The 6 most beautiful hikes to make in the Black Mountain

With this scenery of ancient mountain massif, eroded, of a raw and striking beauty, dotted with small villages and old castles, the hike in the Black Mountain comes naturally to the idea: it is the only way to discover this fascinating country in all its splendor!

At the edges of four departments (Tarn, Hérault, Aude and Haute-Garonne), all south of the Massif Central, the Black Mountain has nothing more than a giant, which peaks at 1,211 m above sea level at the Pic de Nore: the erosion that has roused this massif for millions of years has created these magnificent landscapes, sometimes hard access, wild and preserved.

The man has never had a great grip on the Black Mountain, except for a few perched cathar castles, small villages that warm quietly in the sun, and the use of the waters of the massif to feed the Canal du Midi . The result: hiking in the Black Mountain is a little paradise for walkers!

Many walking routes are adapted to all levels, from the little walk to the half-day to the steeper exit: the most beautiful hikes in the Black Mountain are therefore for everyone.

1. The Cubserviès waterfall

One of the most beautiful natural sites in the massif will be the key to this hike in the Black Mountain: the Cubserviès waterfall. With its 90 m high, it is one of the highest in Europe!

To go there, obviously favor the rando, with this beautiful loop from the pretty village of Roquefère, very characteristic with its shale constructions: the castle, the washhouse, the old houses...

Ideal stops to provide you with food, because this walk is rather demanding with some more technical passages per place. Water, what to take strengths and sticks are needed for this superb day of walking.

2. The Pic de Nore

Uncontournable hiking in the Black Mountain, this route leads you to the top of the massif, the Pic de Nore: a magnificent view of the region and a 360° panorama, impossible to miss!

The departure is made from the village of Pradelles-Cabardès, for a hike in a loop: the Pic de Nore is not very high perched with its 1,211 m, but still plan a little disappointment to make the whole hike.

Good shoes and sticks are your best allies. On the way back, don't miss the curious ice-creams of Pradelles-Cabardès, before you get back to the village.

3. La Rigole de la Montagne by Lac de Saint-Denis in Saissac

To combine hiking in the Black Mountain and cultural visit, Saissac is part of the stopovers not to be missed in the corner: this easy ride, with little denived, allows you to discover the hilly surroundings of the village, and the beautiful countryside of the region, in half a day.

Curiosities of the itinerary, take advantage of the passage on the banks of the Saint-Denis Basin, then follow La Rigole de la Montagne on 3 km: two elements of an ingenious hydraulic system to supply the Canal du Midi with water since the 17th century.

After the walk, which forms a loop, take the time to visit Saissac, a village full of charm, and its iconic Cathar castle, close to the starting point.

4. The castles of Lastours

It may well be that this exceptional site is already ranked by Unesco before you have had time to go hiking in the Black Mountain... this old miners trail, it, will always be the same!

From the perched village of Lastours, to visit absolutely, descend the small stream of the Grésilhou and then go on this pleasant loop, easy and for the whole family, to reach the Belvedere of the Castles of Lastours: the most beautiful view on this site composed of four former cathar fortresses, symbol of the heritage of the Black Mountain.

Finally, back to the village, then crochet by the Châteaux de Lastours for a deeper visit.

5. La passerelle d’Hautpoul depuis Mazamet

Mazamet distinguished himself for wool weaving in the 19th century, an industrial past highlighted in the city. The starting point of this hike in the Black Mountain begins here, with for the first stage the medieval village of Hautpoul, a cathare site that served as a vigy for the whole region.

The passage of the Hautpoul Bridge, above the Gorge of the Arnette, is always a milestone! The loop-shaped itinerary also allows for a pleasant break on the shores of Lake Montagnès, before returning to Mazamet. A nice hike, but pay attention to the level of difficulty of the whole for amateur walkers.

6. Lake Laprade and peatlands

A hike in the Black Mountain that allows you to stay in the cool or in the shade throughout the journey: always welcome for excursions to the beautiful days!

Here we make the whole tour of Lake Laprade, where remains indicate that it was a metallurgical site from Antiquity! After the hamlet of Laprade-Basse, the trail becomes frankly forested, in the midst of the foliage filtering the sunlight. Nice ride for the whole family.