The thermal park, Chapelle Saint-Roch, a loop trail to an olive grove and bird-of-prey watching at the Observatoire des Vautours give Ginoles several different attractions for a stay. You can decide whether you would rather spend your time exploring architectural history, going for a hike or observing nature.
Thermal Park and Historical Traces
The parc thermal de Ginoles-les-Bains is laid out with trees, walking paths, pools and water channels. It is privately owned, so check in advance whether a visit is possible. Historically, the pool collected water from the Pascal and Sainte Eulalie springs. According to Octavie Lassave’s memoirs, the plane-tree avenue dates back to 1804.
Chapelle Saint-Roch
Chapelle Saint-Roch can also be understood through its architectural form: it is made of stone and lime and has an elongated floor plan. At five metres wide and 25 metres long, it is five times as long as it is wide. It was probably built by Martin between 1868 and 1871. Access to the chapel is currently prohibited for safety reasons. Check local conditions before visiting.
These historical traces offer different perspectives: the plane-tree avenue points to the design of the park, while the materials, proportions and probable construction period define the chapel as a building. The dates refer to separate features: according to the memoirs, 1804 applies to the avenue; 1868 to 1871 is the probable period when the chapel was built.
Trails and Different Routes
The Sentier de Capio loop leads to an olive grove in Ginoles. Another option is La Mousquière: the route is very difficult, 14 kilometres long, includes 900 metres of elevation gain and takes approximately five hours on foot. It starts at the upper edge of Ginoles. At Pech Tignous, an orientation board explains the panorama along the route. At the Sentier des Oliviers, a bridge with a remarkable slate-slab surface is a reminder of Ginoles’ rich past.
Each route offers different features to consider: Capio is a loop trail with an olive grove as its destination; La Mousquière is described in terms of its difficulty, length, elevation gain and walking time. If you are planning your time, the approximately five hours for La Mousquière provide a concrete guide. The loop, by contrast, can be described by its shape and destination.
Bird-of-Prey Watching
The Observatoire des Vautours de Ginoles is located at the foot of the cliffs of the cirque de Quillan. Information boards and a telescope are provided for observing birds of prey and their habitat; picnic tables are also available. The boards also cover the animals’ habitat, while the telescope is intended for observing the birds.
If you are considering Ginoles as an overnight destination, take the visiting conditions and the time required for activities into account when planning your day: access to the chapel is currently prohibited, you should check in advance whether it is possible to visit the privately owned thermal park, and La Mousquière takes up a dedicated block of time with its approximate walking time. This will help you choose a hotel to suit your planned activities.
Discover more destinations: Montlaur, Plaigne, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Saint-Marcel-Sur-Aude, Lézignan-Corbières, Camps-sur-l'Agly, Saint-Denis, Gourvieille.
For the regional travel overview: Aude.
