The Passerelle de Mazamet crosses the Arnette gorges on a 140-metre-long footbridge, 70 metres above the ground. It is a striking starting point for a trip that can focus on trails, industrial heritage or medieval history.
The footbridge and trails for different time budgets
The footbridge is open to pedestrians year-round and admission is free. Conditions may change, so check them before your visit. Two marked trails lead to the footbridge from the starting point at 95 rue de la Resse.
The Chemin des fontaines passes through Hautpoul and covers four kilometres, taking about an hour. Longer routes offer different timeframes: the Sentier de l’Arnette industrielle runs for seven kilometres along the banks of the Arnette and takes about three hours and 30 minutes. The Chemin des passes is an eleven-kilometre circular route with a stated duration of three hours and 30 minutes. This gives you a choice of one shorter walk and two routes with longer stated durations; the duration for the Sentier de l’Arnette industrielle is explicitly approximate.
The industrial trail connects the route with Mazamet’s history: 16 information panels explain the history of delainage and tanning, which made Mazamet and its valley known internationally. So this is not just a walk along the banks of the Arnette, but also a chance to explore the region’s industrial past.
Hautpoul, museums and religious history
The Chemin des fontaines passes through Hautpoul, a medieval hilltop village and one of the few surviving traces of the Cathar era in the Tarn department. This gives the roughly one-hour walk a historical dimension that differs from the industrial history of the Arnette trail.
The Musée du Catharisme uses audio guides, touchscreen tablets, videos and models. The Maison du Bois et du Jouet displays more than 1,500 wooden games and toys from France and around the world; it also has an arboretum. The two venues offer different themes for a culture-focused stay: Catharism at one, wooden games and toys at the other.
Saint-Sauveur was Mazamet’s first parish church and was used at least until the 16th century; its ruins remain. On 7 March 2022, the Saint-Sauveur parish church was listed in its entirety by decree. Its long period of use and its later listing are two distinct milestones in its history.
Views, pilgrimage route and other activities
About ten terraces, viewpoints or pavilions in Parc Saint-Sauveur or along the Sentier Ferdinand Cormouls offer views of the Arnette Valley and Mazamet. The Via d’Arles passes through Mazamet and takes pilgrims towards Santiago de Compostela. Most of the trails described are suitable for mountain biking.
Another activity is the Via Ferrata de Mazamet. It runs through the Arnette Valley, with ziplines beneath the footbridge, and includes four ziplines. So, in addition to hiking trails, visitors can consider a different type of activity and other places to enjoy the views.
At Lac des Montagnès
The Base de Loisirs du Lac des Montagnès welcomes visitors year-round for walks or a meal. Supervised swimming is available in July and August; check in advance whether this seasonal activity will be running when you visit. A 2.7-kilometre circular route around Lac des Montagnès serves as both a fitness trail and a botanical learning trail. Walking, swimming and the circular route are distinct ways to spend time there.
Getting there
Mazamet is accessible by train. When planning your trip, you can prioritise the trails, cultural attractions and seasonal activities according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Cambounès, Saint-Amans-Soult, Milhavet, Massaguel, Busque, Lavaur, Le Travet, Prades.
Return to the regional travel overview: Tarn.
