DEPARTMENTAL DOMAIN OF ALBINA

The Albine springs from the peat bog in the south of the massif, crossing the meadows of the estate bearing its name, and then flows into the Orb. As you walk around the site, you will walk along surprisingly flat surfaces framed by dry stone walls (granite, gneiss and schist). These terraces date from the 19th century. They bear witness to the important activity of the peasants who constantly reshaped the slopes to retain the soil and develop crops. Even today, magnificent meadows are adorned in spring with a thousand colours contrasting with the uniformly green forest environment! A paved road, called "calade", goes around the site. It leads to an old spring that is still well fed. It fills a basin protected by a dry stone vault. In the past, the water was projected onto the crops with wooden shovels ("azagadouïres"). These have now been replaced by a more modern watering system.

How do I get there? 300 m after Colombières-sur-Orb in the direction of Olargues on the RD 908, turn left at the sign indicating aire d'Albine. Follow the tarmac road and cross the abandoned railway line. Turn right onto a dirt track. After 300 m, turn right to enter the car park.