Gijounet – Routes and Landscapes in the Gijou Valley

For a stay in Gijounet, two routes offer different ways to explore the area: the Malefayère circular trail and the Voie verte of the “Petit Train”.

Routes and Trail Profiles

The Malefayère route is 9.4 km long and rated as moderate. It passes through the forest and starts and ends at the car park below the village. It follows the Sentier de la Portanelle and passes the ruins of Siane. Its length, difficulty level, and starting and ending points can help you decide whether the loop suits your stay. As access conditions and parking options can change, check them before your visit.

The Voie verte from Gijounet to Lacaune runs alongside the Gijou, following the former railway line of the “Petit Train”. The route includes shady stretches of woodland and narrow, deeply incised valleys. At Gourp Fumant, a succession of tunnels and viaducts follows. The former railway line and the series of tunnels and viaducts give the route a historical and architectural context.

The route format is a clear point of difference when choosing: Malefayère is a circular route with a stated length and difficulty level, while the Voie verte runs from Gijounet to Lacaune along the river and the former railway line. You can use this to plan according to whether a circular route or a route with a named destination better suits your travel plans.

Valley, Landscape and History

Gijounet is located in the Gijou Valley, surrounded by forests and meadows with numerous springs and small streams. The landscape therefore includes both wooded areas and open meadows, as well as small waterways. In the wider area around Gijounet, the entire Gijou River is designated a Natura 2000 site.

The Church of Notre-Dame in Gijounet was built in 1872; its bell tower was completed in 1890. The dates refer to different parts of the building, marking the construction of the church and completion of the tower at separate times. This historical reference adds a dated building history to the themes of routes and landscape. The two dates are 18 years apart.

Getting There and Parking

LiO bus routes 763 and 766 stop in Gijounet. If you travel by bus, check the route and stop information again before setting off. Plan your journey around the timetable currently in effect on your travel date.

Parking for the Voie verte is available at the lieu-dit Combelaine in Gijounet (in the direction of Viane), at the Gijounet community hall and at the Pont de Carausse car park on the D81. As parking options can change, check before travelling which option suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Fréjairolles, Gaillac, Cuq, Saint-Beauzile, Montpinier, Milhavet, Saint-Amans-Soult, Payrin-Augmontel.

For the regional travel overview: Tarn.