A naturally artistic walk
10 km from Lagrasse, recognised as on of the 'Most beautiful villages in France' with its majestic abbey, the Mayronnes trail is a walk among contemporary works of art which blend beautifully with the unspoilt natural setting of the Corbières.
Here, the breath of wind and creation combine for a magical get away from it all.
"Art, like nature, must walk slowly," wrote the novelist and academic Académicien Jean Dutourd.
The Mayronnes sculpture trail is an unusual getaway, combining art and walking, on a 6 km trail that is open to all.
In Mayronnes, on this undulating trail, perfect for a poetic stroll, take the opportunity to enjoy slowing down amidst art and nature.
On this exceptional natural site, with its Mediterranean scents and light, you can discover thirty or so sculptures at the end of a gently sloping path or in the shade of a tree, as it keeps guard.
Discovering the Mayronnes trail is...
- Making the most of a site with a unique view over the wild landscapes of the Hautes-Corbières.
- Appreciating a poetic and emotional walk.
- Marvelling at the art, with sculptures worthy of a museum.
- Having fun, all along the walk, as the children get involved with the game of finding each work.
- Walking on a varied 6 km trail, which presents no major difficulties.
Petite randonnée pédestre dans un beau paysage des Corbières pour découvrir des œuvres contemporaines en plein air. Superbes points de vue. Promenade agréable avec les enfants. Bravo aux artistes !
Quote by
Cédric P.
The first Sculpture Trail was created in 1993, thanks to the Nantes sculptor, Bozo, who loved the Corbières. He showed his own sculptures in Mayronnes. With the enthusiastic response of the residents and visitors to the exhibition, he decided to make it a permanent feature.
The following year, the Hérésies association, named after the first of Bozo's sculptures to be bought by the village of Mayronnes, was created.
The residents of Mayronnes, sculptors and those from outside the area who supported the project worked together to make it happen. Since that time, each year between April and September, artists of different sensibilities and from diverse horizons are confronted with the powerful nature of the foothills of the Lacamp massif. They create original works for visitors which complement the landscape.
Practical information
Free - Open all year round - 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
The walk takes around 2.5 hours.
There is a shorter loop, which takes around 1 hour.
You can join the GR 36 for a longer hike
Sharply uphill at the beginning. Walking shoes recommended
The 'Kavale des Corbières' stages events and guided tours in English and French for groups of adults or school children. Tel.+33 (0)6 11 75 54 99
A LITTLE WORD OF ADVICE
Beware of the heat, there is very little shade, avoid the hottest part of the day and protect yourself from the sun (hat and sun cream). Take water with you (drinking water is available from a tap at the start of the trail).
During the hunting season (mid-August to mid-January), it's better to visit in the afternoon, as hunters may be on the track in the morning
How to get there
lat. 43° 3' 28" - long. 2° 31' 42"
Coming from the West: Exit 24 Carcassonne-Est, Trèbes; before you get to Trèbes follow signs for Lagrasse; the continue through Monze, Pradelles-en-Val, Serviès-en-Val, Rieux-en-Val, to reach Caunettes-en-Val.
Coming from the East: Lézignan, Lagrasse, in Lagrasse follow signs for St Pierre-des-Champs for 2 km, until a junction. Then take the D212 for 200m, and turn right onto the D41 towards Caunettes-en-Val.
Parking on site
The secret waterfall: fancy cooling down after your walk? The waterfall from the trou de la Mandré can be found as you leave the village towards Caunettes en Val.
