Activities around the campsite in Tarn and Aveyron

An itinerary combining geology, nature and heritage

This pleasant loop takes you to the heart of the Cordais hills to discover a rare landscape: the red dunes of Maraval. Formed by a tropical climate dating back more than 250 million years, they create a unique setting of ravines, hillocks and clay soils where vegetation remains sparse. Classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, this fragile site invites you to explore while respecting the fauna, flora and local customs.

Further on, the path crosses meadows and woods before reaching the village of Tonnac. The heir to a Visigothic settlement, it has preserved its church and quiet streets, witnesses to a long rural history.

With its astonishing geology, sensitive nature and heritage, this easy hike combines a change of scenery with discovery.

This loop offers stunning views of Cordes and the Cérou valley, dominated by the highlands of the Ségala. In spring and autumn, the light interacts with the varying colors of the vegetation and soil, creating characteristic contrasts and atmospheres in this area.





Start on the equestrian path that circles the Domaine de la Gazelle. Leave the "Sentier du Cérou" to the right and continue until you reach the paved road. At the road, turn left and after a few meters, continue right onto the dirt path that will lead you through oak woods to the Virac plateau.

At the D7 road, turn right (you will join the GR36 here) and walk 500 meters on the GR36 (Caution). Turn right at the "Chemin de la Bouriasse" dead-end sign. Continue for another 500 meters on the road following the "Puech Haut" sign.

At the entrance to the property, follow the path on the left between the hedge and the field (respect private property and crops). Then continue left on an old path bordered by trees and limestone walls. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Cérou valley with the village of St-Marcel perched on the hillside to the east, and the arches of the road leading to Mouzieys-Panens to the west. Continue to the paragliding area, cross the field, and follow the left side of the cypress hedge.

Turn right to continue straight on the Chemin du Grain de Sel, which becomes a path further on. You will reach the edge of the plateau. Stop to admire the superb panorama of the medieval city before descending via the small path to the first houses of Cordes. Leave the GR36 heading towards the village and turn right onto the Chemin de Liversenq.

Walk 300 meters through the residential area and then take the hillside path. At the end, cross the field to reach the D922. Cross the small parking area and turn right onto the Campes road. After 100 meters, leave the pavement and follow the field before rejoining the road. At the crossroads before the Campes church, turn left. Walk 200 meters, then leave the road to follow a shaded path along the Cérou for 1 kilometer.

Upon reaching the road, turn right, then across from the road, go around the Moulin de Pointe à Pitre by following the thuya hedge. Head back up the Cérou for 200 meters to the hamlet of la Grillotte, then continue right to reach the hikers' parking area.

From the hills of Mouzieys-Panens, the northern profile of Cordes commands attention: the medieval city stretches out like a sleeping dragon above the Cérou Valley, imprinting its presence on the walker who eagerly awaits the moment when the city's silhouette will reappear around a bend.





Departure from Place Saint-Félix. Take Rue des Tanneries towards the Théâtre du Colombier and the bioclimatic primary school. After about 250 meters, join the old railway track on your left. When you reach the road, turn right towards Mas de Tulle. You will now follow the GR® 36 (white and red) for 2 km.

At the fork, leave the GR® 36 and take a path on your left that will lead you to a small paved road. Turn left and join the D30 road. Pass the Cantarrane-Le-Haut lake and the bridge, then follow the path that ascends to Mouzieys-Panens.

Cross the village, and at the Calvary, turn left towards "La Védillerie." Continue on the road until you reach the hamlet of Lacapelle-Sainte-Lucie.

At the crossroads, continue left along a path that leads to the old Sainte-Lucie Chapel (private property).

Go back up the road to the right. Behind the Camp de Besset house, turn left. Follow the path through the woods until you reach the road. Turn left (the route is shared with the GRP® Cordes-Penne).

At the "La Védillerie" sign, turn right and then left. After the last house, take a right onto a steep, somewhat hidden path under the trees (slippery when wet). In the valley, go left onto a wide grassy track, pass the Nauze, then reach the old railway track (viewpoint of Cordes-sur-Ciel). At the end, turn right and cross the Cérou bridge to return to your starting point

An enjoyable and relatively easy introductory circuit through the hills between the villages of Roussayrolles and St. Michel de Vax, with a challenging climb.



