Montlaur can be explored along two different routes: Trail No. 30 runs between the Dourdou plain and the wine-red trails of the Rougier de Camarès. The “Au bord du cours d'eau” hiking route follows the Dourdou to Moulin Vieux and returns to Montlaur. Both offer different perspectives on the trails, landscape and cultural heritage.
Two routes with different time profiles
The Montlaur Trail No. 30 is a moderately difficult circular route covering 20.7 kilometres; it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Its course between the Dourdou plain and the wine-red trails of the Rougier de Camarès brings two distinct landscapes together on one route. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
The “Au bord du cours d'eau” hiking route is 12.97 kilometres long, rated easy and estimated to take about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The ascent totals 209 metres. The route starts at Place de l'église in Montlaur and then returns to Montlaur. It follows the Dourdou to Moulin Vieux, runs between the river and Montlaur's irrigation canal, and reaches a ridge with views of Château de Montaigut. Along the way, it also passes the Statue-Menhir du Mas d’Azaïs.
For comparison, it is worth looking at all three figures: the shorter route in kilometres is the one with the longer estimated duration. The difficulty ratings also differ: “Au bord du cours d'eau” is rated easy, while Trail No. 30 is moderately difficult. You should therefore consider distance, time and difficulty separately, rather than inferring one from another. Before setting out, also check local trail conditions for this route.
Water engineering and historic landmarks
The Graouzou Aqueduct was built from 1865 as part of a nine-kilometre irrigation canal. The canal irrigated land in Montlaur and the surrounding area. The surviving aqueduct bears witness to local efforts to manage water resources. It adds a historical perspective on how water was used in the region to the landscape along the routes.
The Statue-Menhir de Saumecourte 2 is also associated with Montlaur. It is a male bas-relief, 98 centimetres high, 42 centimetres wide and 18 centimetres deep; in 2019, it was listed as a protected historic object. Held in storage, it is located in the archaeological gallery of Château de Montaigut in Gissac. Its story thus reaches beyond Montlaur to a specific place of safekeeping. The “Au bord du cours d'eau” route also passes the Statue-Menhir du Mas d’Azaïs, linking the route description to another prehistoric landmark.
A visit to a farm
Near Montlaur, Trail No. 30 includes a visit to Ferme des Vignots. Visitors can tour the farm and taste Roquefort made from the farm's milk. This adds a culinary stop to the route, making it more than just a trail. Booking details may change; check them in advance if you would like to plan a visit.
Whether you choose your route based on its difficulty rating, estimated duration or the landscape and cultural features mentioned along the way, the two routes offer specific points of comparison without requiring you to expect the same kind of trail. The aqueduct, menhirs and visit to Ferme des Vignots add historical and culinary themes to the options.
Discover more destinations: Montagnol, Salvagnac-Cajarc, La Couvertoirade, Castelnau-Pégayrols, Saint-Jean-D'alcapiès, Jaux, Graissac, Sainte-Eulalie-D'olt.
For the broader travel overview: Aveyron.
