Hiking in the Aude

France is rarely thought of as a destination for hiking, walking and outdoor adventures, but the amazing Aude Department in the Roussillon is proof that's a mistake. Find out about some of Europe's best hiking and walking in the Roussillon's Aude

Hiking the Aude's Trail of Stones and Vines

This scenic walk might be a bit long (15 miles, or 24 kilometers, each way) and a little steep in some spots, but the Trail of Stones and Vines, or Péiras e Vihnas trail, yields views of wildlife and beautiful flowers as it passes through several charming, tiny villages.

Find and remain on the trail by looking for the markers with a yellow line, an arrow pointing to Le Cité or the Abbey of St. Hilaire, and the "Péiras e vihnas" logo. Follow the trail from Carcassonne’s Le Cité to Palaja, Cazhilac, Cavanac, Leuc, Verzeille, and ending in St. Hilaire.

There you can visit a Benedictine Abbey dating back to the 6th century. If 15 miles sounds a bit too long, just do one leg of the journey (from one village to the next) and then return. The easiest sections are from Leuc to Verzeille and from Verzeille to St. Hillaire. You can also follow the route on horseback or bicycle. In July, the Romanesque festival is held at the abbey in St. Hilaire.

Walking in La Bouichere Garden in Limoux

For a more leisurely stroll, visit La Bouichere Garden in Limoux or with 150 varieties of native plants which are organized by various themes, such as color or aroma.

Quillan as Hiking Trip Base Town

The village of Quillan is centrally located, charming in its own right, and makes a great base for hiking adventures around the Aude Department.

A path connects the villages of Belvianes, Cavirac and Saint Martin Lily across the Défilé de la Pierre Lys in Quillan, a stunning river gorge. Visitors can go rock-climbing, or participate in various water sports. Travel to Quillan’s visitor’s center for information on hiking or on guided tours.

Be sure to purchase the “Topo Guide” at the tourism office. This book is filled with 27 routes to follow to discover the flora, fauna and history of the area.

Hiking the Pine Route

Walk along the Route du Sapin (Pine Route) to see bold sequoias as you hike through the woods of Callong, Picaussel, Puivert, Fanges and Comefroide. Some of the trees here are more than 150 feet tall. The route is in the southwestern corner of the Aude, and Quillan is the nearest major town.

Walking Tour of Aguzou's Cave

Aguzou’s Cave in Mijanes features guided tours to see the amazing rock formations inside. Reservations must be made in advance year-round (phone number 033-04-68-20-45-38, e-mail grotte.aguzou@wanadoo.fr). Bring lunch, walking shoes, a warm jacket and a camera with a flash. The tour provides helmet, lighting and overalls.

Walking holiday accommodation

Self catering accommodation