Starting from the Parking du Coustou in Roussayrolles, you descend towards the Pas de la Clède via the Touron washhouse path and gravel paths towards the place known as "Fourcou." You then climb up a rocky track that will require some effort and rejoin the GR de Pays trail, which returns towards the village. You complete the loop at the "Foun Naouto" crossroad and head back to the Coustou.

Pleasant and smooth circuit.



Starting from Roussayrolles, you cross the village and continue along the Chemin des Nougayrols towards the "sentier des écoliers," typical of the Causse. You descend the winding road and, once at the heights, turn right onto the path that passes below the hamlet of Peyralade. At the intersection in the cedar plantation, turn left and follow the gravel path to the Dolmen crossroads. You then ascend via the Chemin de La Peyre and the trails through the chestnut woods towards the "Liberte" crossroads and the place called "La Fleur de Lys."Finally, you descend to the hamlet of Mespoulet and return to the village of Roussayrolles.

Smooth track and technical trail for a great hike.



From the Coustou parking lot, take the path leading to the "Mère de Dieu" spring before crossing the Grézelles forest and emerging onto the Pech de Marnaves.Descend towards Milhars via the trails. In the village, follow the path that runs alongside the Cérou to the La Garenne mill before ascending through the Bonnan Valley. Follow the Bonnan stream, and you will see the tufa waterfall on your right.Next, ascend the path to the place called "Fourcou." Turn right towards the Pas de la Clède and climb back to Roussayrolles via a rocky path. Finally, return to the village, passing the small cross of Nougayrols and the Foun Naouto crossroads with its stone picnic table and weeping willow.

A more challenging version of Circuit No. 25 by adding the Marnaves Rouge loop. Pure joy for athletes!



Arriving from Roussayrolles through the Grézelles forest to Pech de Marnaves, follow the path of St. Jean and continue right to descend via the GR de Pays Cordes-Penne. Cross the village to the right and descend towards the Départementale Road, then turn onto the small path leading to the parking area with a water point and picnic tables.Return via the Lissart road and ascend the trails to the water pumping station before making switchbacks that lead you to the communal road.Once you’ve crossed the road, continue back to St. Jean via the paths and then proceed towards Milhars (see description of Trail No. 25).

A family-friendly introduction to exploring the Bonnan Valley.



Starting from the village of Milhars, in front of the Town Hall, cross the departmental road and follow the Cérou River to the La Garenne mill. Next, climb along the Bonnan stream in the valley of the same name.Follow the path to the right, and after passing the Bonnan waterfall (on your right), return along the other side of the loop, which is drier and sunnier. Finally, retrace your steps along the Cérou River, passing under the castle, back to the village and the Town Hall.

A pleasant hike through the fields.



Starting from Marnaves and its picnic area, follow the Chemin de Lissart, then take the trail through the woods and continue along the cultivated fields into the Maraval Valley. Return via the paved road until you reach the departmental road, which you follow before heading towards the hamlet of Bleys. Follow the Chemin du Saulou, which runs alongside the fields by the Cérou River, until you reach the small road at the hamlet of Vassals. Finally, return to Marnaves and complete your hike at the parking area via the departmental road.

A beginner-friendly hike in a pleasant setting.



Starting from Marnaves and its picnic area, follow the Chemin de Lissart and then take the trail through the woods. Continue along the cultivated fields until you reach the departmental road (DR). Walk along the DR before returning by the gravel path that runs alongside the railway line. Finally, cross the railway line and return to the parking area via the DR.

Short but intense and technical circuit—not to be missed.



Starting from Marnaves, take the road to Lissart and then turn right onto the red dirt trail leading up to the pumping station. After a few challenging switchbacks, cross the local road and follow the path that climbs up to St Jean.Once at the top, descend via the GR de Pays trail (to the right) back to the village on a rather steep descent. Finally, cross the village and return to the picnic area opposite the cemetery.

Pleasant yet challenging rolling route to discover the Le Riols enclave.



Starting from Milhars, you ascend via the road to La Garrigue and follow the path through the woods until you reach the Saulieu road. Turn right and continue towards Saulieu Haut, which you pass through, then take the rocky path to the church of Larroque. Continue on the gravel road to Ratayrens, and from there, proceed to the hamlet of Riols Bas, then to the village of Le Riols.Upon exiting the village after the cemetery, at the crossroads on the right with a charming small painted wrought iron cross, take the paved road and ascend from there to the heights and towards the sand and gravel quarry, which you cross to continue towards the village of Sommard. On the descent after the village, take the road to La Colombarié on the left, then turn right onto the gravel path. Then, descend back towards Milhars through woods and fields. Finally, after crossing the Cérou via the footbridge, you return to Town Hall Square.

