Les Cammazes: Vauban, Waterways and Forest

Les Cammazes combines historic waterworks with hiking trails through the forest and along the Rigole de la Montagne. The town is located in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Les Cammazes, its cultural and natural attractions can help guide your plans: you can focus on historic structures, a longer hike, or a walk through the forest.

Vauban and Historic Structures

The Cammazes Tunnel is an engineering structure dating from the 17th century. The tunnel and its entrance and exit arches are listed as historic monuments; the decree listing them is dated 4 March 1997. Another historic highlight is the Voûte Vauban, built between 1687 and 1688 on Vauban’s orders. You can walk through it from Les Cammazes. The path through the tunnel runs along a narrow ledge beside the walls. Check access conditions locally before setting out.

The Vauban and Waters of the Montagne Noire route incorporates this history of construction: it passes through the Voûte Vauban and then follows the Rigole de la Montagne through the forest. There is a picnic area, parking, and bus parking at the Voûte site. Visitor facilities may change, so check the details before your visit.

Waterways and Hiking Routes

The Rigole de la Montagne collects water from the Montagne Noire and carries it from the Alzeau water intake to Les Cammazes at Saut du Laudot. It supplies the Canal du Midi. Saut du Laudot is the last structure on the Rigole and includes an eight-metre-high masonry cascade. Along this waterway, both the system’s function and a striking structure are highlights.

The path along the Rigole runs for 28 kilometres between the Alzeau water intake and Les Cammazes and is suitable for hiking and cycling. A walk along the Rigole also leads to the Barrage des Cammazes. The Barrage is a concrete arch dam. Its reservoir has a circumference of 16.5 kilometres; the walk is listed as taking four hours.

For a different hiking distance, consider the Vauban and Waters of the Montagne Noire route: it is 8.0 kilometres long, with 50 metres of elevation gain. By comparison, the route around the reservoir is listed as taking four hours. These different route details can help you plan your outings around the time you have available; trail conditions may change, so it is advisable to check before setting out.

Forest, Loop Trail, and Other Activities

Charcoal kilns can be seen on the loop trail through the Forêt de l’Aiguille. The forest is considered a former royal forest and a source of raw materials for charcoal production in the region. For the trail through the Forêt de l’Aiguille, parking is available at the edge of town on the road to Carcassonne, before the event hall and Les Cammazes tourist information office.

If you would like to explore the area on horseback, L’Etrier de la Montagne Noire offers rides and trail rides for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Booking is required. For a break, Le Salon de Vauban, on the ground floor, offers organic and locally sourced food and a tea room. Savoury and sweet tartines are served throughout the day, along with homemade pastries. Details of the food and drink offerings may change, so check before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, Moulin-Mage, Carmaux, Lamillarié, Saint-Affrique, Prades, Albine, Pont-De-Larn.

For the broader travel overview: Tarn.