Hikes and outdoor activities in the Tarn

A WALK ALONG THE WATER’S EDGE

The Arifat Waterfalls: a spectacular hike in the Tarn

Set in the heart of a wooded, unspoilt environment, the Arifat Waterfalls offer one of the most beautiful nature walks in the Tarn. Here, the stream cascades down the valley in a series of steps and forms three waterfalls with a total drop of nearly 80 metres, set against a wild backdrop that is particularly pleasant on sunny days.

The discovery trail takes you around the site in about 1 hour 30 minutes. After the castle ruins, the path gradually descends towards the valley and leads to a suspension footbridge before continuing towards the waterfalls. A lovely way to discover the diversity of the Tarn’s landscapes, ranging from forests to rocks and streams.

This walk is particularly suitable for holidaymakers looking for a genuine a trip into the countryside. However, the route involves some elevation gain and certain sections may be steep: Good shoes are essential, particularly with children.

Make sure you take some water with you and take your time on the steepest sections. Swimming is not permitted on the site, but there is a picnic area where you can enjoy a pleasant end to your day out.

Plan your walk using the information from Tarn Tourism on the Arifat Waterfalls.

ON FOOT OR BY BIKE BETWEEN ALBI AND CASTRES

The Albi Greenway: Castres and the Chemin des Droits de l’Homme

Built on a former railway line, the Path of Human Rights connects Albi to Castres over a distance of approximately 44 kilometres. This greenway winds its way through the Tarn countryside, away from motor traffic, and is a brilliant way to walk, run or explore the area by bike.

Of course, you don’t have to cycle the entire route. You can choose a section suited to your ability and the time you have available, then turn back whenever you like. This makes it possible to organise anything from a short family ride to a longer cycle trip.

The route passes through a succession of rural landscapes, wooded areas and villages, between two of the department’s main towns. You can therefore combine your outing with a visit to Castres and its houses on the Agout to alternate outdoor activities and heritage during your holidays.

If you’re cycling, choose a route suitable for the children’s ages and make sure you take enough water with you in summer. This greenway is a particularly good way to experience the Tarn in a different way, at your own pace.

Find out about the route and practical information on the Albi–Castres cycle route.

A GREENWAY IN THE HEART OF THE HAUT-LANGUEDOC

Explore the Passa Païs on foot or by bike

Between Mazamet and Bédarieux, the Passa Païs runs through the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park for approximately 80 kilometres. Running largely along a former railway line, this cycle route allows you to gradually explore the landscapes of the Montagne Noire, the valleys and the villages of the Haut-Languedoc.

The gentle gradient along the entire route makes it a particularly pleasant route for cycling and family walks. Again, there’s no need to cover the full 80 kilometres: there are several access points, so you can choose a section and simply enjoy a few hours in the fresh air.

Whether on foot or by bike, the Passa Païs offers a wonderful sense of getting away from it all. The route passes through wooded areas, past old railway structures and through landscapes that are very different from those found in the countryside around the campsite.

This outing can easily round off a day spent Exploring the Sidobre and the Montagne Noire. Hiking, cycling and natural landscapes This means you can plan a day spent entirely in the great outdoors.

For a family outing, choose a short route rather than trying to cover a long distance and check your starting point before setting off.

Find out about the various ways to get there and read our advice on the Passa Païs Greenway.

A LIMESTONE LANDSCAPE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF CASTRES

Walking on the Causse de Caucalières

Between Castres and Mazamet, the Caucalières Plateau reveals a striking landscape that stands in stark contrast to the neighbouring forests and valleys. This semi-desert limestone plateau overlooks the Thoré valley in particular and is a natural area much loved for its walking and cycling.

The low-lying vegetation, limestone rocks and unobstructed views lend the site a very distinctive atmosphere. The walk offers the chance to discover another side of the Tarn and to observe a natural environment quite different from the lush green landscapes of the Sidobre or the Montagne Noire.

The area is ideal for both a leisurely stroll and a more strenuous hike. There are several paths criss-crossing the causse, allowing you to tailor your outing to your fitness level, the weather and the time you have available.

The landscape is very open and offers little shade in some sections : in summer, choose the cooler times of day, take water with you and make sure you have sun protection.