Countryside route for family rides.



Starting from Le Riols, pass by the cemetery and follow the RD9 to the hamlet of Ardourels. Cross the railway tracks and turn immediately left to follow the dirt path. Continue through fields and woods until you reach the hamlet of Lavaur. At the next crossroads, turn right and descend on the small paved road, following the curve of the Aveyron River. Finally, make your way back to the village.

From the Plateaux du Combal and des Graves, the path opens up to the beautiful views of the Cérou and Aveyron valleys.The rather dry highlands contrast, especially in summer, with the freshness in the valleys provided by the two rivers.Heritage also makes an appearance along the path with the small Saint-Projet Church in Larroque (12th-15th centuries), which features a simple and rustic beauty.





From in front of the Town Hall, take the small road to the right for 250 meters. Then cross the Cérou River via the metal footbridge and turn right. Continue along the river towards La Borie.

Cross the railway tracks, turn right, and take the path that climbs straight ahead towards the hill.

You can pause to enjoy the beautiful viewpoint over the Cérou Valley. Then resume on the path. Pass by the mobile home and, 250 meters later, turn left to take the small trail winding through the woods.

Follow this trail to emerge above the "castle" of Ratayrens, an old fortified house with original restoration. Turn left and follow the zigzagging road through the hamlet. Then turn left again and follow the Aveyron River.

Pass by the Saint-Projet Church in Larroque (be sure to take a look inside) until reaching Saulieu-Haut.

Turn left into the hamlet of Saulieu-Haut and ascend to the ridge that overlooks the two valleys (great viewpoint). Turn right and descend the Chemin de Caudecoste to return to La Borie. Enjoy the view of the Milhars Castle.

Head back towards Milhars along the road that follows the railway tracks. At Prunelle, cross the railway line to find the road and the metal footbridge taken on the way out. Continue until you reach your starting point, Place de la Mairie (Town Hall).

An itinerary combining geology, nature and heritage





In front of the starting sign, near the car park, take the path that leads into the woods.

You are now entering the clay dunes of the Rougier de Maraval. Please note: you are now entering a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS): stay strictly on the marked path; on either side you are on private property.

Turn left towards La Vernière. Pass by the foot of the hamlet and join the D91 departmental road. At this point, there is a shorter 5.34 km option (1 hour 45 minutes) by taking the path on the right.

Cross the departmental road and continue straight ahead until you reach the small road. Take it on the right, pass in front of the Mouline and continue for another 400 m.

Turn onto the path on the right.

Shortly before reaching the road, turn right, go up the path along the edge of the field and join a farm track. Turn left towards Tonnac.

At the road, turn left, cross the D33 and follow the path up to the village church. Go around the church on the left, cross the village to the cemetery.  If you are starting from Tonnac: the loop begins here. After the cemetery, turn right and go down to the D33. Turn left onto it for 130m and turn right to go up towards the D91.

Cross the main road and take the path through the fields. At the track, turn right. At the next intersection, ignore the path on the right (arrival of the alternative route) and take the path opposite which descends through the woods to the entrance of the Maraval estate. Take the road on the right and return to the starting point.

It is said that the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel is as breathtaking from within as it is from outside the ramparts! The beauty of its Gothic buildings rivals the panoramic views of the town from the surrounding hills. The profile of Cordes changes with every angle and time of day.So, don’t miss the pleasure of discovering the medieval town from every angle and combining history, heritage, landscape, and nature.This loop can be completed in two parts by cutting between point 3 and point 9.





Follow the GR®36 from Place Jeanne Ramel-Cals: climb up Grand’Rue de l’Horloge. Pass through the Porte du Vainqueur and then the Porte du Portail-Peint. Emerge onto Grand’Rue Raymond VII. Continue to Place de la Halle. Descend to Porte des Ormeaux. Go through it and immediately turn right, then leave the town through Porte de la Jane, continuing to follow the GR®36 (be careful at the Redoulets: stairs can be very slippery when wet).

Cross the D600 (beware!). Continue towards "Tanneries-Collège". Follow Rue des Tanneries to Place Saint-Félix des Cabannes.

