The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in the Tarn

Do you have nature desires? So go on adventure by making one of the best hikes in the Tarn!

The department of Tarn is a French department in the Occitanie region. It owes its name to the Tarn River which dug a large alluvial plain in this rural territory formed of limestone plateaus and deep forests.

The Tarn is a rural and wild area: total disconnect here! Today, the Wanderlix team makes you discover this mysterious department by offering you to walk there.

Itineraries of countryside, lunar landscapes, unique views: to you to choose! The best hikes to do in the Tarn are presented in our top.

1. The heritage path via the path of Mespel

Welcome to the Domaniale Forest of Grésigne for this shortened variant of the famous Puycelsi Heritage Trail. This hike of the Tarn takes some beautiful steep undergrowth slopes from the historic village of Puycelsi.

You will follow the Audoulou Creek, which will refresh your journey during the hottest months of the year. Between waterfalls, Roman roads and centuries-old ruins, this varied and well-marked route is perfect for a family trip.

Complete with a visit to the city of Puycelsi, an authentic jewel of the Albige region heritage!

2. Lake Montagnès

Lake Montagnès (with accent!) is easily accessible from the city of Mazamet. We offer you to reach it from Hautpoul, a historic Cathar city.

You will climb and then go down the Gorges de l’Arnette to Mazamet Bridge. Perched at 70 meters high, it guarantees sacred sensations!

Continue to follow the green slopes of the Black Mountain to the water level of Montagnès which offers friendly activities. You can rest there before you make the way back, where the valley of the Arnette will unfold along the way. Splendid, right?

3. The Cammazes Lake Tower

This hike from the Tarn leaves the village of the Cammazes for a rural getaway around the lake of the same name. Everything begins with the crossing of the Cammazes tunnel drilled by Vauban under Louis XIV.

It also owes it to the landscaped layout of the trail and especially to the setting up of leafy trees: one liked to walk well in the shade at the time! Creeks refresh your route to the peaceful Cammazes lake.

In the distance, the ruins of the castle of the lords of Roquefort watch over this land of sumptuous cocaven!

4. The trail of the Crêtes de Lautrec

The other... This village is simply splendid and prides the Tarnes. This hike offers you to admire it in all its seams. During this easy little loop, you will dominate the area by making the tower of the hills overlooking Lautrec. The medieval city would almost steal the star from the Black Mountain, here!

In both cases we recommend that you take the course in the autumn to enjoy the ochre colors of the vegetation. The trailers will appreciate the reasonable denial, ideal for a smooth recovery!

5. Traversée d’Hautpoul à la passerelle de Mazamet

Hautpoul is a leading historical site. This cradle of the city of Mazamet was a refuge for cathars persecuted by the church forces. The importance of the still visible fortifications and its geographical location is better understood.

It is planted on a rocky piton like the Mazamet Bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge that you will cross... without any fear, of course, during this hike in the Tarn.

Between cliffs, hills and forest, it will delight lovers of large spaces discovering the fabulous landscapes of the area!

6. Arifat Waterfalls Trail

Conveniently, this: the parking lot of the waterfalls of Arifat is located at the level of the old castle of this town of the center-Tarn. Once your vehicle is parked, come and contemplate this unique natural site and its cascades of 80 meters high.

The itinerary would have contented Indiana Jones himself: between the ruins of the 13th century, waterfalls and bridges suspended, this loop presents a playful side marked. Children are welcome here, provided they are equipped with upshoes... and be careful: it slips in some places!

7. Lacrouzette

This Tarn hike will take you to the most picturesque villages in this mysterious department. From the hamlet of Lacrouzette, you will cross that of Belherbette to Lake Merle.

Your itinerary continues to the site of the "Deaded Rocks". The rocks of Sidobre are very special: they seem to be thrown out of the sky. In the middle of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, the site is the largest granite plateau in Europe.

When you return and if you wish, complete your hike with a visit to the Sidobre house in Le Bez. You will know more about this site of character within this exciting museum space.

8. The forest of Serenac

The forest of Sérenac is dense and all made of leafy and resinous. Each season seems more beautiful than the previous one. We therefore do not recommend any special period for this Tarn Rider!

The itinerary (shady, it goes without saying) clearings, ferns and multi-centered oaks. At the heart of the forest is a leisure center offering fun activities for young and old.

Climbing, mountain biking, kayaking or archery would be a good addition to your sports afternoon, what do you say?

9. From Laguépie to Cordes-sur-ciel

This hike of the Tarn starts from the ruins of the castle of Laguépié which overlooks the valley. He borrows GR36 where gambadent trailers and walkers to Cordes-sur-Ciel.

This medieval town is one of the most beautiful in France! One understands his name by approaching: it seems to rise graciously towards the heavens. Built during the 13th century crusade, there is a gothic palace, art centers and medieval streets.

This journey at the heart of the national historical and cultural heritage is ravishing from end to end. Enjoy your family!

10. The tower of Lake Messal

The Lac du Messal offers the opportunity to make a nice walk a few steps from Viviers-les-Lavaur. The particularity? Obligatory up shoes because... there is no path built around the water plan. It’s a little adventure in the middle of nature to explore the surroundings!

Open to fishing, the lake is a haven of peace that will be enjoyed during the summer season. Animals elected permanent residence there. Here, only the bruises of the leaves and the song of the birds disturb silence. Wishing...

11. The path of the chapel of Saint-Férréol

To complete our list of the best hikes in the Tarn, we present you a journey with sublime panoramas. Welcome to Dourgne, a charming Tarne village: there is a chapel, that of Saint-Ferréol.

To get there, a well-marked trail will take you through the pastures of the northern slope of the Black Mountain. You will have the opportunity to admire the impressive desert of Saint-Ferréol. This gneiss plateau is sublimated by an incredible view of the villages of the plain: Lagardiolle, Soual, Montgey and until Labruguière in clear weather.

Any advice? For more magic, go to sleep! The spot is taken from lovers of heavenly observations because of a light pollution absent... Grandiose!