclists and hikers.
On request, please contact LA MALLE POSTALE +33 (0)4 71 04 21 79 +33 (0)6 67 79 38 16
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https://www.lamallepostale.com/fr/randonnees/voie-verte-passa-pais
Decreasing rates according to the number of people on board. Example of Bédarieux / Mazamet or Mazamet / Bédarieux rates: 21€ per person (if the vehicle is complete with 8 people on board)

WATER/TOILETS
You will find water and toilet facilities in the communes you pass through.

The tourist office of Mons-la-Trivalle, labelled Accueil Vélo, is located directly on the Voie Verte, as it is situated in the gatekeeper's house of the former railway line.
Bike racks, toilets and a water point are at your disposal just next door, accessible 7/7.
Bike pump and small repair equipment are at your disposal during opening hours.

RENT OUR BIKES:

Several bicycle hire companies are located near the Voie Verte, offering half-day, full-day or longer rentals....

BIKE TYRES INFLATION STATION:

Courniou : 43.473231, 2.714314 (https://goo.gl/maps/pH5J3DwStRt)
Olargues : 43.556777, 2.918503 (https://goo.gl/maps/gAcHFjqWjME2)
Lamalou-les-Bains : 43.587814, 3.080333 (https://goo.gl/maps/PdNztEvK5F12)
Hérépian : 43.594783, 3.112271 (https://goo.gl/maps/Lyfae5mEaUp)

TOURIST OFFICES :
On your route, two tourist offices with the "Accueil vélo" label welcome you:

Mons-la-Trivalle Tourist Office, avenue de la gare. Directly accessible on the Voie Verte.
Bike pump and small repair equipment at your disposal

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Saint-Pons-de-Thomières Tourist Office, place du Foirail (town centre about 2km (1.2miles) from the Ponderach exit).
Bike pump and small repair equipment at your disposal.

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LA VOIE VERTE: WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

voie verte 01

Find the good tips and suggestions to enjoy a weekend together in the heart of nature in complete safety on our dedicated article: Plan your family trip.

With friends and family, we have concocted a special programme for you to fully enjoy a weekend away in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park (subject to availability) - contact us!
Book your stay on the Voie Verte

The Voie Verte is a development of the Departmental Councils of the Tarn and the Hérault. It is promoted by the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
The communes of la Voie Verte: Mazamet, Bout-du-Pont de l’Arn, St Amans Valtoret, st Amans Soult, Albine, Sauveterre, Rouairoux, Lacabarède, Anglès, Labastide-Rouairoux, Courniou-les-Grottes, St Pons de Thomières, Riols, Prémian, St Etienne d’Albagnan, St Vincent d’Olargues, Olargues, St Julien, Mons La Trivalle, St Martin de l’Arçon, Colombières sur Orb, Le Poujol sur Orb, Lamalou les Bains, Hérépian, Villemagne l’Argentière, Bédarieux.

To extend the ride, discover the road bikes or the greenways of the region:

The Voie Verte Passa Pais extends from Bédarieux to Béziers (42km - 26miles) by small roads with little traffic. The route is signposted to the entrance of the Biterrois agglomeration. You can then join the Canal du Midi which leads, in a westerly direction, towards the greenway as far as St Chinian or continues towards the Minervois... and in an easterly direction, towards the Etang de Thau (Eurovélo 8).

Consult and download the map of cycling routes in the Hérault.
Extract from the map of the departmental network :
herault velo

Prepare your hike

For the sports addict or walking lovers, find the hike that will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners in the heart of nature.

In Hérault, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park, come and discover an ideal area for your hikes.
With all its treasures and diversity, take a stroll in a wild and preserved nature.

HIKING HOLIDAYS on the CAROUX, the SOMAIL and the ESPINOUSE: to organise your sports or hiking holiday in the Haut-Languedoc, contact our booking department. - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - 04 67 23 02 21

IMPORTANT :

Minerve/La Caunette Area

An unmarked and unofficial path leads from Minerve to La Caunette via the gorges of Coupiat.
The footbridge is subject to a ban on crossing by municipal decree of July 27th, 2018.
The footbridge is in an advanced state of disrepair. It represents a danger for anyone using it.

A little history, Caroux is a "small" mountains between Olargues and Lamalou-les-Bains, 40 km north of Béziers. It is mainly gneiss and is explored for nearly 100 years by climbers. Great figures of French climbing and mountaineering are come: Fraissinet, Azéma, Desmaison Flematti ...

Since 2009, the massive Caroux is the subject of a vast plan equipment on many climbing areas and in particular the Gorges d'Heric and sector Bassels on The Colombières sur Orb. Overall 250 climbing routes.

You will find on the topo caroux (new version released in 2013) three types of climbing routes:

The sports channels are fully equipped for which it is necessary to bring the classic material rope, slings, helmet ....

Semi land routes which are partly equipped adventure In this category we find ways to equipment more or less dense. A careful study of the route will determine the number of pins present in length. They need to bring a full set of coiceurs and friends.

For channels left as a pardon has not been done: adventure playground.

The Gorges d'Heric are the ultimate place for climbing in a unique environment.
Whether you are a beginner or enthusiast adventure playground you will surely find your happiness. You will find going up the gorge towards héric school Beylot Ferran, head Braque, Arr ^ te Marre and Rock Vergues.
You will also find beautiful rocks fitted on common Vieussan and Roquebrun.

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