Head right on the D30. Cross the Cérou bridge. Walk for 250 meters. Turn left onto the embankment and take the GR® de Pays. Continue for 500 meters on the Voie Verte.

Pass the wooden barrier. Turn right onto the dirt path. At the Nauze, continue straight towards the woods. Do not take the GR® de Pays that climbs to the right but go straight to the D7. Turn right along the Cérou. Pass the Moulin de la Bogne. Walk 100 meters on the road.

Take the old bridge to the left, known as the "Pont des Ânes". After 100 meters, turn right onto the dirt path (beware of flooding; climb the embankment if necessary). Continue for 1 km to Vindrac.

Follow the church and then turn right along the cemetery to circle the village by the mill and its pond. Stay on the left and turn right onto the tree-lined road to reach the D600. Cross the road (be careful!) to reach the road sign for Péteulé. Continue 2 km on the road that ascends to the hamlet of Les Fargues.

At Les Fargues, admire the cross. Go back and take the dirt path. Continue straight to the junction with the GR® de Liaison (red and white markers).

Continue left to the farm shed. Turn right towards Piton and follow the ravined path bordered by stone walls. Go to the road.

Take the road to the right for 120 meters. At the intersection, turn left towards La Devèze. Cross the Aurosse. Climb straight up the path.

Turn right, under the convent, and follow the small path towards Bouysset. Descend the road for 500 meters. Cross the Aurosse again. Ignore La Bouriette to the right. Arrive at a crossroads. Continue straight along the path lined with plum trees.

Leave the path to admire the Saint-Jean Chapel. Resume the path (please respect the private property you are passing). After the tennis court and an old washhouse, climb left up the path. Stay on the path to the left for 700 meters. Emerge at a fork.

Take the left path (PR Sentier du Causse) for 1.5 km towards Cordes and admire the silhouette of Cordes one last time. Climb up Rue de Litou to return to the starting point

A peaceful walk along the hillside with a beautiful viewpoint opening up to the Cérou valley and the city of Cordes. The oaks lining the path provide light and pleasant shade.





The walk starts in front of the castle entrance, heading into the countryside along the beautiful tree-lined avenue recently named "Lice des créneaux." You will see several dovecotes, including the one on the right at the large farm "La Peyrière." Continue straight on the path through the fields.

At the end of the path, before turning right onto the Chemin des Plaideurs, move towards the left to discover a beautiful white stone cross hidden in the embankment. Descend the Chemin des Plaideurs and take the small hillside path to the right, which overlooks a private agricultural path. A bit further on, follow this agricultural path for 40 meters. Then, turn left onto the small path that descends to the bottom of the hill. Along your route, you will pass an olive grove and catch glimpses of the striking profile of Cordes-sur-Ciel through the trees.

This relatively flat and shaded area offers you the chance to take a break before starting the return journey to the village. Follow the small path that climbs halfway up the slope. You will come across numerous installations for olive cultivation. In the distance, you will see the Château de Mouzieys and the arched bridge. This rather unique bridge was built 150 years ago to support the new road between Cordes-sur-Ciel and Mouzieys-Panens.

When you reach the road, if you wish to finish your circuit directly, continue straight and then turn left at the intersection to return to your starting point in front of the castle.



Discovery detour: from point 4, turn right to take the road towards Térondel, then the small path to admire the magnificent panorama of Cordes and the Cérou valley at the southern end of the plateau (about 1 km - 15 min round trip). Returning on your steps, continue a few meters towards the village, then turn left to arrive below the castle. There you will find the Thouron washhouse. Its three clear water basins will allow you to refresh yourself before returning to the starting point via the stony path that runs along the castle

Listen carefully to the birdsong, observe the wildlife on the site, identify the species around you and admire the unusual landscape of Cap' Découverte for the duration of your walk!

In the heart of 700 hectares of unspoilt nature, come and discover the new "Cap'Biodiversité" theme hiking trail. Listen carefully to the birdsong, observe the wildlife on the site, identify the species that surround you, and admire the atypical landscape of Cap' Découverte for the duration of your walk!

A 3.79km themed circuit

Distance: 3.79km

Duration: 1h30

Difficulty: Easy



Marking: Follow the grey markers with white arrows and the trail logo, as well as a geolocation QR code available from the forecourt.

An interactive map is available on the Cap Découverte website, enabling you to visualize the route and find your way by geolocation in real time.