The best walks and hikes around Courniou
4.6
(231)
1,475
hikers
70
hikes
Hiking around Courniou, nestled within the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The region features deep forests, wild heathlands, and clear lakes, providing varied terrain for exploration. It is situated between the Somail and Montagne Noire, offering mountainous terrain and significant elevation changes. The area's natural heritage is preserved, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Best hiking trails around Courniou
- The most popular hiking route is The trail of the three passes – loop from Labastide-Rouairoux…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
4.5
(2)
7
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
15
hikers
23.8km
06:52
560m
560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
7
hikers
12.3km
03:54
510m
510m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
10
hikers
2.80km
00:54
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
15.2km
04:41
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The village of Riols, a small industrial center specializing in draperies and woolens in the 19th century, is located on the "Passa Païs" greenway. Points of interest include the Banasse bridge over the Jaur river, the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, and its main thoroughfare, Rue Basse.
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Former railway tunnel now serves as hiking and cycling path
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Beautiful B&B with a large garden and excellent breakfast. We stayed there on our long-distance hike from Tarifa (Spain) to Switzerland and can highly recommend this accommodation.
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The town of Riols is located between Saint Pons de Thomières and Olargues, on the Passa Païs greenway. On either side of the Jaur valley, from Lake Vesoles to the former 19th-century Ardouane Abbey, this very large town has many hiking trails leading to the Monts du Somail. The magnificent Banasse bridge over the Jaur, as well as the Saint-Pierre-et-Paul church and the layout of Rue Basse, the main artery, bear witness to the prosperity of the textile industry, particularly drapery, from the 16th century. From the village, a small road leads to the Cabarétou pass, a real challenge for sporty cyclists. The Passa Païs Greenway invites fans of gentle journeys to daydream... The Notre-Dame-de-Trédos chapel, as emblematic as it is majestic, is worth the hike or bike ride leading to its doors. Our tips for starting your bike, walking, trail rides... in Riols: - The Place du Foirail car park is ideal if you are using your vehicle to get to the start. It is located on the right bank of the Jaur, south of the village. - Riols is served by LIO / Hérault Transport bus lines 682 and 685: https://plan.lio-occitanie.fr/fr/horaires/Riols/arret/RIOLS%20-%20CENTRE/LIO:1002511 - During the summer, from the beginning of July to the end of September, between Saint Pons de Thomières and Bédarieux, the buses on line 682 are equipped with racks allowing the transport of 6 bikes. A telephone reservation service is set up (09 72 57 44 45). A little bit of history: The history of Riols is linked to that of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières: in 936, the founding act of the abbey mentions the donation made to the monastery by Raymond Pons, Count of Toulouse, of the lands of Tarbouriech, Coumayres, Condades, Cassillac and Rieulets. In 940, the Archbishop of Narbonne gave the churches of Saint-Pierre-de-Riols and Notre-Dame-de-Tredos to the Abbot of Saint-Pons. In 1318, when the diocese of Saint-Pons was created, the Abbot became bishop and the monks formed the chapter of the cathedral. The income of the abbey was then separated: in Riols, the chapter retained the seigneurial rights over the lands of Garrigues, while the bishop retained the rest of the seigneury. During the Revolution, the rare possessions of the clergy and emigrants were sold. In the 19th century, Riols, with more than 2,000 inhabitants, became a small industrial center, with more than a dozen clothiers and wool mills.
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Path to discover several capitelles (dry stone huts that once served as shelters for peasants and shepherds). A small waterfall is also present on the course.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Courniou?
Courniou offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 60 distinct trails to explore. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks through the diverse landscapes of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers in Courniou?
Yes, Courniou has nearly 20 easy hiking trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. A great option is the View of Corniou – Path to the lookout loop from Courniou, which is just over 3 km long and offers pleasant views without significant elevation changes.
Where can I find challenging day hikes around Courniou?
For those seeking a challenge, Courniou offers 17 difficult routes. A popular choice is The trail of the three passes – loop from Labastide-Rouairoux, a 16.9 km route with significant elevation gain within the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. Another demanding option is the Saint-Pons-de-Thomières – Riols loop, covering 23.5 km with extensive views.
Are there many circular walking routes in Courniou?
Yes, many of the trails around Courniou are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Col du Moulin loop from Labastide-Rouairoux, which takes you through forested areas, and the View of Corniou – Path to the lookout loop from Courniou for an easier option.
Can I hike to any waterfalls near Courniou?
Absolutely! The impressive Vésoles Waterfall is a significant natural monument in the area. It's particularly spectacular during spring when river flows are at their peak, offering a rewarding destination for a hike.
What are some scenic viewpoints or interesting landmarks to discover on hikes?
The region is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. You can explore the dramatic river gorges and picturesque forested areas. Keep an eye out for traditional dry stone huts known as "capitelles" along trails, especially on routes like the "Randonnée Courniou-les-Grottes Les Capitelles" (more info on Hérault Tourisme). The limestone massif of La Devèze also offers trails with unique arid flora.
Are there any routes that follow old railway lines or greenways?
Yes, the Passa Païs Greenway is a major draw, following an old railway line. It's ideal for hiking and offers a scenic course through trees, connecting to charming settlements like Riols. The Saint-Pons-de-Thomières – Riols loop incorporates sections of this greenway.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Courniou?
The hiking trails around Courniou are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from deep forests and wild heathlands to mountainous terrain, and the well-preserved natural heritage of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Courniou?
Courniou, situated within the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You'll encounter deep forests, dramatic river gorges, wild heathlands, and limestone massifs with arid flora. The region is also characterized by significant elevation changes, providing varied and scenic views.
Are there any villages or historical sites I can visit while hiking?
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. The village of Riols, located on the Passa Païs greenway, features historical points of interest like the Banasse bridge and the Church of Saint Peter and Paul. You might also encounter the distinctive dry stone huts, "capitelles," which are part of the local history.
Most popular attractions around Courniou
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