Cournonterral: River Landscapes, Trails and Traditions

Cournonterral lies between vineyards and garrigue. The Coulazou, a 28.8-kilometre-long river, flows through the commune. There are several ways to explore the area: the “Les Touats” discovery trail, the river landscape and historic sites. Carnival traditions also shape the town.

Trails through the garrigue and along the Coulazou

The “Les Touats” discovery trail starts at the Vigne du Parc, behind the town walls, and leads through the Mediterranean garrigue. It reaches the edge of a meander in the Coulazou and offers a view of the Puits de l’Aven. The starting point, vegetation and river landscape are among the notable stops along this hike.

After crossing the Viaduc de l’Intérêt Local, the discovery trail leads back to the cars via Rue Bastide de l’Oulieu. The viaduct dates from 1870. Check trail conditions locally.

Another highlight is the permanent orienteering course at the Vigne du Parc on the Coulazou, below the medieval town walls. The course covers 6.5 hectares across the Vigne du Parc and the La Grave area on the other side of the river. Four different courses can be completed independently and encourage map-reading skills. Unlike Les Touats, the focus here is on the courses and map work; the discovery trail goes through the garrigue to a viewpoint over the river bend. Local arrangements may change; check locally.

A geological feature in the riverbed

L’Arche de Noé is a large geological fold of Jurassic limestone that spans the entire width of the Coulazou riverbed. It lies in the riverbed upstream of the village and is accessible on foot. While Les Touats includes the Coulazou as part of a hike with a viewpoint, at the Arche the geological formation itself is the main feature. Conditions may change after weather events; check local conditions before your visit.

Local history and cultural traditions

The Chapelle des Pénitents originally housed a lay brotherhood of White Penitents and was inaugurated on January 14, 1995. The chapel has also been associated with cultural activities such as talks, concerts and exhibitions. Its religious origins and cultural use are distinct aspects of its history.

A brochure produced by the commune of Cournonterral and local associations leads visitors to 15 historic sites in Cournonterral. It complements individual buildings such as the Chapelle des Pénitents with further points of interest relating to local history.

The Cournonterral Carnival begins on Epiphany Sunday and ends on the evening of Ash Wednesday with the burning of the pépettes. The Pailhasses, which take place on Ash Wednesday, are among the town’s old folk traditions. They represent Cournonterral, pursue the Blancs from Aumelas and roll them in grape pomace. The Marché des Pailhasses takes place on the village square on the Saturday morning before Mardi Gras. Cartagène, a sweet white wine, is considered an essential carnival drink. Dates follow the liturgical calendar; check the dates for the year of your trip.

Another folk dance tradition is the Danse du Chevalet, performed by five dancers. Together with the carnival customs, it offers another way to explore local traditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Georges-DʼOrques, Roqueredonde, La Trivalle, Ornac, Saint-Etienne-De-Gourgas, Joncels, Le Soulié, Cesseras.

Return to the main travel overview: Hérault.