Quintillan: Hiking, Nature and Heritage

Quintillan combines hiking and natural landscapes with a cultural perspective on the commune. Specific hiking options include guided walks and hikes offered by Asinerie Quintill’Ane, as well as the Le Col de Mairolles circular trail. There are also protected landscapes with different boundaries, and the Église Sainte-Madeleine, which reflects Quintillan’s religious and spiritual history. These highlights offer different ways to plan a stay in Quintillan.

Natural Areas Around Quintillan

The entire commune of Quintillan lies within the Parc naturel régional Corbières-Fenouillèdes. The park’s classification is valid for 15 years from the publication of the decree of 4 September 2021. The Natura 2000 Corbières orientales Special Protection Area for birds (FR9112008) has different boundaries: it covers part of Quintillan and was designated by ministerial order of 6 April 2006. Forested areas in the Quintillan area are also part of this site. This comparison highlights the difference between the regional park’s coverage of the entire commune and the partial overlap with the bird protection area.

Another natural area is the ZNIEFF “Cours amont de la rivière de la Berre”. It is located in the southeast of the Aude département and includes Quintillan. Its landscape features include wetland riverbanks, riparian forests and meadows along waterways. It also encompasses nearly 30 kilometres of the Berre river as it flows through the eastern Corbières. Both the riverside habitats and the river itself are therefore defining features of this natural area.

Hikes and Trails

Asinerie Quintill’Ane offers guided walks and hikes along stone paths and through Quintillan’s vineyards. The routes lead to the Quintillan state forest and a natural pool. Along the way, mule tracks pass through Mediterranean vegetation, including juniper, strawberry trees and thyme. These features give the hiking options a distinctive character: stone paths, vineyards and the plants mentioned are all part of the experience, as are the destinations along the routes.

Visits to the Asinerie are possible year-round in suitable weather, but only by appointment. You must book at least two days in advance. This is important when planning a guided visit: you cannot assume that you can go without prior notice, but must arrange a time in advance.

Another option is the Le Col de Mairolles circular trail in the commune of Quintillan. The route is about 5.9 kilometres long, with an average duration of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. It offers open views of the Corbières, the surrounding plain and the village of Quintillan. For planning your time, the circular trail’s approximate length and average duration are key, whereas for the Asinerie, an appointment and suitable weather are essential.

Église Sainte-Madeleine and Heritage

The Église Sainte-Madeleine is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene and is one of Quintillan’s heritage sites. Its dedication and religious and spiritual significance give the destination a cultural dimension alongside its nature and hiking themes. If you would like to see Quintillan as more than just its trails and landscapes, this is also a named site that forms part of the commune’s history.

Discover other destinations: Escouloubre, Laroque-De-Fa, Talairan, Saint-Marcel-Sur-Aude, Caunes-Minervois, Ricaud, Fendeille, Badens.

See the main travel guide: Aude.