In Les Martys, hikes of varying lengths are part of the local landscape, alongside a year-round fitness trail and traces of early ironmaking. The forest also tells the story of its former use: among the deciduous and coniferous trees are signs of farms and cultivated terraces. For your planning, you can choose from short walks, longer hikes, and specific nature and history themes.
Hikes for Different Time Budgets
The easy family walk, around four kilometres long, passes local wash houses, fountains, livestock watering troughs and draw wells. You can discover these water sources and structures along the route. Its stated length and easy rating provide clear guidance if you are looking for a shorter hike specifically suited to families.
Hike No. 13a, “Entre prairies et futaies – Petite Boucle,” is eleven kilometres long and takes about three hours and thirty minutes. The “Grande Boucle” is considerably longer: it starts and ends in Les Martys, covers 18 kilometres, includes 600 metres of elevation gain and is rated difficult. Its approximate duration is five hours and thirty minutes. Compared with the Petite Boucle, it is seven kilometres longer; based on the approximate durations given, the difference is around two hours.
The Grande Boucle includes forest paths where families can walk or cycle; the 18-kilometre hike itself is rated difficult. Another option is the Les Martys fitness trail. It is open to everyone year-round and has various exercise stations for all age groups and fitness levels.
Forest, Water and Wildlife Observation
The forest combines deciduous and coniferous trees. It also preserves traces of former farms, small ponds and cultivated terraces concealed by trees and shrubs. The forest landscape and signs of earlier agricultural use thus sit side by side: these preserved features, as well as the trees, shape the character of the local landscape.
At the Maison forestière de Combo-Falgouzo, information boards describe amphibians near the Pesquié and bats that visit the forest. The topics range from the water at the Pesquié to the animals of the forest. If you are interested in observing nature, the boards offer specific pointers on what to look out for.
The History of La Forge
Archaeological remains connected with the ancient extraction of iron ore have been preserved at the La Forge site. The ironworking site at La Forge covered at least three to four hectares. The history of ironworking thus adds a distinct historical focus to Les Martys’ landscape and nature themes.
Supplies and Practical Information
La Piale sells bread, pastries, other food and regional wines year-round; you can pick up supplies there for hiking picnics. There is also a bar area. If you are planning to combine a hike with a picnic, you can include provisions as a separate planning consideration.
Two car parks, including spaces for motorhomes, and an electric vehicle charging station are also useful for getting around locally.
Discover more destinations: Limoux, Montréal, Plavilla, Gincla, Alairac, Pécharic-Et-Le-Py, Rivel, Boutenac
For the broader travel overview: Aude.
