Hiking trails above the valley, the twin menhirs “les deux sœurs” and traces of glassmaking give you several concrete ways to plan a stay in Lacabarède. The trails differ in their starting points, landscapes and destinations; cultural history and seasonal birdwatching offer further highlights. First choose the themes you want to shape your trip, then use the trail and cultural features described for each as a guide.

Hiking trails with different landmarks

The “Sentier des Hautes Futaies” is open every day throughout the year and free to access. Opening hours and access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. You can reach the trail from the car park at the former railway station on the D612 in Lacabarède. For this trail, both its opening status and a specific access point are important planning details.

The hike on “Les Clairières de Sales” starts in Sales, a hamlet in the commune of Lacabarède. The route passes through deciduous forest interspersed with small meadows. There are lovely views at the hamlet of Farail. After the hamlet of Baylé, and again halfway between Lebrat and Farail, panoramic views open out on the Aude side. Vegetation and visibility vary by season. Check the starting point before setting off. Unlike the “Sentier des Hautes Futaies,” where opening and access are the main considerations, the starting hamlet, changing landscapes and viewpoints help you find your way here.

High ridges and two similarly named routes

The hiking trails in Lacabarède run above the valley and pass through the Aude, Hérault and Tarn departments. The Plateau du Poumairol offers an opportunity to gain elevation in Lacabarède. For mountain biking, the “Fontaine des Trois Evêques” MTB route follows its own course: it circles the Plateau de Sales, then heads to the adjoining high ridges of Hérault and then Aude. The landscape includes high-altitude granite areas with moorland, beech forests and upland meadows.

A similarly named hiking route, “La fontaine des Trois évêques,” leads instead to the spring of the same name and to small stone-built villages. When choosing a route, the activity and destination can help you tell them apart: the MTB loop circles the plateau and continues to the high ridges, while the hiking route leads to the spring and the small stone-built villages. Pay attention to the name when choosing between these options.

Menhirs, frescoes and traces of glassmaking

Lacabarède is home to two twin menhirs dating from 1385, known as “les deux sœurs”—the two sisters. A local legend is associated with them: according to the story, the stones originally touched, but are slowly moving apart, and the end of the world will come when one of them reaches the mountain’s summit. The story of the menhirs is therefore passed down as a legend. Lacabarède church is adorned with frescoes by Nicolaï Greschny. The area also bears traces of its local history, which is linked to glassmakers. The menhirs, frescoes and connection with glassmaking offer cultural and historical themes alongside the hiking trails and landscapes.

Nature watching and planning your stay

Nature watching can also be planned as a focus in its own right. On forest excursions, you can look out for great spotted woodpeckers and marsh tits, depending on the season. Seasonal observation adds a specific nature theme to the landscape and may influence your choice of when to travel.

The Thoré Montagne Noire Tourist Office is responsible for tourism information across the intercommunal area. It provides visitor reception and information, tourism development and promotion throughout the Communauté de Communes Thoré Montagne Noire. Since summer 2019, it has also operated a mobile stand. As services may change, check in advance which ones are available during your visit.

Before looking for accommodation, consider which themes you would like to combine during your stay. This way, you can start planning with the experiences that interest you in Lacabarède and then move on to finding a place to stay.

Discover more destinations

Frausseilles, Sainte-Cécile-Du-Cayrou, Lacrouzette, Fiac, Prades, Les Cabannes, Saïx, Cadalen

For the main travel overview: Tarn.