You can make the most of this excursion and then carry on to Castres or Mazamet. You can also find information on theCastres-Mazamet Tourist Office on the Causse de Caucalières.

Walking, cycling and enjoying the countryside in the Tarn

Around Le Rousieux Campsite, there are plenty of opportunities to hikes and outdoor activities in the Tarn are particularly varied. Forests, greenways, limestone plateaus, waterfalls and country lanes mean that the atmosphere can change completely from one day to the next.

Families may prefer a quiet stretch of the greenway, whilst walkers can opt for more scenic routes such as the Arifat Waterfalls. Cyclists, for their part, have several kilometres of dedicated cycle routes to choose from between Albi, Castres and the Montagne Noire.

In fact, you don’t need to set off on a strenuous hike to enjoy the area. A walk of a few kilometres, a bike ride or a break in the heart of a natural setting are enough to discover the scenery and take the time to admire the Tarn countryside.

To round off these day trips, the Sidobre and the Montagne Noire still offer plenty of woodland paths and natural sites to explore.

And on days when you’d rather stay at home, the children can still enjoy the great outdoors thanks to the pony rides and to the Entertainment and activities at Le Rousieux Campsite.

Practical tips for preparing for your hike or outdoor excursion

Adjust the distance and the elevation gain taking into account the children’s ages and the level of each participant.
Wear suitable footwear, particularly at the Arifat Waterfalls, where the terrain includes steep sections.
Always take enough water with you, even on a walk that seems short.
In summer, avoid the hottest part of the day as much as possible, especially in areas with little shade such as the Causse de Caucalières.
For greenways, decide in advance where you’ll start and how far you’d like to go before turning back.
Check the weather conditions and trail conditions before going for a walk following heavy rain or strong winds.
Please respect natural areas, stay on the paths and take your rubbish away with you.
For a day out with young children,Opt for a short distance and make sure you take plenty of breaks rather than planning an overly busy schedule.

Hikes and outdoor activities: our suggestions for things to do

For a day combining Hiking and exploring the landscapes of the Tarn, set off in the morning towards the Arifat Waterfalls. Walk along the path at your own pace, take in the views and perhaps have a picnic nearby before heading back. For a more relaxed day out with the family, choose a portion of the Path of Human Rights on foot or by bike. You can then head to Castres to explore the houses along the Agout, take a stroll through the historic centre or simply enjoy a break on a terrace.

If you’d like to spend a whole day cycling, head towards Mazamet and choose a section of the Passa Païs. You could combine this outing with a trip to explore the Montagne Noire or round off the day in the Mazamet area.

Finally, the Caucalières Plateau is a good alternative for a walk in a completely different setting, with its limestone landscapes and wide open spaces.

After a day out in the fresh air, come and enjoy the peace and quiet and the tree-lined grounds of the Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès.

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Our FAQs

Hiking in the Tarn from the campsite

Plan your outings with the answers to the most frequently asked questions about hikes in the Tarn, greenways, walks with children and nature-based activities available during your stay.

What walks are worth doing in the Tarn during the holidays?

The Arifat Waterfalls offer the chance to enjoy a proper hike in a spectacular natural setting. The Sidobre and the Montagne Noire also offer numerous forest trails, whilst the Causse de Caucalières allows you to explore a much more open limestone landscape.

Where can you go cycling with the family in the Tarn?

The Albi–Castres cycle route and the Passa Païs are particularly good for a cycle ride. You can choose to cycle just a short section of these routes to tailor the distance to the children’s ages and the family’s fitness level.

Is the Arifat Waterfalls walk suitable for children?

It is suitable for families with children who are used to walking, but the trail involves some elevation changes and steep sections. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear, bring water and allow plenty of time to walk at a leisurely pace. With very young children, the full route may be more challenging.

Should we walk the entire length of the Passa Païs or the whole of the Albi–Castres cycle route?

No. That’s precisely one of the advantages of these greenways. You can choose a starting point, cycle a few kilometres and then turn back. This means you can plan anything from a short ride to a full day’s cycling.

Can you take part in outdoor activities right at Camping Le Rousieux?

Yes. Without even leaving the campsite, holidaymakers can already enjoy lush green surroundings and a range of outdoor activities. Children can, for example, take part in pony rides, whilst a range of activities and facilities allow guests to make the most of the outdoors during their stay.