PECH LAURIER in ARGENS-MINERVOIS - Corbières Minervois Tourism

Distance: 4,8 km

Duration (average) : 01:30

Level: Medium

Elevation: 88 D +

6 reviews

Departure: ARGENS-MINERVOIS

boucle

Yellow PR

At the water's edge

In the city, the village

This walk along the water runs along the Canal du Midi and passes in front of the Pech Laurier lock. The path then climbs the Pech Laurier, offering a panoramic view of Lac des Aiguilles, the Canal du Midi and the village. It then descends towards Lac des Aiguilles where many birds nest (think of binoculars!) before reaching the village of Argens. Picnic tables allow you to take a pleasant break by the lake.

Walking

Your itinerary

ARGENS-MINERVOIS

IGN map reference (s): IGN 2445 East

Getting to the starting point

Step 1

From the town hall square, go down towards the cemetery by the rue de la Fontaine Fraîche where you can discover the remains of an old Romanesque church. Turn right along the canal towards Les Garriguettes. You will appreciate the view of the castle prior to the XNUMXth century, which, until the Crusade Against the Albigenses, belonged to the archbishops of Narbonne.

Step 2

After admiring the Pech Laurier lock, join a path that will take you to the foot of the Pech Laurier. Go up the ridge. Here, the panorama is unique: the view is breathtaking over the Canal, the Lac des Aiguilles and the village, all of which constitutes a protected site. The village takes its name from a sandstone slide on masses of marl and clay. The path continues cresting in the pine forest, along junipers, oaks, pines. You will be able to see at the edge of the way a capitelle entirely restored in dry stone.

Step 3

Then join the Bassanel path below. You access a landscape of "badlands", clay soil dissected by torrential runoff.

Step 4

Then descend to the edge of Lac des Aiguilles and take a path to the right which allows you to follow it for a few hundred meters. There grows halophilic vegetation (living plants on salty soil) because the lake was once a pond.

Step 5

Then take the tarred path to the left which leads to the village of Argens via the rue de la Tuilerie and the rue de l'Ancienne Forge.

Be careful, the fire risk is often high, especially in summer, and can lead to flower bed closures. Find out before you go consulting the fire risk map for outdoor activities.
Fires strictly prohibited. Do not smoke and never throw cigarette butts in nature. Fires are numerous and catastrophic in our region. In the event of a fire or accident: give alert 18 or 112 from a cell phone.
Protect yourself from the sun and take enough water with you.
Avoid picking flowers and plants. Take all your trash. Close fences and keep dogs on a leash in pasture areas, villages and protected areas.

Mountain bike routes: the routes are often shared with hikers or other users (cars, tractors, etc.). Be careful and always anticipate that a pedestrian may be present around a bend to have time to brake if necessary. Pedestrians have priority in principle, slow down at crossings or stop if the configuration of the terrain requires you to do so.
Thank you and happy hiking!

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Reviews

Adam W. The April 17 2025

My family and I really enjoyed this walk around Argens-Minervois. Lovely start along the canal and then up for amazing views. Really well signed and my family loved it.

Corbières Minervois tourism The April 25 2025

Hello Adam, Thank you for sharing your lovely feedback about the Argens-Minervois walk. We're delighted that you and your family enjoyed the mix of canal-side scenery and hilltop views, and it's great to hear the signposting helped you follow the route with ease. Our maintenance team regularly checks the way-marks and path conditions, so your positive remarks are encouraging. If you return to the area, feel free to explore our other walks—each offers a different perspective on the Minervois landscape. We hope to welcome you back on the trails soon! Corbières Minervois tourism team

Monteiro Christopher December 25, 2024.

I love Argens Minervois!

Corbières Minervois Tourist Office December 26, 2024.

Hello Christophe! Thank you for your enthusiasm! See you soon in Corbières Minervois The tourist office team

Grasset November 26, 2024

Very nice hike, magnificent view. The trail is very well marked and maintained.

The tourist office team November 29, 2024

Hello, We are delighted that you enjoyed the Pech Laurier hike! The view is indeed one of the most beautiful in our destination. If you liked this route, we also recommend the hike "LE PAYS DE MABILE" in Montséret, it is a little longer but it offers an incredible 360° panorama. We hope to see you again soon on our trails! The tourist office team

monique ferrier March 1th, 2024

very nice hike very entertaining

denis beatrice The 21 July 2021

very pleasant trail, well maintained, well marked and the cicadas as an accompaniment to pure happiness thank you for being there to maintain it

chris tary The 21 July 2021

Great walk - full of interesting varied scenery. Some wonderful views and easy terrain.