Escueillens et St. Just de Bélengard is a beautiful part of the Aude département in the Occitanie region of southern France. This area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites, making it an excellent place for walking and hiking. Having lived here for close on 20 years, I still love it! However, there are times when even I feel the need to spread my wings a little and try walking in pastures anew without having to organize a full-blown vacation to change the scene.
To my mind, here are some of the best places to walk within 1 hour's reach by car:
La Montagne Noire
Distance: About 45 minutes by car
Why It’s Great: The Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) offers a variety of trails through dense forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints. The Pic de Nore is the highest point, providing stunning views over the region, including the Pyrenees on a clear day.
Les Gorges de Galamus
Distance: About 1 hour by car
Why It’s Great: The Gorges de Galamus is a dramatic canyon that offers a beautiful and adventurous walk along its narrow paths. The walk can be as challenging or leisurely as you like, with the option to explore caves, swim in natural pools, visit the hermitage or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Le Canal du Midi
Distance: About 30 minutes by car (starting from Bram or Castelnaudary)
Why It’s Great: The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering flat, easy walking along its towpaths. The tree-lined canal is perfect for a peaceful stroll, with the opportunity to see historic canal locks, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes.
La Forêt de Bélesta
Distance: About 1 hour by car
Why It’s Great: This large forest offers a variety of walking trails, ranging from easy to more challenging routes. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers, with a chance to see local wildlife, ancient trees, and the remains of prehistoric dolmens at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Le Sentier Cathare (Cathar Trail)
Distance: Multiple access points, about 30 minutes to 1 hour away
Why It’s Great: The Sentier Cathare is a long-distance trail (250 kms) that passes through some of the most scenic and historically significant parts of the Aude. You can explore several neighbouring sections of the trail, particularly around the famous Cathar castles such as: Rennes-le-Château, Puivert, Roquefixade and Montségur, for a walk that combines natural beauty with medieval history.
Le Lac de Montbel
Distance: About 45 minutes by car
Why It’s Great: Lac de Montbel is a large artificial lake surrounded by forests and hills. There are several walking trails around the lake, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, and there’s even the possibility of spotting some local wildlife.
Le Pays de Sault
Distance: About 1 hour by car
Why It’s Great: This area offers a variety of walking trails through lush meadows, forests, and traditional villages. The Plateau de Sault provides beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an ideal location for both short walks and longer hikes.
Le Sentier de la Pierre Lys
Distance: About 1 hour by car
Why It’s Great: Located in the upper Aude Valley, this trail offers a scenic walk along the Aude River, with impressive views of the gorges and limestone cliffs. It’s a great spot for a tranquil walk in nature, with the option to extend your walk into nearby trails leading into the Pyrenean foothills.
Final Words on the Best Places to Walk
These are just a few of the many wonderful walking opportunities near Escueillens et St. Just de Bélengard. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, this region offers something for every nature lover.
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