The most beautiful natural sites to discover Midi-Pyrénées

The highest point of the Margeride at an altitude of 1,552 m, it can be reached via the Col du Cheval mort. On site, the former World War II bunkers border the imposing granite chaos and the telecommunications tower. We will climb up to the orientation table to admire a stunning panoramic view and a pretty view of Lake Charpal, not far from there (also worth visiting, it is within walking distance from Fortunio). The steppe landscape reflects the climate of Margeride, and it would be a good idea to provide the little wool and especially the windbreak, in all seasons!

This millennial tree is a true natural monument, witness to the rigorous local climate.

On the D 986, after Valleraugue towards Esperou, is the water body of the Mourétou. A large shady terrain welcomes you for a stopover in nature. A barbecue is available to visitors who, in the beautiful days, would like to picnic on the edge of the river. Wooden games are set up to entertain children. You can play ball, snowshoes, ping-pong or try fishing. In summer, the water body is filled with swimmers looking for freshness! The smaller ones can quietly walk upstream without losing foot. A bathing supervisor present every afternoon guarantees safety. Information for fishing: Café Le Jardin à Valleraugue, tel. 04 67 82 23 34 - and tobacco-press Le Quai à Valleraugue, tel. 04 67 82 20 28

Located after the mining pass in the mountain of Linguas, south of the Massif de l'Aigoual, Lake Des is a suitable place for fishing activities (however regulated) and hiking. Take a IGN map of Mont-Aigoual, you never know, it is better to be able to locate if you go hiking!

The origin of the name of this rocky rock was that it was through this natural passage that we could descend from the Larzac by taking a route cut in the rock. Culminating at 616 meters above sea level, the Pas de l 'Escalette has long been a simple mule road. Although it has a breathtaking view of the Lergue waterfalls, the proximity to the A 75 motorway removes a little charm from the place.

This circuit is intended for vttists already having a solid experience in this sport. Spread over 33 kilometers, it has a 600 meter gradient. In fact, it even presents two routes, both are originally from Saint-Victor-la-Coste, but the first passes through the communes of Nîmes, Remoulins and Pouzilhac, and the second by those of Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon and Saint-Laurent-des-Arbre. For seasoned cyclists!

From the Aramon gendarmerie, this beautiful mountain bike journey between guts and pine forests. With a 550-meter and 28-kilometer length, it can be suitable for seasoned athletes but also for those who are only more casual. However, it is not recommended by strong chalks, because much of it is not shaded and, let us not forget, summers are among the warmest in France.

The Plage des Trois Digues is undoubtedly the most sportive beach on the coast: kite-surfing, SUP surfing, bodyboarding, there are something for all tastes and age groups.

Discovered in 1922, the cave of the Pech-Merle is one of the dozens of outdoor and indoor caves that extend over a dozen kilometers on the commune of Cabrerets. It is the only open public. It combines exceptional geological formations and well-preserved prehistoric works. His engravings and paintings offer a real insight into the life of men 20,000 years ago. The cave is visited freely or with a guide, and offers exhibitions and documentary film to better understand the history of the site. Attention, in July and August it is best to book in advance because the number of seats is limited.

Tariff: 13 €, 8 € for children.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: easy.

Municipal authorization of June 14, 1996. Different naturist residences: Aphrodite, Oasis, Ulysses, Eden and GCU camping. Swimming supervised from June to September.

Very popular with naturists, even and especially out of season, this beach, which must be about 2 km long, is almost exclusively frequented by the owners and tenants of the local naturist residences.

Municipal authorization of December 11, 1974. Naturism is practiced on three kilometers of beach, at the height of the Fleury cabins - although it is officially authorized only 500 meters. This beach was run by the nearby naturist center «La Grande Cosse».

Land managed by the Naturist Club in Albigeois. Number of locations: 6. Equipment: Pool, Collective Home, Barbecue, Playground, Health, Badminton, Library, etc.

Municipal Authority of August 24, 1993. A naturist zone translated by blue flags.

Located in Vallespir, 650 m above sea level, this small family campsite, created in 1973, was the first registered naturist camping in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It has remained in the right line of its creators, and since 2002, it is Yannique and Yves Martinez who welcome you and do their best to make you live a real moment of naturist holidays. Number of locations: 63. Equipment: 42 ha, swimming pool, 2 sanitary blocks with hot water, playground for children, sports field, health course, access to torrent with naturist swimming.

Discovered in 1886 during construction work on the railway, the Devèze cave is nicknamed the "Palais de la fileuse de verre" for the remarkable finesse of its concretions: "Aragonite flowers", a large petrified waterfall, impressive and imposing stalagmite, then an "altar" and its bright white candle, stalactites real mineral sculptures (rings, sickle, butterfly ...) and astonishing draperies tinted white to dark ochre.

An ocean of greenery near the granitic plateau of Sidobre, the Montagnol forest is home to a rich procession of flora and fauna. This natural heritage was for a long time the witness and setting for the influences and quarrels of yesteryear. If today it is synonymous with tranquility and rest, for many years it has looked back on the wars of religion that shook this millenary land and spilled the blood of its people. Today it is discovered, offered to visitors for strolls and educational panels reinforce the discovery aspect of its walks.

Looking for a magnificent view of the Savès region? Take a walk around Sauveterre, at an altitude of 280m, and climb the hill to admire the incredible panorama of the Pyrenees on a clear day, from Mont Canigou to Pic d'Anie. A pretty ceramic orientation table with compass rose is set up here, pointing out the surrounding peaks and villages. Benches and picnic tables are available for a short break.

Domaine de la Plaine, located in Vic-la-Gardiole, is a winery specializing in the production of Muscat de Frontignan wines. This family-run operation offers a range of original cuvées, all made from the "muscat blanc à petits grains" grape variety. The estate's winemakers apply all their know-how to this unique grape variety, renowned for its exceptional aromatic diversity. Visitors can learn all about the vineyard, from pruning to harvesting, as well as cultivation and winemaking techniques. A tasting and sales area is also available. In summer, the estate organizes events such as open-air cinema screenings and gourmet walks. The Muscat Festival in Frontignan is also a not-to-be-missed event. In winter, visitors can take part in pruning initiations and taste new vintages. The estate also offers an online boutique for the purchase of its products.