Lac des Cammazes Loop

The Tour of Lac des Cammazes loop is approximately 17.2 km long and generally takes around 4 hours and 36 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate for continuous hiking and may vary based on your pace and stops.

This trail is rated as moderate. While much of the path follows well-maintained forest tracks, some sections involve varied terrain and moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Some variations, especially those including the Vauban archway, can extend the length and challenge.

The loop officially starts from Les Cammazes. You'll find parking options within the village, making it convenient to access the trailhead. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier on busy days might be beneficial for parking.

The terrain is quite varied, featuring forest tracks, wide paths, and some unpaved sections. You'll encounter gravel, flat stones, natural dirt paths, and even some asphalt. The path is generally well-maintained, offering a comfortable hiking experience through diverse landscapes.

The route offers beautiful views of Lake Cammazes and its dam. You'll also encounter historical elements like the Rigole of the Montagne Noire, a historic canal system, and the impressive Vauban Vault, a 122-meter tunnel you can walk through. Don't miss the Cammazes Dam, which provides expansive views.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but many hikers particularly recommend autumn for the magnificent colors of the changing foliage in the dense beech and oak forests. During warmer months, the extensive tree cover provides welcome shade. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially given the popularity of the route and the presence of wildlife in the Parc naturel régional du Haut Languedoc.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to hike this trail within the Parc naturel régional du Haut Languedoc. The park aims to provide open access to its natural beauty. However, always respect local regulations and leave no trace.

Given the moderate length and varied terrain, we recommend bringing plenty of water, especially during warmer seasons. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must. Sunscreen is advisable, even with shaded sections. Depending on the season, layers of clothing are always a good idea.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers significant sections of the "Mazamet - Revel" trail and the "rigole de la montagne noire" trail. You'll also find smaller portions overlapping with "Le sentier du bassin du Lampy" and "Chemin dit des Pécheurs".

Absolutely! The trail offers superb views of Lake Cammazes throughout. The crossing of the Cammazes Dam, which stands sixty meters above the Sor river, provides particularly expansive and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.