The “Les Touats” discovery trail brings Cournonterral’s landscape to life: the hike passes through Mediterranean garrigue to the edge of a meander in the Coulazou, with views of the Puits de l’Aven. Together with the river, historic sites and carnival tradition, Cournonterral offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay.

Discover the Garrigue and the Coulazou

Cournonterral lies between vineyards and garrigue. The Coulazou runs through the town and is 28.8 kilometres long. In the riverbed, upstream from the village, lies L’Arche de Noé: a large geological fold of Jurassic limestone that spans the entire width of the riverbed. The formation is accessible on foot; conditions may change after weather events. Check conditions before visiting.

The “Les Touats” discovery trail starts at the Vigne du Parc, behind the town walls. The hike through the garrigue leads to the edge of a meander in the Coulazou, where there are views of the Puits de l’Aven. After crossing the viaduct, the route returns to the cars via Rue Bastide de l’Oulieu. For practical planning, check trail conditions locally.

Another way to get outdoors is the permanent orienteering course at the Vigne du Parc on the Coulazou, below the medieval town walls. The course covers 6.5 hectares across the Vigne du Parc and the La Grave area on the other side of the Coulazou. Four different courses can be completed independently and help develop map-reading skills. You can choose between a hike through the garrigue and an independent map-reading and orienteering activity.

Historic Sites and Local Culture

The Chapelle des Pénitents originally housed a lay brotherhood of White Penitents and was inaugurated on 14 January 1995. Cultural activities associated with the chapel included talks, concerts and exhibitions. The Viaduc de l’Intérêt Local is also part of the town’s history: it dates from 1870. A brochure created by the municipality of Cournonterral and local associations guides visitors to 15 historic sites in Cournonterral.

Carnival and the Pailhasses

Cournonterral’s carnival begins on Epiphany Sunday and ends on Ash Wednesday evening with the burning of the pépettes. The Pailhasses are an old folk tradition from Cournonterral and take place on Ash Wednesday: the Pailhasses, representing Cournonterral, chase the Blancs, representing Aumelas, and roll them in grape pomace. Participation and safety rules are set out separately. If you are considering taking part, find out about them in advance. Since the dates follow the liturgical calendar, check the dates for your intended travel year.

The Marché des Pailhasses is also part of the carnival celebrations. It takes place on the village square on the Saturday morning before Mardi Gras. Cartagène, a sweet white wine, is considered an essential drink at Cournonterral’s carnival. Another local tradition is the Danse du Chevalet, a folk dance performed by five dancers.

Discover more destinations: Montarnaud, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, Montferrier-Sur-Lez, Vacquières, Soumont, Mauguio, Gignac, Beaulieu.

For the broader travel overview: Hérault.