Mons: Valleys, hiking trails and local history

When planning a stay in Mons, it is worth considering the landscape and activities together. Mons-la-Trivalle lies where the Héric, Jaur and Orb valleys meet. The Caroux is made up of mica-rich gneiss and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. This gives you several options for your trip: trails through the mountain landscape, the former railway line of the Passa Païs Greenway, activities on the Orb, and insights into local history and regional produce. The routes described vary in length, duration and course.

On foot, by bike or on horseback

The Passa Païs Greenway follows a former railway line for almost 80 kilometres between Mazamet and Bédarieux. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, and passes through the centre of Mons-la-Trivalle. There you will find water points, toilets, a grocery shop and places to eat. As individual services may change, check what is available before your visit. An educational trail with information panels in the Gorges d’Héric also provides information about the area’s flora, fauna, history and geology.

For hikes with a stated duration, you can compare two moderately difficult circular routes: the Gorges d’Héric route is 10 kilometres long, takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, and starts and ends in Mons. Les Balcons du Caroux covers 9.2 kilometres and is listed as taking two hours; it also involves 580 metres of ascent and descent. The time required therefore differs considerably, even though the routes are similar in length. Les Balcons leads to the Passerelle des Soupirs at the entrance to the Gorges d’Héric, which are classified as a natural area, and then onto the Sentier des Gardes. Check route information and trail conditions before setting out.

Other trails reveal different landscapes. The Les Terrasses Mons-la-Trivalle route runs at the foot of the Caroux massif along paved paths on an old drovers’ route, lined with dry-stone walls and once used by herds. The route offers wide views over the Jaur and Orb valleys. La Verticale du Caroux starts at the Mons-la-Trivalle Tourist Office and offers a viewpoint overlooking the Orb valley and the Montagne Noire. Route 5 – Les Gorges d’Héric follows the Sentier des Gardes to the Gorges d’Héric and onto the Caroux plateau.

Climbing and activities on the Orb

If you are interested in climbing, Beylot-Ferran is the first climbing sector on the left bank of the Gorges d’Héric. It has 20 routes graded from 5a to 7a; the routes may change as the sector develops. Canoe Tarassac in Mons-la-Trivalle offers canoeing and kayaking on eight routes ranging from 5 to 36 kilometres. Outside the season, rafting is also available there on the Orb. Check the current offerings before booking.

Village character, history and harvest season

The old village of Mons-la-Trivalle has stone houses. A bread oven in Mons-la-Trivalle was renovated in the 1980s. Both add a glimpse of the village’s built history to the experiences of its trails and natural surroundings. Cherries from the Jaur valley are also part of the region’s character: they are grown especially around Mons-la-Trivalle and harvested from mid-May to July. The harvest period can vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around it, take these fluctuations into account.

Discover more destinations: Joncels, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, La Salvetat-Sur-Agout, Gabian, Canet, Le Bosc, La Boissiere, Vailhan

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