The whole of the Aude is criss-crossed with walking routes, local pathways and Grande Randonnée routes. There is a wide range of beautiful walks through the vineyards, hills, along the lake shores and past castles and windmills. The great thing is that most walks follow way marked paths, so they are easy to follow and there is only a small chance of getting lost. Good maps and descriptive booklets can be bought from local supermarkets, book shops and sports shops.

There are three way marked local walks that you can join directly from the gate of Domaine des Etoiles. A firm favorite with guests is a walk from Domaine des Etoiles to the restaurant at Domaine Gayda and back via the shop at Cave de Razes, the local wine cooperative. This one isn't marked but it is very simple to find the way.

Wander or ride through the hills and vineyards of the Cotes de Malepère on the "Great Wine Loop" country trail, discover fabulous view points and see the different grape varieties.

The routes are taken from Map Série Bleue : 2246 E Topo Guide : L'Aude Pays Cathare à pied. Maps available at Domaine des Etoiles

The Three Lords' wine trail
This is not strenuous walk but quite long, takes about 3 hours.

From Domaine des Etoiles take the road to Alaigne the D702 and at the oak tree take the marked path on the left and follow the lane towards Alaigne.
At the intersection take the right fork. From here the track is not marked. After the water works turn left and follow the lane towards Alaigne. When you meet the tarmac take the road on the right up into the village.
Take the D52 for Bellegarde, then the very first lane on your right, the lane veers hard left. The route descends down through the middle of the vines. This part of the walk is not marked. After the little bridge take the route to the right, at the next junction follow the higher lane which eventually becomes grassy and will take you to the top of the hill.
After the top of the hill go along the edge of the cultivated field, here the path becomes clearer, follow this path until you hit the main lane bordered by oak trees. Turn right and go down the track until the farm Turonis from where the walk is marked Domaine de Turonis The tracks veers to the left behind the farm and turn left onto the tarmac road for 150 m and then take the lane on the left via the little wood.
At the crossroad turn right and follow the D102 towards Belvèze.
Just before the bridge take the road on the right and then the second to the right towards "Résidence Combe-Sourde" and follow the lane marked on the left. Descend a few yards then leave the lane and take the track on the right along the edge of the vineyard.
Near the beginning of the track if you turn round you'll see the ruins of an old windmill. Right by the big oak tree, take the narrow grassy track and continue until you reach the road to Routier.
When you get to this road, turn right towards the village, you can continue to the village or take a short cut via the first dirt track on the right on the bend.

Pic des 3 Seigneurs
1 ½ hours

Arguably the best walk of the three with panoramic views of the "Trois Seigneurs", the highest mountains in the Pyrénées. The Departure point for this walk is Porte de Pépy - Alaigne Take the street which goes up behind the church then take the first road on the left, rue de la Chapelle. Go straight ahead to the cemetery.
Follow the lane on the left of the cemetery. Follow the lane until you come to a small wood and follow the path up into the wood. Continue until the top the hill.
Take a sharp right, go under the electric fence and follow the little track which goes up the hill through the broom bushes.

Chemin des Crêtes
1 hour

Very good and easy walk with panoramic views of the Corbières. The departure point for this walk is Porte de Pépy - Alaigne

Take the road to Villelongue from the front of the Porte de Pépy
After the avenue of trees take the track on the left. Follow this track until you reach the top of the hill from where you will have a panoramic view of the Bugarach and the Pyrénées.
Descend the track, keep to the left on the track and then cross the D702.
At the next intersection you have a choice :
# You can either turn left and go back to Alaigne
# Or go straight on towards Routier - which takes another hour.
If you go back to Alaigne, take the left turn at the water works and follow the lane back to the village.
If you go via Routier, follow the dirt track until the D102 where you turn left towards Alaigne.
Climb up into the village keeping the shop on your right, you'll pass the ruins of the windmill.

If you would like to go a little further a field here are some suggestions.

Bassin St. Ferréol (Lakeside stroll)
Start from the Barrage (dam) and walk right around the Lake. Mostly flat but wear good boots because it is quite rocky in places. See some stunning scenery and there is a nice café at the end of the walk (90 minutes). Extend your walk by visiting the gardens below the dam.

Montsegur (Short but very steep walk)
The most famous of the Cathar castles, Montsegur was the last stronghold of the Cathars during their final persecution, falling in March 1244. The walk begins at the car park at the foot of the rock outcrop on which the castle sits. The climb takes you up to the chateau itself at a height of 1250 m, and is quite steep in places taking 30-90 minutes. The reward at the top is the ruin of the chateaux and the superb views in all directions. Not recommended if wet. Don't forget to take a flower to put on the Cathar memorial.

Lac de Montbel (Longer, flat lakeside walk)
This walk takes you on a full circuit of Lac de Montbel, a total of 15 km taking about 4 hours. As you would expect, the walk is level all the way round, and crosses the dam at the north end of the lake as well as a number of smaller breakwaters across the many tributaries. The lake is surrounded by pine and deciduous woodland, and by the many good fishing places there are cafes serving drinks and refreshments. The walk also takes in the leisure beach and small marina on the lake, so there is the possibility for active members of the group to do the tour while others stay on the beach.

Forest of Belesta (Longer, more energetic walk)
Starting at the Fontestorbes intermittent spring near the village of Belesta. It is a forest walk. The walk is 15 km (just over 9 miles) but will take experienced walkers at least 5 hours as the high point is 500 m above the start. The walk takes in some charming hamlets, fantastic views, and even the possibility of visiting a private cave if booked in advance. There are also options for short cutting the route using marked roads.<