THE MINERVOIS BY MONTS AND BY VAUX

From Roubia, cross the bridge over the canal and join Paraza by following the meanders of the Canal du Midi. Arrived at Paraza, cross the bridge and enter the heart of the village. The Château de Paraza welcomes you for a tasting break. Then take the road towards Pouzols-Minervois (D167). Climb gently between the vines. At the intersection, turn left in the direction of Roubia. At the bend of a bend opens a wide panorama overlooking the Canal du Midi and covering the plain to the Corbières and Alaric mountains. Go back down to the village. In Roubia, turn right onto rue du 19 mars. Follow the direction "Argens, Olonzac". A little before leaving Roubia, take Chemin des Matelles on your right. This small road which winds between vineyards and pines leads you to Château Tourril. After having climbed the hill, you plunge towards Olonzac and the Minervoise plain with the black mountain as a backdrop. Arrived at the intersection, cross carefully the D11 and continue straight towards Olonzac. In Olonzac, head to the left to reach Homps where you can stop in the shade of the pines of Lac de Jouarres. Then reach the edges of the canal and the port of Homps. Here, the Chai Port Minervois welcomes you to make you discover the different vintages of Minervois. Then head towards the exit of the village by taking the avenue du Languedoc. Carefully cross the D610 and take the small road in the middle of the vines in front of you. Continue straight on then turn left (mountain bike markings) to avoid the busy road. When you get to the road (D611), turn right and just after the bridge crossing the Aude, turn right towards Tourouzelle. Cross the village and continue in the direction of Castelnau-d'Aude, following the apple tree route, the spring bloom of which will enchant you. Then join Escales where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque church of Saint-Martin. From the church, go out of the village by following the sign "Tourouzelle". On leaving the village, you will find an intersection where a second sign indicates "Tourouzelle". Here, take the road lined with plane trees on your right. Pass in front of La Bastide enjoying the shade of the pines. Go straight. Pass in front of the Sérame estate. Cross the road (D611) then cross the bridge over the Aude to reach Argens at the edge of the Canal du Midi. Here you can discover the wines of Domaine des Maëls and taste an Assiette de Pays at the Guinguette. Cross the bridge over the canal and turn right towards Roubia. You can end your walk with an olive oil tasting at the Moulin de la Restanque or Minervois at Château Pique-Perlou. These estates, cellars and shops labeled Pays Cathare and Qualité Sud France welcome you by reservation. During the tastings (free or paying), spittoons are at your disposal to be able to get back in the saddle without danger! Possibility of delivery. Roubia: Château Pique Perlou 04 68 43 22 46 Château Tourril 04 68 91 36 89 Le Moulin de la Restanque 06 75 18 31 61 Paraza: Château de Paraza 06 17 87 51 46 Homps: Le Chai Port Minervois 04 68 91 70 90 Argens: Domaine Les Maels 04 68 27 52 29 Where to eat?