Sentier Randonnée du Patrimoine 13km / 3h30

Aiguefond is one of the many pretty piedmont Tarn villages tucked into the foothills of the Montagne Noire. Its name is Occitan and comes from the words “aigue” (water) and “fonde” (bottom or bed,) and indicates the presence of springs and underground rivers. The thickness of the layers of chalk sediment through which the water trickles in the entrance to the grotto or cave is proof of this. The cool waters of the Coubas, a charming stream, run down from the mountain heights. The walk continues through a bucolic countryside of meadows and handsome oak hedges. It is an initiation to the rural heritage of discrete and harmonious constructions such as “pesquiers” and “béals” (reservoirs and ditches for irrigation puposes) which were used to encourage the growth of grass (and hay.) Similarly handsome hedges of oak and alder provided shade for the cattle to rest in, to shelter from rain, or simply to scratch.